I’m a Vermonter who doesn’t ski or snowboard. For that matter, I don’t really do any winter activities other than slipping around (trying not to eat sh*t, let’s face it), and the occasional snow shoe. But, I still love Vermont winters. And I love ski towns – Stowe, Waitsfield, and, most recently, Killington. In every season, Vermont’s best ski towns have a reason to visit. Mountain biking in the summer. Leaf peeping in the fall. And spring skiing in the warmer months before mud season hits. I especially love foliage season in the quaint villages and ski towns that welcome so many visitors in the winter months. Admittedly, I haven’t spent as much time in the southern regions of Vermont as I should. (This is about to change in 2019…)

When some good friends of ours got married at the Mountain Meadows Lodge in October, we figured it was the perfect excuse to escape to Killington and explore like a local for the weekend. The Killington Grand Resort Hotel in Killington, Vermont, located right at the base of the mountain and all of the activities Killington offers, was the perfect base for exploring. We happened to be graced with the first appearance of “snowliage,” as well, which made for a stunning backdrop to our adventures on the mountain.

The Killington Grand Resort Hotel

Although there are many lodging options in and around Killington, many are owned by the mountain. The Killington Grand Resort Hotel is the only ski-on, ski-off, mountainside lodging available, however. The accommodations are supposedly the highest end in town while still feeling like a classic Vermont ski lodge. The Green Hotel, recognized by the Vermont Business Environmental Partnership Program, is steps across the ski-bridge from the Adventure Center and slopes. In the opposite direction, the resort hotel faces the first tee of Killington’s 18-hole golf course. On site at the hotel, there’s a 75-foot heated pool for year-round use, along with two hot tubs. The pool even looked inviting on the dreary half-snow, half-rain weather we arrived in.

Rooms at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel

When you walk into the Killington Grand Resort Hotel’s main reception area, it immediately feels Vermonty. There are wood and stone agents and a giant fireplace in the center of the main foyer in the lodge. The rooms are equally Vermonty – no frills but lots of comfort. We stayed in one of the basic hotel rooms with two queen beds. What wasn’t basic was the view outside the window. From all of the hotels I’ve stayed in, the view from our room was unmatched. To the left we had water views with a stunning sunset and to the right, we had views of the mountain itself and the Adventure Center. From afar, I enjoyed people watching: mountain bikers rocking down the terrain, families walking their dogs over the ski bridge, and others trying out the ropes course. The snow mixed with foliage was stunning, to say the least.

As far as Vermont ski resort hotels, the rooms at the Killington Grand aren’t over-the-top luxury but they are comfortable, clean, and will make you feel at home. Depending on how many guests you’re traveling with, there are options to stay in the penthouse, suites, and studios as well.

Tips for Visiting the Killington Grand Resort Hotel

• If you’re visiting and need snacks or a coffee, visit the Grand Cafe. The on-site store features Starbucks coffee and other essentials for your stay on the mountain.
• Preston’s Restaurant is located in the bottom floor of the Killington Grand Resort Hotel. If you’re not up for venturing out after a day adventuring on the mountain, it’s a great option for dinner.
• The resort offers a complimentary winter shuttle service and a ship skis partnership, if you’re traveling from afar to Killington to stay and ski.
• Host your own movie night at the Killington Grand. Browse their extensive DVD library and Xbox games for a family movie or game night.
• If you’re looking for an activity off of the slopes, Long Trail Brewing is located nearby and is a fun stop for a apres ski beer or lunch with the family – in any season.