Tips for the best spectator experience
The HomeLight Killington Cup brings approximately 100 athletes representing over 20 countries to compete in Slalom and Giant Slalom events — as well as crowds of spectators to watch them. Additionally, the event is broadcast to an audience of 2.1 million people in 60 countries.
In addition to Superstar being an ideal race trail for competitors, its accessibility for spectators makes Killington uniquely attractive.
“This is possibly one of the best places in the world for being able to watch a huge portion of a World Cup race. It’s unbelievable,” said Tiger Shaw, president of U.S. Ski & Snowboard.
“The Northeast’s passion for ski racing runs deep and after a year hiatus, the entire community is excited to welcome back world class Alpine skiing to Killington. The athletes, fans and volunteers bring a level of energy that is unmatched by anything else we experience at the resort,” said Mike Solimano, president and general manager of Killington Resort and Pico Mountain. “This year, the HomeLight Killington Cup will continue to focus on supporting the regional winter sports community by donating a percentage of ticket sales, including 100% of proceeds from general admission, to support the Killington World Cup Foundation. In 2019, the foundation supported over 21 winter sports programs in seven different states with $250,000 in grants raised during the World Cup.”
“It’s exciting to come back together and celebrate ski racing as a community again,” said Herwig Demschar, chair of Killington’s World Cup local organizing committee. “In addition to an already action-packed, fun-filled weekend of ski racing, Killington will offer entertainment and a robust Festival Village while keeping the health and safety of guests top of mind.”
Festival Village
The Festival Village is located at the base of the Superstar trail, located at the K-1 base area at the top of Killington Road.
This year all spectators must be ticketed to enter and either show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test in the previous 72 hours. Spectating areas are broken out by section. There is ample room for standing by the finish line and hillside to the right of the course (looking up the hill). Additionally, there are two grandstand sections, a VIP tent and credentialed media zones. Food and beverage options, vendor booths and an outdoor concert stage will be available to all in the Festival Village.
Spectators can see approximately 40-50% of the Slalom course and 30-40% of the Giant Slalom course, depending on viewing section and specific course that is set. Jumbo screens on the side of the finish area will provide additional viewing coverage.
The Festival Village will open at 7 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
Marble Valley Transit (“The Bus”) is offering FREE transportation along the Killington Road and to Rutland Saturday and Sunday. Killington Resort provides parking shuttles. Masks are required on all buses per federal regulations.
Official 2021 World Cup Events
Saturday, Nov. 27
- 7 a.m.- 4 p.m. — Festival Village is open at K-1 Base Area
- 10 a.m. — Giant Slalom run 1 on Superstar trail
- Immediately following run 1 — Live performance by DJ Z-Trip at Festival Village, K-1 Base Area
- 1 p.m. — Giant Slalom run 2 on Superstar trail
- Immediately following run 2 — Awards at finish area, Superstar trail
- 2 p.m. — Live performance by O.A.R at Festival Village, K-1 Base Area
Sunday, Nov. 28
- 7 a.m.- 4 p.m. — Festival Village is open at K-1 Base Area
- 9:45 a.m. — Slalom run 1 on Superstar trail
- Immediately following run 1 — Live performance by G. Love at Festival Village, K-1 Base Area
- 12:45 p.m. — Slalom run 2 on Superstar trail
- Immediately following run 2 — Awards at finish area, Superstar trail
Pro spectating tips
- Stake your space: For the best viewing, arrive early and stake out your spot in the finish area at the base of Superstar. The Festival Village area opens at 7 a.m. On Saturday, the first run is at 10 a.m. and the second run at 1 p.m. On Sunday, the first run is at 9:45 a.m. and the second at 12:45 p.m.
- Wear warm, waterproof boots: Standing outside on snow in November for most of a day can be cold and wet. And when thousands of people are walking on the same snow, it’s sure to be! Wear warm, waterproof boots with your warmest socks — trust us, it’ll improve your experience at the races!
- Jam with the bands: Don’t miss the FREE outdoor concerts in the Festival Village area Saturday and Sunday. Saturday, DJ Z-Trip will perform after the first run and O.A.R. will perform following the second run. Then on Sunday, G. Love will perform after the first run.
- Make dinner reservations: Killington has lots of options for dinner, but they do fill up, so plan ahead and make reservations. We suggest going early for three main reasons: 1) You’re going to be hungry after spending all day watching the exciting races and cheering loudly. 2) You’re going to be tired, and if you don’t eat early you might not make it back out… 3) Dinner at 5 p.m. is less crowded.
- Be “social”: Connect with others and see what’s happening in and around the World Cup event at Killington. Use #beast365 or #beastworldcup on social media to join the conversation, post photos and share your World Cup experience.
What to bring:
- Proof of vaccination or a negative test result within 72 hours prior to the event.
- Credit card and ID
- Warm socks
- Waterproof footwear
- Layers (weather can change rapidly)
- Waterproof outer layers (for snow)
- Water bottle (in a plastic or metal container)
- Camera (with a better zoom than a phone)
***It is recommended NOT to bring in bags. Security screening is faster for those without bags and lines can be long.
Prohibited items:
- Chairs (ADA accessible viewing available)
- BYOB alcoholic beverages(available for purchase)
- Illegal drugs
- Marijuana (it is still illegal to use in public)
- Smoking (allowed only in designated zones)
- All weapons (including knives)
- Glass containers (plastic or metal allowed)
- Laser pointers
- Pets
- Drones
