Resort, KPAA look ahead to new projects

Mountain Times

October 11, 2017

By Evan Johnson
KILLINGTON—Seated in the Peak Lodge at the summit of Killington Mountain, resort officials and members of the Killington Pico Area Association (KPAA) set their sights on the coming winter season and the events and developments slated to come with it.
KPAA news
KPAA President Howard Smith brought the audience up to date on some of the association’s finances. The organization of area businesses brings in $80,000 annually in membership dues and organizes the holiday festival and wine festival, two signature events that collectively bring in $30,000.
The organization has a part-time executive director, Kim Peters, and membership director, Alexis King. This year, the association hired part-time volunteer coordinator Hannah Keune.
In association business, members approved the appointment of Justin Pill, Mark Stugart and Merisa Sherman to the KPAA’s board of directors. The executive board remained unchanged.
This year, the association brought in 25 new members and extended hours for the Welcome Center. The added four hours every week will last through November’s Audi FIS World Cup races.
This year, the town, KPAA and Killington Resort collaborated on three new events: the Vermont Bike and Brew, Under Armour Trail Running Series and the Fairy Tale Festival.
The KPAA has also launched a three-tiered sponsorship system for future events.
In other local amenities, the KPAA celebrated the opening of an additional five miles of multi-use trails in Killington. The next phase of development will be to connect to the Gifford Woods trails.
Resort developments
Riding the momentum of a two-year commitment to host the Audi FIS Ski World Cup and a 2016-2017 winter that saw 201 days of skiing, Killington Resort’s Mike Solimano provided news on some upcoming investments. While new grooming machines, snowmaking guns and lift upgrades don’t have the dazzle of big-ticket items, the president and general manager assured his audience the changes would be appreciated.
“When a house is old you don’t knock it down and put up a new house,” he said. “You fix the pieces. It’s the same with our lifts.”
This coming season, parent company Powdr Corp. has invested $5.7 million in capital improvements at Killington and Pico across the properties. Among the capital improvements slated for the coming winter season:

• $1.7 million in snowmaking improvements and upgrades for 2018, including 163 new low-energy tower snow guns
• $350,000 in snowmaking and water infrastructure developments at Pico
• $700,000 in upgrades to the 27-lift infrastructure
• $1 million for three new Prinoth grooming tractors
• $2 million for remodeling the Grand Hotel

In summer 2018, Killington will start the Bear Mountain revitalization, the first phase of which includes a new lift on the south ridge of the mountain, a bridge over the Skyeburst trail and six to seven multi-family dwellings for a total cost of $3 million.
Since Powdr purchased Killington Resort and Pico Mountain in 2007, infrastructure improvements have exceeded $50 million, including a new lift, lift drives, snowmaking systems and the Peak Lodge.
He also announced that starting this year, all Castleton University students could receive a free pass to Pico with the opportunity to upgrade to include Killington for an additional fee. Shuttle service for students will also be available.
Solimano also provided some perspective on recent developments in the national ski resort industry. The past year saw the purchase of Stowe by Colorado-based Vail, and the purchase of Intrawest.
Solimano pointed to a 16 percent increase in season pass sales over last year as proof. Since signing on to a multi-resort pass deal called the M.A.X. Pass, Killington is the Number 1 visited resort of the over 30 resorts that participate in the pass program.
While larger families of resorts consolidated decision-making power, Solimano said, Killington and the other 16 Powdr-owned properties would retain their local character. Solimano said, “From Killington’s standpoint, we still feel we’re well positioned and we don’t really need to be associated with one of those bigger resorts.
“Powdr doesn’t have a plan to get really big,” he said. “That’s not one of their goals. They want to own great resorts and have people run them locally and be part of the local community.”
Summer activities, energy efficiency
Tracy Taylor gave an update on the growing amount of solar power in the Killington area. Pico’s roof-mounted system will be finished in the next 30 days. A larger array in the Bavarian lot is awaiting final permits to begin construction in April or May. The two projects would generate 225 kilowatt hours. Over the next two weeks, a total of 14 trackers are slated to be installed at the Skyeship Base Lodge, Killington maintenance garage, Pico maintenance garage, Pico Sports Center and the Wobbly Barn. These trackers are estimated to produce 130 kilowatt hours. Killington and Pico have also bought into four 500-kilowatt solar farms in Addison County. Two are currently operational and the other two will be online later this year.
Taylor said these solar build-outs were part of a five-year goal to cover 33 percent of the resort’s power needs by renewable energy. “Make no mistake that consumers vote with their wallets and especially Millennials want to give their money to businesses that take care of the environment,” he said.
Killington and Pico are also planning to welcome electronic cars to the area by installing 50 to 70 charging stations from Tesla next year, the largest charger installation at any ski resort in North America. “They want to build their gas stations and they’re starting with Killington.” Taylor said.
Summer activity upgrades
Ticket sales have continued to rise in recent years following investment in expanding the resort’s trail network. Ticket sales for the mountain bike park have grown from $12,000 last year to $20,000 this year. Summer operating revenues for both the mountain bike park and the adventure center were nearing $1.6 million for the just-ended fiscal year. Summer staff levels at the resort have also risen. In total, $689,000 will be allocated to summer activities at Killington.
Mountain bike park
The Killington Mountain Bike Park is in the midst of a multi-year build-out designed by trail builder Gravity Logic, that started in 2013. New projects include a new 2.5-mile jump trail, skills park and a 1.6 mile old-school hybrid trail. Three high-speed detachable lifts, including the K-1 Express Gondola, service all of the bike park’s terrain. Also added this year are bike carriers on the Snowshed and Ramshead Express Quads, which allow riders to self-load their bikes. With the addition of more than 10 new miles of trail in the last two bike seasons, there are now 30 miles of trails, making it the largest downhill bike park in eastern North America. Killington will have invested $500,000 in bike park improvements before the end of operations this fall.

Mayor chooses new rec leader

Rutland Herald | October 10, 2017

By PATRICK MCARDLE
STAFF WRITER

Peters

Kim Peters, who had been the recreation director for the town of Killington, has been chosen by Mayor David Allaire to replace Cindi Wight as superintendent of the city’s Recreation and Parks Department.
The decision was announced in a news release sent by Allaire’s office late Monday afternoon, but still needs to be approved by the Board of Aldermen. They’re expected to be asked to do so at their next meeting Oct. 16.
Allaire said Peters “brings years of experience as recreation director and events coordinator for the town of Killington.”
Peters became full-time recreation director in Killington in May 2015.
On Monday, she talked about her time at Killington where she said she had grown programs like the summer camp and mountain biking.
Peters said she had been encouraged by Wight, who said she thought Peters and the Rutland Rec Department would be a “good fit.”
Because she hasn’t been approved for the position, Peters said she didn’t know all the assets at the city department.
“I think the assets I have there are the current employees to give me some guidance on where they see the most opportunities,” she said. “My skill set coming in is leadership, managing a staff and overall recreational sports.”
Peters said she would encourage “outside-the-box thinking” and opinions on how to improve the quality of programs.
A bright spot for the department is the swimming pools under construction at White’s Park. One of the two pools will be for competition and general use, while the other will be for families and swimming lessons.
The pools will allow Peters to use some of her previous skills. When Peters moved to the Killington area from Ohio in 2014, she had seven years of experience working as director of aquatics and head swim coach for the Clippard Family YMCA in Cincinnati.
Peters said she had heard some of the challenges in the city were the need for additional athletic fields and an indoor gymnasium.
One of Wight’s final meetings with the Board of Aldermen’s recreation committee included a conversation about whether a gymnasium would be viable at the Courcelle Building.
While there was general agreement that a preliminary design proved the gym was a possibility, there was no discussion about asking voters for money or applying for grants.
Peters called assets like the Rutland Halloween Parade and the Rutland Youth Theatre “exciting.”
“Parks and recreation departments in Vermont and throughout the state do have to think outside the box,” she said. “It’s not just going out for a run or eating healthy, but how else can we get people moving and being part of a community? One of the things I think I brought to Killington was the feeling of a community.”
Before Peters took the position in Killington, there was no full-time position there, but in 2014 the town’s Recreation Commission and Select Board voted to restore the recreation director to a full-time position.
Peters has a bachelor’s degree in history and sociology from the Ohio State University.
She said she has learned to love Vermont because the quality of life has improved for her, her husband who works at GE Aviation and her four children.
“ I think the focus on parks and recreation in this community and being outside is just one of the things that has drawn me to this career path,” she said. “Many of the skills I already had but didn’t know how to use them, and Vermont has really given me that opportunity.”
Peters has been a soccer coach and a swimming coach for the Killington Aquatic Club.
Allaire said he plans to introduce Peters at the next meeting of the Board of Aldermen and present her name for approval as the next superintendent.
Wight left Rutland at the end of September to take over the Burlington Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Department.
Wight started at the city Rec Department in 2001 and became superintendent in July 2013.
patrick.mcardle @rutlandherald.com

