Big things are happening this season at Killington Resort! From new chairlifts and expanded snowmaking to upgraded mountain facilities and exciting plans for the future, Vermont’s largest ski resort is investing in an even better experience for skiers, snowboarders, and mountain lovers.
With more than $65 million invested in improvements over the first two years under local independent ownership, and additional projects planned for the years ahead, Killington is entering an exciting new chapter.
If you’re planning a Killington ski vacation for the 2026–27 winter season, you’ll have plenty to look forward to, including a new Snowdon chairlift, snowmaking upgrades, and improved mountain amenities.
Here’s a look at what’s new at Killington Resort this winter, plus the exciting improvements coming in future seasons.
A New Snowdon Quad Chairlift for the 2026/7 Ski Season
One of the biggest upgrades guests can look forward to this winter is the replacement of the longtime Snowdon Triple chairlift.
The new Snowdon Quad is a fixed-grip, four-person chairlift manufactured by Doppelmayr, replacing the older triple chair that served Killington Resort for decades.
The approximately $7.5 million project is designed to provide reliable lift access to the Snowdon area and strengthen Killington’s overall lift network. Construction has been underway throughout summer and fall 2026, with the new lift expected to be ready around the beginning of the 2026–27 ski season.
For skiers and snowboarders who enjoy exploring Snowdon’s trails, this is an exciting investment in the mountain’s future.
More Snowmaking Improvements Across Killington Mountain
Killington has built a reputation for its extensive snowmaking capabilities, helping the resort open early and keep skiing and riding going well into spring when conditions allow.
For the upcoming season, the resort has continued investing in snowmaking equipment and infrastructure to improve coverage, efficiency, and flexibility.
As part of the Snowdon Quad project, Killington has upgraded snowmaking infrastructure on Conclusion, a trail that hasn’t had active snowmaking in nearly a decade.
The project includes new pipelines and approximately 23 low-energy snowguns, helping the resort produce snow on this popular trail when temperatures and conditions allow.
New High-Capacity Snow Guns
Killington has also installed two new high-capacity fan guns on Mouse Trap and Lower Skyeburst.
These locations include wide trail sections and intersections that can be challenging to cover efficiently with snowmaking equipment. The new equipment is designed to provide better coverage and greater flexibility during changing winter conditions.
Additional work includes pipeline replacements at Bear Mountain and upgraded valve stations at Skye Peak and Snowdon.
For guests, these improvements are all about supporting more consistent snowmaking operations and maintaining great skiing and snowboarding conditions throughout the season.
A Better Beginner Skiing Experience
Killington isn’t just investing in improvements for experienced skiers and snowboarders. The resort is also making upgrades to help beginners feel more comfortable as they learn.
For winter 2026–27, the Learn To Carpet in the Snowshed Base Area is receiving a new cover. With this project completed, all four carpet lifts across Killington and Pico Mountain will be covered, representing a combined investment of approximately $2 million in the beginner experience.
Covered surface lifts help protect guests from the elements, making the learning process more comfortable during cold or snowy weather.
For families planning a ski vacation with first-time skiers or young children, these upgrades will be especially exciting.
A More Comfortable Ride on the Skyeship Gondola
Another recent improvement that returning visitors will notice is the upgraded Skyeship Gondola.
Ahead of the 2025–26 winter season, Killington replaced the gondola’s entire fleet with 116 new cabins.
The modern cabins offer a quieter, smoother ride and updated door mechanisms designed to operate more reliably during cold and variable winter conditions.
The project also included improvements to the Skyeship maintenance barn, including a renovated heating system and upgraded service bays to support ongoing lift maintenance.
For guests staying near the Skyeship Base Area or exploring this part of the mountain, the upgraded gondola provides a more comfortable way to enjoy the resort.
The New Superstar 6 Chairlift
Although the Superstar Six made its debut during the 2025–26 season, it’s still one of Killington’s most exciting recent improvements.
The new high-speed, six-person chairlift replaced the original Superstar Quad, which had been operating since 1987.
The $12 million replacement represents a major investment in one of Killington’s most iconic areas, known for challenging terrain and late-season skiing.
The Superstar Six officially opened to the public on November 29, 2025. For guests who haven’t visited Killington since the upgrade, the new chairlift is another reason to get back on the mountain this winter.
Improvements at Pico Mountain for 2026/7
Killington’s investments extend beyond its main mountain. Nearby Pico Mountain is also receiving upgrades designed to improve lift access and preserve the mountain’s classic skiing experience.
Following the retirement of the Outpost Double chairlift, Pico is introducing a temporary rope tow for the 2026–27 season. The rope tow will provide access to the Outpost terrain by transporting skiers and snowboarders along That A Way toward the top of Bronco.
The resort has also expanded snowmaking infrastructure along That A Way to help support operation of the new tow.
