7/30/15
KILLINGTON — In an article published this week, the New York Post named Killington one of “Five ski towns that are worth visiting in summer,” alongside the Western resort towns of Park City (Utah), Vail (Colorado), Jackson Hole (Wyoming) and Big Sky (Montana).
Killington Town Manager Seth Webb said “The NY Post article is nice recognition of the story unfolding here: the story of the Town and the Resort working together to revive summer tourism.” Webb views the article as a testament to the vision of the residents, the hard work done by the Town and Killington Resort, and the focused strategic plan adopted by the Selectboard.
In 2009, the summer economy in the Town of Killington was struggling, with many businesses shuttering as soon as the ski season ended, and not re-opening until September. For the six years prior, and leading up to 2010, the town experienced a steady decline in tourism spending during the months of July, August, and September.
In 2010, things started to turn around. Beginning in 2010 a series of new events were established like the Killington Jr. Golf Championship, the Cooler in the Mountains Concert Series, the Killington Hay Festival, and the Spartan Race. Additionally, classic events like the Killington Stage Race that had disappeared a decade before, were re-established and revitalized. A marketing campaign targeted regional visitors and promoted summer activities. Each year, more businesses stayed open throughout the summer, and that positive trend continues now in the summer of 2015.
Webb attributes this significant shift in Town in large part to the will and support of its residents. In the winter of 2008, the Town held a series of community planning days with the Vermont Council on Rural Development. During that process over 250 residents came together and prioritized goals for economic development. As a result of the meetings, the Town passed a 1% options tax to fund Economic Development and established an Economic Development and Tourism department.
The NY Post article sites the new adrenaline-pumping attractions at Killington Resort and the robust summer events calendar as key reasons for ranking Killington in the top five destinations. Among the new attractions highlighted are the 4,800-foot-long Beast Coaster, which opens August 1st, the Skyeride, and a four-story rope course, complete with 42 obstacles and a 5,000 square-foot maze. Also mentioned are many of Killington’s upcoming special events and activities. A more comprehensive list of upcoming events is below: � Cooler in the Mountains Concert
Series presented by Long Trail Brewing Company, Saturdays through Sept. 5. The Cooler in the Mountains Concert Series takes place at Killington’s Roaring Brook Umbrella Bars at the K1 Base Lodge every Saturday beginning at 3:30 p.m.
Biggest Loser Run/Walk, July
26. The event returns for the third year, providing participants a fun, healthy way to stay active in noncompetitive environment. Killington Resort hosts the race, which includes a half marathon and 5k, as well as a 1-mile fun run for children.
Chili Cook-Off, July 30. The
third annual Chili Cook-Off is guaranteed to bring back the best tasting chili in town! Join the competition and bring your finest dish to compete for the title of Best Chili.
Vermont JerkFestival, July 31 to
Aug. 1. Killington welcomes Vermont’s first JerkFest, a celebration of Jamaican Jerk food and Caribbean culture with live reggae and world music!
Race to the Peak ,Aug. 15. This challenging 5K hike/run traverses up the Resort to the second highest peak of Vermont’s Green Mountains and ends at the Peak Lodge.
Killington Classic Motorcycle
Rally, Aug. 27 -30. The Classic is Vermont’s premier motorcycle event featuring some of the best touring in New England along the picturesque roads of Vermont.
Killington Hay Festival, Labor
Day to Columbus Day. Visitors to Killington, Vermont this fall will have a surprise once they start exploring the region – amid the mountain vistas and fall foliage, they may find themselves face-to-face with a 25-foot bear or 30-foot moose!
Vittoria Eastern States CupEn duro Finals, Sept. 6. Mountain bikers will gather at Killington Resort for the Enduro Finals on Sept. 6.
Spartan Race, Sept. 19-20.
Home of the 2014 Spartan World Championship, this course is brutal.
Located in what is known as “Joe’s backyard,” this land is where the company was founded; that means anything goes. Steep slopes. Muddy waters. Huge hills. This epic setting makes for one of our most badass, challenging, demon-riddled Beasts of the year. We’re looking for the baddest beasts of the east to come tear up the terrains where Spartan Race has its roots.
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