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Your Local Guide to Killington, VT
Welcome to Vermont! You’re perfectly positioned between Killington Resort, Pico Mountain, and the best food, hikes, and scenic drives in central Vermont. Whether you’re here to ski, hike, or unplug, here’s how to make the most of your stay.
Plan Your Activities
ADVENTURE
Zip Lining
Horseback Riding
Mountain Biking
Sport Fishing
Kayaking
YOGA
Private Classes
Tree Yoga Resort
Spa and Pools
Medication Workshop
Mindful Movement Studio
BOATING
Boat & Brew
Brunch Cruise
Private Sailing
Whale Watching
Honeymoon Specials
Skiing & Riding ⛷️ 🏂
Killington Resort (5-7 minutes)
The largest ski area in the East with terrain for all abilities, excellent snowmaking, and vibrant après-ski options.
Pico Mountain (5 minutes)
Smaller, quieter, and ideal for families or relaxed ski days. A local favorite.
Okemo Mountain Resort (30 minutes)
Immaculately groomed trails and a great layout for beginners and intermediates. Excellent ski school and family infrastructure.
Sugarbush Resort (1 hour)
Two connected mountains with classic Vermont character. A favorite for advanced skiers, tree skiing, and a less commercial feel.
🎿 Ski Rentals: Onsite vs. Offsite
Renting offsite can save you money, but it depends on how much convenience matters. Renting at the resort is easier if you need adjustments or swaps, while offsite shops often have better pricing and selection.
Good Offsite Rental Shops in Killington:
• Peak Performance Ski Shop – High-end gear and excellent service.
• Base Camp Outfitters – Affordable rentals and close to Pico.
• Aspen East Ski Shop – Another solid choice with rentals and retail.
If you’re skiing multiple days, offsite rentals might be worth it. If it’s a short trip, renting at the resort could be more convenient.
Non-Ski Day Activities near Killington
• Killington Tubing Park (https://www.killington.com/tickets-passes/activities-tickets/tubing-park-tickets/)– Fun for all ages with multiple tubing lanes.
• Sleigh Rides, XC Skiing, Snowshoeing, Ice Skating, and Sledding at Mountain Top Resort (https://www.mountaintopinn.com/things-to-do-in-chittenden)
• Explore Woodstock (30 min drive) – A charming town with shops, covered bridges, and great local cafés.
🥾 Top Hikes
Thundering Brook Falls (5-minute drive)
An easy, scenic trail that’s perfect for young kids and a great introduction to Killington’s natural beauty. The hike is short (about 0.3 miles) and typically less muddy than other nearby trails. It’s also accessible for those with mobility considerations.
This trail connects to the Appalachian Trail, so you can extend your hike and even walk back to the Yay Frame if you’re up for a longer outing (~1–1.5 hours).
Deer Leap Overlook (5-minute drive)
One of the best views in the area. This ~2-mile, 1-hour hike begins at the Sherburne Pass Trailhead off Route 4, next to the Inn at Long Trail, just down the road from the Yay Frame. The overlook offers sweeping views of Killington and Pico Mountains.
Kent Pond (10-minute walk / 2-minute drive)
Walkable from the Yay Frame, Kent Pond is a peaceful spot for fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding. You can rent kayaks and paddleboards from Kayak King, who will deliver your rentals directly to the pond.
🎢 Family-Friendly & Outdoor Fun
Killington Adventure Center (Snowshed) (10-minute drive)
Features a mountain coaster, zip lines, ropes course, maze, and trampolines. Great for all ages, with both day passes and individual tickets available.
🚠 Killington Peak via Gondola (K-1 Base Area) (15-minute drive)
Enjoy the views without the full climb. Take the gondola to the summit of Killington Peak, where you’ll find short scenic trails and Peak Lodge, offering pub food, a full bar, and incredible views.
Note: A round-trip gondola ticket is required (approximately $40 per person).
🚴♂️ Killington Mountain Biking (10–15-minute drive)
One of the premier biking destinations in the Northeast, offering lift-served downhill trails, cross-country routes, and scenic rides for all skill levels.
⛳ Green Mountain National Golf Course (20-minute drive)
Consistently ranked among Vermont’s top public courses, featuring rolling fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and panoramic Green Mountain views. A standout warm-weather experience for both serious golfers and casual players.
