Killington Peak Vermont
Majestic mountain peak in Vermont, offering stunning panoramic views via gondola or challenging hikes. A year-round destination for adventure and natu...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, fewer crowds
Killington Peak Vermont
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Majestic mountain peak in Vermont, offering stunning panoramic views via gondola or challenging hikes. A year-round destination for adventure and natural beauty.
"The 360-degree views from the top made every step worth it."
Gondola for Non-Skiers
Take the K1 Gondola for stunning views without skiing! Great for families and sightseers . :mountain_railway:
Pack for the Cold
Even in warmer months, the summit can be chilly. Dress in layers and bring extra warmth . :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
K1 Gondola Ride
Base of Killington Resort
Scenic ride to the summit lodge, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Killington Peak Summit
Top of Killington Peak
Experience 360-degree vistas, especially stunning during sunrise or sunset.
Appalachian Trail Section
Near Killington Peak
Challenging hike with rewarding views, a true test for avid trekkers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ascent
Gondola vs. Hiking
Hikers can tackle parts of the Appalachian Trail, but be prepared for steep, rocky ascents, especially for the final push to Killington Peak.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Gondola for Non-Skiers
Take the K1 Gondola for stunning views without skiing! Great for families and sightseers.
Pack for the Cold
Even in warmer months, the summit can be chilly. Dress in layers and bring extra warmth. :cloud:
Summit Hike Prep
The final 0.2 miles to the peak is a steep, rocky scramble. Consider leaving your pack at the shelter. :hiking_boot:
Capture the Alpenglow
The mountain light, especially at sunrise and sunset, is incredible for photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
Gondola for Non-Skiers
Take the K1 Gondola for stunning views without skiing! Great for families and sightseers.
Pack for the Cold
Even in warmer months, the summit can be chilly. Dress in layers and bring extra warmth. :cloud:
Summit Hike Prep
The final 0.2 miles to the peak is a steep, rocky scramble. Consider leaving your pack at the shelter. :hiking_boot:
Capture the Alpenglow
The mountain light, especially at sunrise and sunset, is incredible for photos.
Check Trail Conditions
Especially for hiking, verify trail status and weather before heading out. :memo:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking 360-degree views from Killington Peak, accessible via the scenic K1 Gondola or challenging hikes. The experience is often described as magical and unforgettable, with the summit lodge providing necessary amenities. Some find the gondola ride a bit pricey, and the final hike to the peak can be strenuous.
"Went to Killington peak on the modular ride . Was a bit expensive but worth it . Once you go up, you can get down and have a good view of the mountain .. They also had a small snack bar and restrooms on top of the mountain… weather was good and we enjoyed it.. right back to the decent had a lot of stops due to some reason.. overall it was a good ride"
Raj S
"A very long climb up via the Appalachian Trail. At the shelter there is a side trail that takes you 0.2 miles to the peak. It's a fairly strenuous rock scramble so if you're thru-hiking I recommend taking your pack off and leaving it at the shelter. The views are super worth it though!"
A Heinz
"Worth the short, slippery trip up... great views"
Mike Still
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Killington Peak is accessible via the K1 Gondola at Killington Resort or by hiking trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail. Driving to the resort base is the primary way to access the gondola.
Yes, Killington Resort offers ample parking at its base areas, especially for those planning to use the K1 Gondola or ski.
No, you cannot drive directly to the summit of Killington Peak. Access is primarily via the K1 Gondola or hiking trails.
The K1 Gondola is the most popular and scenic option for non-skiers to reach the peak lodge and enjoy the views.
While direct public transport to the peak is limited, bus services operate to the Killington area, from where you can arrange local transport or taxis to the resort.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Gondola tickets can be purchased at the resort. Prices vary by season and age, but expect it to be a moderate expense for a roundtrip ride.
A ski day pass typically includes access to the gondola for skiers. Non-skiers can purchase separate roundtrip gondola tickets.
Check the Killington Resort website for potential discounts, especially for online bookings or during off-peak times.
Gondola hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Killington Resort website for the most up-to-date operating schedule.
Hiking trails are generally free to access, but you'll need to factor in parking if you drive to a trailhead.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views, visit the peak lodge for amenities, and take photos of the stunning mountain scenery.
Yes, the peak lodge typically offers restrooms and a snack bar or restaurant for visitors.
Weather at the summit can be significantly colder and windier than at the base. Be prepared for rapid changes.
The final ascent from the Appalachian Trail shelter is a strenuous, rocky scramble.
Yes, Killington is a major ski resort, and the peak is the starting point for many challenging ski trails.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting, known as alpenglow, which is fantastic for photos.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive vistas. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions.
The entire summit area provides stunning panoramic views. Look for clearings and overlooks for unobstructed shots.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially around the resort and during ski operations. Always check local regulations.
Mountain landscapes, ski slopes, fall foliage, and the summit lodge are popular subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Kids will be mesmerized by the ride and the expansive scenery. At the Peak Lodge, there are amenities like restrooms and a snack bar, making it convenient for families. The relatively short, rocky scramble to the peak itself might be challenging for very young children, but the main summit area is accessible and offers plenty to see and do. Consider visiting during less crowded times to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.⛰️ Hikers & Peak Baggers
📸 Photographers
The panoramic vistas offer endless compositions, from sweeping landscapes to detailed shots of the mountain terrain. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the grandeur of the scenery. Be prepared for changing light conditions and potentially cold temperatures, even in summer, to get the best shots.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The K1 Gondola Experience
Once at the Peak Lodge, visitors can step out to experience the summit environment. While the lodge offers amenities like restrooms and a snack bar, the real draw is the 360-degree vista. On a clear day, you can see for miles, taking in the vastness of Vermont's landscape. It's a popular spot for photos and simply soaking in the mountain air.
For those with ski passes, the gondola also serves as access to the upper mountain ski trails.It's important to note that even during warmer months, the weather at the summit can be significantly cooler and windier than at the base. Dressing in layers is highly recommended to ensure a comfortable experience. The gondola ride is a relatively short but impactful way to appreciate the scale and beauty of Killington Mountain.
Hiking to Killington Peak
The reward for this strenuous effort is unparalleled. The summit views are described as 'super worth it' and 'for the books,' offering expansive vistas that are a highlight for peak baggers and nature enthusiasts.
The terrain can be slippery, especially after rain or snow, so sturdy footwear and caution are advised. This hiking route is a true test of endurance and a fantastic way to earn the incredible scenery at the top.When planning a hike, always check trail conditions and weather forecasts beforehand. The mountain's weather can change rapidly, and being prepared is crucial for safety. The sense of accomplishment after reaching the highest point is a significant draw for many who choose to hike rather than take the gondola.
Killington in Different Seasons
The K1 Gondola operates to ferry skiers and sightseers alike to the upper mountain.Fall brings a spectacular display of foliage, drawing crowds eager to witness the vibrant colors blanketing the mountainsides. The K1 Gondola ride is particularly breathtaking during this time, offering unparalleled views of the autumn hues.
While beautiful, this is also a peak season, so expect more visitors and potentially higher accommodation prices.Summer and Spring offer opportunities for hiking and enjoying the cooler mountain air. The trails are accessible, and the green landscapes provide a different, yet equally beautiful, perspective. The K1 Gondola typically operates during these months as well, providing scenic rides for those who prefer not to hike. The peak lodge remains a focal point for amenities and views regardless of the season.
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