20 Things to Do in Killington, VT in Winter: Snow-Fueled Fun, Brews, Nightlife, & More!

Ice stalactites frame a cold morning scene in winter in Killington Vermont

This article has links to products and services we love, which we may make commission from.

Head to Killington VT this winter for a fun-filled snow-lover’s adventure! This is one of Vermont’s most popular spots for winter activities, from skiing and sledding to snowmobiling and fat tire biking. If you love winter sports, Killington is your spot!

Don’t worry, if you prefer some indoor warmth combined with your outdoor fun, there’s plenty to eat, drink, and enjoy in town, too.

Want to explore more this season?

Check out our guides to Stowe and Burlington, or our favorite ideas for Vermont in winter if you’re road-tripping all around the state.

Festive Things to Do in Killington, VT in Winter

Killington Snow Tubing

If you love the idea of sliding down the mountain but skiing and snowboarding feel too intimidating, head to the Killington Tubing Park (3861 Killington Rd).

Tubing sessions begin every hour on the hour and include a state-of-the-art tube rental.

The hill features multiple lanes and a lift, which means you get to skip the exhausting climb back up the hill once you’ve reached the bottom!

Snow boards Killington Information Center Vermont

Skiing and Snowboarding in Killington

Killington Ski Resort (3861 Killington Rd) is the premium ski and snowboard location in the area.

Killington ski tickets are expensive, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.

It might be most affordable to purchase a whole season pass during the early bird window (usually in September or October) if you plan to stay for a week or more.

Take advantage of various Killington lifts, tons of trails at every level, gondola rides, and more are waiting for you at Killington Ski Resort.

Killington is one of the best New England ski resorts, so don’t miss out!

Hands and ski poles close up

Killington VT Brewery Options

There is no shortage of great breweries and distilleries in the Killington area.

Visit Long Trail Brewery (5520 US Rte 4, Bridgewater Corners) for seasonal brews and year-round favorites, as well as delicious pub fare.

Red Clover Ale (43 Center St, Brandon) is a 30-minute drive, but the unique and ever-changing brews on their menu are well worth it.

Finally, if beer isn’t your style, head to the Killington Distillery (47 Old Mill Rd) for the finest spirits made in small batches and a rich tavern-style meal.

Killington Distillery sign Vermont

Check Out the Nightlife

If you’re thinking a small town in Vermont doesn’t have a fun nightlife, think again!

There are three bars and clubs you’ll want to check out before you leave.

The Pickle Barrel Night Club (1741 Killington Rd) is a music venue and club with four bars, three levels, and two concert stages.

The Roaring Brook Umbrella Bar (4563 Killington Rd) is right at the base of Killington Mountain and is a perfect spot for a strong drink and a light snack.

The Wobbly Barn (2229 Killington Rd) was named one of the best apres ski-bars in the U.S.

Killington Grand Hotel

There is only one full-service mountainside hotel in all of Killington, and you won’t want to miss the experience to ski right from your front door.

The Killington Grand Resort Hotel (228 East Mountain Rd) is hands-down one of the best hotels in the region.

A full restaurant and bar, heated outdoor pool, and incredible views are waiting for you at the Grand Resort Hotel.

A Family-Friendly Killington Stay

For the more outdoors-oriented families, the Killington Mountain Sports Inn (813 Killington Rd) has all you need for a perfect ski vacation.

Cozy rooms, continental breakfast, and a vintage cabin feel are all featured at this no-frills Killington Mountain Inn.

Killington Scenic Gondola Ride

Sometimes, braving the elements just to take in the beauty of the winter landscape just doesn’t sound like that much fun.

Instead, be sure to take a scenic gondola ride at the Killington Mountain Resort.

There is nothing like soaring above the mountain, watching the skiers below, and ending your trip at the Peak Lodge for an amazing lunch.

Snowshoe Tour

Snowshoe adventures are truly the underdog of winter sports.

Walking through the winter woods with ease is serene and quiet, and affords amazing views!

Bear Trax Adventures (2363 US Rte 4) is the home of snowshoe tours in Killington.

No matter your experience level, the tour guides will tailor an adventure perfectly to your group.

Taking a snowshoe tour is one of the best winter Killington, VT activities.

A man wearing snowshoes

Snowmobile Tour

If the humble skis are too basic for you, why not try a backwoods snowmobile adventure?

Snowmobile Vermont (170 Rt. 100 South, Bridgewater Corners) is the premium snowmobiling guide company with state-of-the-art snowmobiles.

Snowmobile tours are an amazing way to experience the best of winter while riding around with an experienced guide.

Check the website for all the tours offered and to book a trip.

