KILLINGTON – Killington Resort has begun snowmaking in advance of the 2016 Audi FIS Ski World Cup comes to Vermont’s largest ski area on Nov. 26-27, 2016. Killington Resort was the first North American ski mountain to open its season to the general public in 2015, in part because of the resort’s advanced snowmaking prowess.
Snowmaking lit up on Killington and Skye Peaks just before dawn Monday, Oct. 10, building stockpiles for both public consumption on North Ridge trails and the approaching Audi FIS Ski World Cup races on the legendary trail Superstar.
Killington typically begins the longest season in the East with exclusive access for season pass holders sometime in October, rewarding commitment to the resort with the first turns of the winter.
Killington has dedicated a snowmaking team to specifically build the race venue on Superstar where the women’s Slalom and Giant Slalom races will take place. Killington’s snowmaking system has the ability to pump more than 720,000 gallons of water into 240 snow guns, covering 80 acres with 12 inches of fresh snow in a matter of hours. Killington’s snowmaking capacity and grooming allow the mountain to maintain a dependable and consistent snow surface regardless of weather conditions.
“Our operations team has snowmaking and grooming down to a science, which makes Killington able to host an event of this magnitude early in the season,” said Mike Solimano, president and general manager of Killington Resort. “Hosting the World Cup is a tremendous opportunity for both Killington and the East in general. We are preparing for a successful event regardless of how much powder Mother Nature drops between now and Thanksgiving.”
Killington will be the first mountain in the eastern US to host an Alpine World Cup event in 25 years. The general public is invited to view the women’s Giant Slalom and Slalom races in a free general admission area, which will accommodate approximately 7,500 spectators. Free parking and shuttle buses for event spectators will be provided during the weekend. In addition, rock band O.A.R. will headline a robust music and entertainment lineup for World Cup spectators.
For more information about the 2016 Audi FIS Ski World Cup at Killington Resort, visit www.killington.com/worldcup for details and updates.
Photo by Trent Campbell
Orville McLean harvests apples at Douglas Orchards in Shoreham.
