Killington, Killington

What we loved most: The Ski School for our 9 year old. Absolutely top rate instructors. This is child # 5 who has learned and developed over a five or six day ski week. What we disliked: 1.)Food Prices in ski lodge. 2.)Lodge at top of mountain closed during the week (years ago they kept it open - it was a great place to eat lunch and enjoy the view) 3.) They are not making snow depths the way they used to (presume its money saving) - and it shows. Grooming is well done but suffers from lack of new machine made snow. The previous companies operating the mountain spent more on snow making. Despite it being college spring break time the mountain was empty and we never experienced a lift line from Sunday afternoon March 8th through Friday afternoon March 13th. I would not bother to come to this mountain on a high volume weekend such as Presidents weekend etc. because I am allergic to lift lines. Most non holiday ski weeks (over thirty years of experience talking here) the mountain is delightfully calm and takes on a family atmosphere that is the exact opposite of holidays and weekends. Trail variety is outstanding. In a lifetime of skiing the Rockies, Utah, Tahoe etc... I truly enjoy Killington. If you want pure powder go west. If you like groomed trails, moguls, variety and want to be able to find your kids, tweens, teens - at lunch or the end of the day- choose Killington as a great value. Lodging is expensive near the mountain. We choose to stay nearby and we probably pay an extra $100.00 per day to do so but with kids we think it is worth it. We live in South Central Illinois and its just as cheap to fly west as it is to fly east to ski. For family ski weeks we consider Killington a best buy and a great option that is generally cheaper than going west. It avoids adjusting to altitude - avoids cost and when skiing mid week is a comfortable family atmosphere. IF you have one week a year to ski and you want to have your kids learn and progress - I would choose Killington. About two hours from the airport in Albany - relatively inexpensive Southwest Airlines flights etc. Good skiing to you!