On December 11, 2024
Local News

Pico Mountain opens for the season on Friday the 13th

Pico Opening Day 2023

Pico Mountain will kick off its 2024/25 winter season at 9 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, welcoming skiers and riders for another season of snowy adventures. 

The mountain will operate Thursday through Monday throughout the season, with daily operations during holiday weeks.

“This season is already shaping up to be an exciting one,” said Rich McCoy, director of operations at Pico Mountain. “Our new independent ownership and recent investments in snowmaking and infrastructure mean guests can expect more consistent conditions with reduced energy consumption.”

Upgraded snowmaking and terrain

This summer, Pico nearly doubled its fleet of high-efficiency snow guns, focusing improvements on trails like 49er, Swinger, Ace of Clubs, and Pike. Over the past six years, the resort has invested more than $6 million to enhance snowmaking, including upgraded pumps, a revitalized snowmaking pond, and new pipelines connecting Pico and Killington.

For beginner skiers and riders, Pico has added a handle tow this season. In partnership with Vermont Adaptive, Pico plans to replace the Bonanza Double Chair with a Magic Carpet lift by the 2025/26 season. The terrain park offerings have also been expanded for this winter.

What to expect opening weekend

The Golden Express Quad, Summit Quad, and Bonanza Double will operate during the opening weekend, along with uphill travel. Tickets, rentals, and lessons will be available, and the cafeteria will serve food. The Last Run Lounge will offer full bar service and a limited food menu, with a full menu and new QR code dining service launching on Dec. 20.

Supporting the community

Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for BROC Community Action between Dec. 13 and 15. Pico Mountain will match all donations to help fight hunger during the holiday season.

Tickets and hours

Lift tickets are available online only at picomountain.com, where skiers and riders can save up to 65% by purchasing in advance. Vermont students in grades K-12 can enjoy a season pass for $134, while Vermont residents can purchase midweek, non-peak tickets for $54.

Lift hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and peak days. 

For more information, visit: PicoMountain.com.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Dream Maker Bakers will close Dec. 22

December 11, 2024
By Polly Mikula Megan Wagner, owner of Dream Maker Bakers, announced Saturday Dec. 7, that she will be closing her bakery in Killington.  “With a mix of emotions, I’m announcing that Dream Maker Bakers will be permanently closing on December 22, 2024,” she posted on Facebook. “This is something that I have known I wanted…

Long-time Killington clerk is retiring

December 11, 2024
By Curt Peterson No one will ever call Lucrecia Wonsor a “nine-to-fiver.” The veteran Killington clerk (20 years, 4 months) and treasurer (11 years, 10 months) is known for her dedication to her responsibilities, working long hours and some weekends to successfully manage the official and financial affairs of this resort town of about 1,500…

Meet John Neal: Master of a versatile, enjoyable career

December 11, 2024
By Karen D. Lorentz When someone has worked their entire adult life in as many different ski-industry positions as John Neal, it’s not too surprising to hear him say, “The people and the passion for the sport and lifestyle have given me the opportunity to have a career I enjoy.”  Neal grew up in Ludlow,…

Parents complaints about gender curriculum in kindergarten spark concerns from local advocacy groups about censorship

December 11, 2024
By John Flowers/Addison Independent and Mountain Times staff The leadership of the Rutland Area NAACP raised concern over recent developments in neighboring Addison County related to the actions of two Mary Hogan Elementary School parents/guardians who have challenged gender-related instructional materials to educate kindergarten students at the Middlebury school. According to sources, the complaints relate…