Ice Skating in Killington

Ice skating is one of the best things to do in Killington, Vermont in winter, and the most special place for skating is at the Foundry at Summit Pond (63 Summit Path).

The restaurant is cozy and serves a hearty winter meal perfect after a day in the snow.

After you’ve finished eating, hop on the ice and skate around Summit Pond at night.

If you’d prefer daytime or indoor skating, try the nearby Proctor Skating Rink (33 Olympus Rd, Proctor) or the Union Arena Skating Park (80 Amsden Way, Woodstock).

Close up photo of a man's black and a child's yellow ice skate on ice.

Paramount Theater

Just 20 minutes away from Killington is Rutland, home of the historic Paramount Theater (30 Center St).

Once one of the finest theaters in the country in the 1900s, step back into time as you enter the Victorian-style opera house for an amazing show.

From plays and musicals to full operas and even movies, you’ll love taking in the best of art and culture in the Paramount Theater.

Cross-Country Skiing

One of the best Killington, VT things to do in winter is to head out on the cross-country ski trails.

Top Mountain Inn (195 Mountain Top Rd) features 60 km of ski trails that are open to the public, as well as cross-country ski rentals through their Activity Center.

The trails are suited for every ability level and for multiple kinds of cross-country skiing methods.

Sugar & Spice

There might not be a more classic Vermont experience than sitting down at a family restaurant, located inside a working sugar house.

Sugar and Spice (2563 US Rte 4, Mendon) is open for breakfast and lunch and features delicious, original recipes.

Try the pumpkin pancakes with pure maple syrup made in-house and take home a few maple treats from the gift shop!

Rent Snow-Friendly Fat Bikes in Killington, Vermont

Fat bikes are a perfect winter adventure for the non-skiers in the group.

The wheels are what make fat bikes so special–they are very wide and have tons of traction.

Rent fat bikes for the whole family at Fat Bike Vermont (227 E Mountain Rd), and gain access to top-notch equipment, a warm and protective helmet, and hours of fun.

Snowshoe + Dinner at Mountain Top Tavern

One of the best restaurants in Killington is also a site for snowshoe rentals and trails!

Mountain Top Resort (195 Mountain Top Rd) is your one-stop shop for snowshoe rentals, a rustic meal at the tavern, and miles of snowy trails to explore.

Visit the Mountain Top Tavern for lunch and then head to the Activities Center for your snowshoes.

The trails are open to the public, so if you’d just like to hike around the area, you can do so for free.

Welcome to Killington sign in Vermont

McLaughlin Falls

While most people think that checking out beautiful waterfalls is a summer activity, ice-encrusted waterfall views in the winter are truly magical.

Take the Thundering Brook Falls Trail (2295 River Rd Fork) to the site of the falls and prepare to be amazed.

Be sure to bring your camera because the views will make perfect winter wonderland photos!

Killington Ski Rental Choices

Renting skis and other winter gear in Killington is much easier than you think.

Visit Black Dog Sports (133 E Mountain Rd) or Peak Performance Ski Shop (2808 Killington Rd) for the best experience.

They both offer affordable sports gear rentals, unmatched winter sports knowledge and advice, and a wide selection of items.

If you’re skiing at Killington, they also offer daily rentals, though you have to book in advance.

The Spa at the Woods

Is all that skiing exhausting your muscles and drying out your skin?

Book a spa treatment at the Spa at the Woods (53 Woods Ln) for the ultimate relaxation experience.

Their spa treatments and spa packages are designed to help soothe your body, relax your mind, and relieve stress.

Come early to enjoy the pool, sauna, or fitness room as included in your treatment!

Greenbrier Gift Shop

You might think that Greenbrier is just an inn, but they also house one of the best gift shops in town.

The Greenbrier Gift Shop (2057 US Rte 4) is stuffed with gifts, toys, candles, clothes, jewelry, and more.

Wander through this store and pick up a few special souvenirs for the whole family.

Vermont Holiday Festival

If you are visiting Killington during the holiday season, be sure to stop by the iconic Vermont Holiday Festival at the Killington Grand Hotel (228 E Mountain Rd).

The Vermont Holiday Festival is a joyous event featuring dozens of decorated Killington Christmas trees, Killington winter activities for kids, local vendors, and a cash bar.

The festival usually takes place in mid-December, which gives you just enough time to finish your shopping!

Be sure to check the website for updates and a schedule of events.

What to Know About Snow in Killington

The average snowfall in Killington in winter is 173″ and the heaviest month for snow is January.

The average snowfall in the month of January is 45″ with 12 days, on average, featuring Killington snow events.

Ice stalactites frame a cold morning scene in winter in Killington Vermont

Final Words

Ready to head to Killington this winter? We’re always ready!

Share your favorite local spots in the comments below.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *