Killington Resort held their annual fall meeting on October 19, 2021, at the Grand Hotel to present an overview of the last year and detail their plans for the 2021 – 2022 ski season. Here is a quick overview of the details and a copy of the slides presented at this meeting.
- As expected, Covid-19 had a big impact on the 2020 – 2021 ski season. Food and Beverage revenue was down 65% as people were told to use their cars as the lodge. Lesson revenue was down 70%.
- Weekend visitors were down, while midweek visits were up, which was part of the plan to spread people out due to Covid.
- Uphill pass sales were up as more people took advantage of that offering.
- The Killington App was well received and will be getting updates for 2021-2022 that include seeing what trails are open vs closed.
- The Resort will continue to push people to use reloadable tickets and the kiosk machines. There should be no reason for someone to go to the ticket window.
- Guest survey scores were up across the board as people were happy to be out of quarantine and skiing.
- The “100 Day Club” continued to expand with over 400 members. Five of those had a perfect end of season attendance record.
- Beast 365 pass sales continue to rise as people like the subscription model of this product.
- Mountain bike visits continue to grow with the Resort expecting to hit the 50,000 visitor mark for 2021!
- Mountain bike trail work is ongoing and Gravity Logic has been retained for the next 5-year plan. More details on this work will be coming in the spring.
- Summer 2021 saw a good number of events. The Resort prioritized their wedding business due to staffing issues which continue to affect all local businesses.
- The Resort has implemented a Covid-19 vaccine mandate for all staff and volunteers.
- Killington Resort’s minimum wage was raised to $15 per hour.
- Killington’s 4241 magazine has gone digital only. This will allow for dynamic updates as well as video content. There is also a new Killington Download podcast available of your favorite podcast channel.
Winter 2021 – 2022 Operations Update!
- No parking reservations
- Lift mazes back to normal
- Expect outdoors to be back to normal, no mask requirements
- Indoors – mask recommended
- Capacity limits may be in place at some locations (i.e. Peak Lodge)
- The Homelight Killington Cup will be an all-ticketed event and require proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test. General admission ticket sales will be donated to the Killington World Cup Foundation.
- Food and Beverage will include an open Wobbly Barn, bars with live music (though some possible re-arrangement and capacity limits) and food trucks. Table side QR ordering will be used in preparation for the new multi-floor K1 base lodge.
- Fast Tracks – should not impact other skiers and Mike Solimano asked for leeway on the program.
- Work around the new K1 lodge includes paving and radiant heat in walkways. The Tear Down Party for the old lodge will be March 20, 2022. The new lodge will open for Winter 2022/23.
- The Resort is still investing over $5.2 million dollars this year, even after the impacts of Covid-19 last season.
- Trail work that has been done includes: new above ground valve stations, glading trails, trail clearing on Solitude, grade work on Dreammaker (less snowmaking required due to pitch fixes), removal of rock on Chute, improved Lasso slope to “glide” to Bronco at Pico, and the A Slope Cutoff at Pico.
- PlayForever sees 3% of operating income to projects like planting wildflowers, food drives, elementary school playground, etc.
Killington Resort is ready to open when Mother Nature says so! Let’s go!