Fatal crash driver denies guilt

Rutland Herald | October 07, 2017

By GORDON DRITSCHILO
STAFF WRITER

Mailhiot

Police say a Rochester man had taken a variety of legal and illegal drugs prior to the crash that killed his mother on Wednesday. Joseph L. Mailhiot, 40, pleaded not guilty Friday in Rutland criminal court to felony charges of grossly negligent driving with death resulting and DUI with death resulting. The DUI charge carries a one-year minimum and the two charges carry a combined 30-year maximum.
Mailhiot was freed on the condition he undergo a drug and alcohol screening and abide by any treatment recommendations.
Killington Police said Mailhiot was driving his mother, Detra Coltey Mailhiot, home to Rochester from Rutland at around midday Wednesday when he went off Route 100 near Green Mountain National Golf Course, hitting multiple trees.
According to affidavits, Mailhiot told police that in the 24-hours before the crash, he had consumed 5 mg of Oxycodone, a “matchhead” of heroin and unspecified amounts of marijuana, Robitussin, Aleve and penicillin.
Mailhiot also told police he was suffering from mononucleosis and strep throat and had not slept in three days.
Police said Mailhiot initially told them that he was driving and was about to pull over and switch with his mother because he was getting tired. Then, police said, he retold his story, this time saying his mother had been driving first and they switched when she got tired, despite being tired himself.
Mailhiot told police he swerved off the road when a truck crossed into his lane and didn’t have time to hit the brakes. Police said Mailhiot’s 2007 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck went 152 feet after leaving the road and there was no sign on the roadway either of braking or of sharp turns.
Police said Coltey Mailhiot, 63, suffered head and chest injuries and was pronounced dead at Rutland Regional Medical Center shortly before 2 p.m.
Mailhiot provided a blood sample, police said, but test results were not available as of Friday.
In court Friday, public defender Daniel Stevens agreed it was appropriate that Mailhiot undergo drug and alcohol screening, but said he thought it was inappropriate for the state to receive the results.
“I don’t know that it’s constitutional to require that the state find out any needs and dangers,” Stevens said. “It makes it easier to prosecute a person. Information is knowledge. Information is power.”
Deputy Rutland County State’s Attorney Peter Bevere countered that the state needed to know he had actually gotten the assessment and followed any recommendations. Judge Thomas Zonay asked how, specifically, knowing the results of the assessment would help in the prosecution of this case. Stevens said he just felt it could help in general.
“Maybe it is a little intangible,” Stevens said.
“The court thinks it is a lot intangible,” Zonay replied.
The lawyers ended up agreeing to a requirement that Mailhiot provide written notice of completion within 10 days of the assessment and sign a waiver allowing the state to verify his attendance at any treatment.

Woman killed in Killington vehicle crash

Burlington Free Press

Free Press Staff Published 9:17 p.m. ET Oct. 4, 2017 | Updated 9:23 p.m. ET Oct. 4, 2017

KILLINGTON - A 63-year-old woman was killed in a truck crash Wednesday afternoon in Killington, town police said.