Looking further ahead, Pico plans to replace the retired Outpost Double with a new fixed-grip quad chairlift, currently targeted for the 2027–28 winter season. For guests who enjoy Pico’s quieter atmosphere and classic Vermont skiing, these investments are great news.
Coming Soon: A New Needle’s Eye Lodge
One of the most exciting future improvements at Killington is the planned transformation of the Jerk Jamaican Mountain Grill into the new Needle’s Eye Lodge.
The existing ski-on, ski-off dining destination is set to become a much larger on-mountain lodge with expanded food service and gathering space.
The planned improvements include:
- Indoor seating increasing from 26 to approximately 160 guests
- An expanded outdoor deck with 100 seats
- Additional indoor restrooms
- Full bar service
- Improved food preparation and storage areas
The new building will be more than four times the size of the current restaurant, creating a more comfortable place for skiers and snowboarders to take a break and refuel.
Site work is currently scheduled to begin in April 2027, with the lodge projected to open during the 2028–29 winter season. This is an exciting addition for future Killington ski vacations!
What’s Next? Killington’s Long-Term Resort Transformation
The improvements don’t stop with new lifts and snowmaking equipment.
Killington has outlined a long-term investment strategy that includes an estimated $200 million in additional infrastructure improvements over the next decade.
Some of the biggest projects under consideration include:
Expanded Snowmaking Capacity
A future replacement of the Snowshed pumphouse is planned to increase the resort’s snowmaking water capacity.
The upgraded facility is expected to nearly double the capacity of the existing pumphouse and increase overall snowmaking system water capacity by approximately 30%.
This would be a significant investment in Killington’s ability to make snow efficiently during favorable weather conditions.
Future Chairlift Replacements
Killington is also planning future replacements of several major lifts, including the Snowshed Double, Snowshed Express Quad, and Ramshead Express Quad.
These projects are part of the resort’s long-term strategy to modernize infrastructure and improve mountain access.
New Base Lodges and Mountain Facilities
The resort’s plans also include future replacements of Snowshed Lodge and Bear Mountain Base Lodge.
While timelines for many of these projects have not yet been finalized, they represent an exciting vision for the future of Killington.
The Future Killington Village
Another major development to watch is the planned Killington Village, an independently led project by Great Gulf.
The 450-acre master-planned community is designed to bring new residential, retail, dining, and recreational amenities to the base of the mountain.
The first phase is expected to include more than 200 residences and approximately 32,000 square feet of commercial space, along with a new base lodge. Future phases may introduce additional housing, Nordic spas, and outdoor gathering areas.
While this is a long-term development rather than an improvement guests will experience this winter, it represents another major step in Killington’s evolution as a year-round mountain destination.
Plan Your 2026/7 Killington Ski Vacation with The Killington Group
With new lifts, improved snowmaking, upgraded mountain amenities, and exciting projects on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to start planning your next Killington getaway.
Whether you’re returning to experience the new Snowdon Quad and Superstar Six or visiting Killington for the first time, choosing the right vacation rental can make your ski trip even better.
At The Killington Group, we offer a wide selection of Killington vacation rentals, from cozy condos for couples to spacious mountain homes for families and groups.
Looking for easy access to the slopes? Explore our ski-in/ski-out vacation rentals, properties along the shuttle route, or condos in popular communities like Pinnacle, Trail Creek, and Sunrise Village.
With a local team that’s been serving the Killington area since 1985, we’re here to help you find the perfect place to stay while you enjoy everything the mountain has to offer.
Ready to experience the newest improvements at Killington Resort? Browse our Killington vacation rentals and start planning your 2026–27 ski vacation today!
Major improvements include the new Snowdon Quad chairlift, expanded snowmaking on Conclusion, new high-capacity snowguns on Mouse Trap and Lower Skyeburst, and a covered beginner carpet lift at Snowshed. Guests can also enjoy recent upgrades such as the Superstar Six chairlift and new Skyeship Gondola cabins.
Yes! The new Snowdon Quad is expected to open around the beginning of the 2026–27 ski season, replacing the former Snowdon Triple. Killington also opened the Superstar Six, a high-speed six-person chairlift, in November 2025.
Yes. Killington continues to invest in snowmaking equipment and infrastructure, including low-energy snowguns, upgraded pipelines, and new high-capacity fan guns. Future plans also include a major upgrade to the Snowshed pumphouse to increase snowmaking water capacity.
Yes. Pico Mountain plans to replace the retired Outpost Double with a new fixed-grip quad chairlift, currently targeted for the 2027–28 winter season. A temporary rope tow is planned to provide access to Outpost terrain during winter 2026–27.
Future projects include a new Needle's Eye Lodge, additional chairlift replacements, expanded snowmaking infrastructure, new base facilities, and the long-term Killington Village development. Project timelines may change as planning and construction progress.
