KILLINGTON — The parent company of Killington Resort and Pico Mountain announced an investment of $5.7 million that will upgrade everything from snowmaking equipment to summer attractions like mountainbiking trails, to renewable energy that will power the ski destinations.
In a statement, Mike Solimano, president and general manager of Killington Resort, pointed out that Killington is scheduled to host another Ski World Cup event next month. The investments from the owner, POWDR, are intended to “enrich the experience” as Killington attracts greater attention.
“The investments being made this year will help Killington and Pico preserve leadership in resort operations, sustainability and overall guest experience year- round,” Solimano said. “Last year, we hosted the longest winter season in the east, operating 201 days between Oct. 22 and June 1, and we’re hopeful that 2018 will be bigger and better with these enhancements.”
On Wednesday, Killington and Pico officials announced their latest investment in the ski areas. Since POWDR bought Killington and Pico in 2007, there has been more than $50 million spent on infrastructure improvements, including a new ski-lift, snowmaking systems and Killington’s Peak Lodge.
The latest investments will result in nine solar installations at Killington and Pico by the end of winter 2017-18. Three will have AllEarth Solar Trackers, designed, tested and engineered in Vermont, which use GPS technology to follow the sun throughout the day, allowing them to produce up to 45 percent more energy than a fixed system.
Killington will benefit from four off-site solar farms close to the mountain, which are expected to generate the equivalent of almost 12 percent of the resort’s annual electricity use. Two new electric car-charging stations are being added, joining an existing unit at the Grand Hotel. Each new site will have a Tesla and a universal charger.
The projects are coming at a time when Rutland City economic development officials are working with Killington to develop regional marketing plans. In a statement, Lyle Jepson, executive director of the Rutland Economic Development Corp., said local officials “appreciate the collaborative nature with which Killington leadership and staff are supporting our joint efforts to grow our population, our economy and our quality of life.”
“Under the leadership of Mike Solimano, Killington Resort and Pico Mountain have transformed themselves from seasonal operations to four season destination locations for outdoor fun and adventure. In so doing, our entire region is benefiting from the increase in tourism traffic,” he said.
Jepson said Killington’s efforts help the regional marketing plan by showing “ our quality of life, outdoor adventure-based assets and the fact that we have jobs available in high-demand, high-skill, high-paying careers.”
Among the changes promised by POWDR are more than 160 low-energy tower snow guns, added in partnership with Efficiency Vermont, which will allow snow terrain at Killington to open more quickly and efficiently.
In total, Killington has committed $1.7 million in snowmaking improvements and upgrades for 2018.
For Pico Mountain, $ 200,000 was committed to increasing water capacity in two snowmaking ponds and replacement of valve stations and pump houses for key pipelines.
New grooming tractors have been added to Killington, where $965,000 will be spent on new snow- grooming equipment this year.
The company will spend $ 665,000 on its ski- lift infrastructure. A new skilift for the South Ridge is being designed and the Snowdon Triple will get upgrades throughout the next two years that will include new haul rope, additional towers, a midstation, new communications infrastructure and lift-line tower heads.
As part of an annual program to upgrade older ski-lifts, the K-1 Express Gondola, Sunrise Village Triple and Superstar Express Quad will receive upgraded equipment.
Killington Resort added activities for young children in the Adventure Center over the summer, joining attractions such as a trampoline jump, zip-lining and the Beast Mountain Coaster.
The Killington Mountain Bike Park is in the midst of a multi- year build out that will include a new 2.5 mile jump trail, skills park and a 1.6 mile hybrid trail.
patrick.mcardle @rutlandherald.com
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