Detra Coltey Mailhiot of Rochester was pronounced dead at Rutland Regional Medical Center following the 12:20 p.m. single-vehicle wreck, police Sgt. James Riehl said in a statement Wednesday night.

The crash happened when a 2007 Toyota Tacoma driven by Joseph L Mailhiot, 40, of Rochester went off Vermont 100 while headed north near Stage Road and struck trees, Riehl said.

The weather was clear and the road, dry.

Emergency crews freed Detra Mailhiot from the vehicle and brought her to the hospital, but she died there due to her injuries, Riehl said.

Joseph Mailhiot received minor injuries.

Speed and alcohol were not believed to be factors in the crash, police said. An investigation into the cause was continuing Wednesday night.

Riehl asked that anyone with information about the wreck call Killington police at 802-422-3200.

The Killington Police Department was assisted by the Vermont State Police, Rutland County Sheriff’s Department, Killington Fire Department, Killington First Response, Regional Ambulance and DHART.

The crash brings the death toll on Vermont's roads to at least 51 so far this year, the highest total through early October since 2012, according to Vermont State Police data.

$5.7M upgrades set for ski areas

Rutland Herald | October 05, 2017

By PATRICK MCARDLE
STAFF WRITER
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

Killington’s bear problem is getting out of hand

Mountain Times
September 20, 2017

Dear Editor,
Killington has an overabundance of bears this year — actually every year as I see it — but it’s getting worse and worse. Can we do something about it? Do we have to wait for someone or their pet to get mauled or killed? We see them in the dumpsters all summer long, even in the winter, and they shouldn’t even be out in the winter. Tuesday, a black bear literally got inside of my truck to eat a piece of fruit that was sitting in there. The big ones are now teaching the young ones how to eat from human food scraps, instead of foraging like they should be. They are now coming right outside of our windows, sniffing the air inside. I don’t even want to go out in the dark without a weapon. Please, be responsible with food scraps and dumpsters.
Dan Madden, Killington

 Comment: But, but, but.....the state Fish and Game officials say there isn't a bear problem. Yeah, right!

Fairy Tale Festival This Weekend

Fairy Tale Festival This Weekend

KILLINGTON – The Vermont Fairy Tale Festival: A Celebration of Vermont’s Public Libraries, will take place at Sherburne Memorial Library, 2998 River Road, in Killington, on Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This first of its kind festival in Vermont is a celebration of Vermont’s public libraries. The festival is similar in structure and schedule to a Renaissance Faire, except every booth will feature a different fairy tale. Twenty public libraries have signed on to sponsor booths which range from the lesser known tales like Tam Lin, through traditional tales like Alice in Wonderland and Robin Hood, to more modern tales like Harry Potter. Families can visit each tale, learn the story, and create something to take home at each booth they visit. The event is free to the public with the donation of a non-perishable food item for the food bank or an item for the humane society. Costumes are encouraged and there will be characters available for photo opportunities throughout the day.

Killington Fire and Rescue along with the Killington Pico Rotary Club are our food vendors and we’ll have craft vendors from across New England on site selling all sorts

of fairy-like wares. The Vikings of Ullr are setting up an encampment and are doing fight demonstrations as well and interacting with the crowd. We are pleased to have two Vermont artists for the event, Lynn Spencer of West Berlin and Peter Gould of Killington, to encourage creativity as well as two professional storytellers, Simon Brooks and Norah Dooley, spinning wonderful tales throughout the day.

The event will be held rain or shine at the Sherburne Memorial Library in Killington, Vermont, and we hope to encourage visitors to become more aware of the wonderful services their own public libraries offer as we celebrate libraries, families and lifelong learning.

The event is sponsored by Casella Waste Management, Sherburne Friends of the Library and the Greater Killington Women’s Club.

For more information, please contact Jane Ramos, Library Director, at 802-422-9765 or director@sherburnelibrary.org.

For a list of participating libraries, check out the events pages at www. sherburnelibrary.org or visit us at Vermont Fairy Tale Festival on Facebook.