🚗 Worth the Drive
Mendon Mini Golf (15-minute drive)
A fun outdoor mini-golf spot with batting cages and a snack bar. Sugar & Spice, a great breakfast and lunch spot, is just across the street.
Rutland Bowlarama (20-minute drive)
An old-school bowling alley with an arcade, pizza, and drinks — perfect for a laid-back evening.
Explore Woodstock, VT (30-minute drive)
A charming New England town known for boutique shopping, covered bridges, historic homes, and cozy cafés.
Billings Farm & Museum (Woodstock) (30-minute drive)
A working dairy farm and museum offering a hands-on look at Vermont’s agricultural history. Guests can see baby animals and enjoy family-friendly activities like milking cows and butter-making.
Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour (Waterbury) (55–60-minute drive)
Visit Vermont’s iconic ice cream factory for an indoor tour, a behind-the-scenes look at ice cream production, and free samples at the end.
Simon Pearce Glassblowing Studio (Quechee) (35–40-minute drive)
Watch artisans create beautiful glass pieces at this famous studio. The on-site restaurant overlooks the river and is a destination in itself.
VINS Nature Center (Quechee) (35–40-minute drive)
Open year-round with daily raptor exhibitions, scenic nature trails, and a Beaver Lodge designed especially for young children.
🍁 Fall Foliage (Late September–October)
You’re in prime leaf-peeping country. Route 4 (right outside the cabin) and Route 100 (15–20 minutes away) offer stunning fall color in every direction.
Our Favorite Restaurants in Killington
• The Foundry at Summit Pond – Cozy, upscale vibe with fantastic cocktails and live music some nights. Can be $$$
• Peak Lodge – Popular lodge at the peak with great wings and casual food. Amazing views! Requires a gondola ride from Killington’s base area, which is $40/person round trip
• Lookout Tavern - Casual dining that is very kid friendly
• Charity’s saloon - diverse menu, but if the weather is nice enough, we enjoy sitting out on their patio, where they usually have lawn games
• Casey’s Caboose – A fun train-themed pub with burgers and a great beer selection. Looks divey but the food is actually pretty good
• Liquid Art Coffeehouse & Eatery – Great coffee, creative cocktails, and small plates. We love the GM Sarah!!
• Sunup Bakery – Perfect for grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches before hitting the slopes. This is our favorite place to get a latte in Killington
• Long Trail Brewing Company (Bridgewater, ~20 min from Yay Frame) – Iconic Vermont brewery with craft beers and a cozy riverside pub.
• 802 Deli (Killington, ~2 min from Yay Frame) – Believe it or not, this place is actually our go-to spot for quick sandwiches & chili. It’s located inside the gas station, which also has a great little market inside for drinks, groceries, beer & wine
⸻
Nightlife in Killington
• Pickle Barrel – The biggest nightclub in Killington with multiple bars, a dance floor, and live music.
• Wobbly Barn – Classic ski-town nightlife spot with a steakhouse upstairs and a club downstairs featuring DJs and live bands.
• Killington Deli/802 Spirts (2 mins from Yay Frame)– Small market at the Citgo gas station, great for necessities and general fresh produce. It is home to 802 Spirits, the town's only liquor store
• Killigton Market (5 min) – the town's lone grocery store, larger than Killington Deli but nevertheless has limited inventory and $$$
• Woodstock Village Market (25 min, Woodstock) – Family owned grocery store in Woodstock, VT that boasts a wide assortment of goods
• Grand Union Grocery Store (19 min, Rutland) - regional grocery chain
• Aldi's (20 min, Rutland) - discount supermarket featuring a wide variety of fresh and packaged foods at very low prices
• Market 32 (21 min, Rutland)- a Price Chopper brand, one of the largest supermarkets in the area with varying prices
• Hannaford's (22 min, Rutland) - large regional supermarket with low prices
Wonderfeet Kids' Museum (Rutland)
A short drive from Killington, the Wonderfeet Kids' Museum in Rutland offers an amazing indoor Playspace with interactive learning experiences. It’s great for elementary-aged kids and provides a break from outdoor activities, especially if the weather is rainy.
Vermont Teddy Bear Factory (Shelburne)
This place offers an indoor tour where visitors can see how the iconic bears are made. 1.5 hrs from Yay Frame
Killington Library
For your younger children, the library has an awesome toy room with lots of trains, board games and toys that can be played with on-site.
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