Masters of Killington
We've all been there.
The trepidation, the hesitation to try something new—especially when it entails rolling down a mountain on two wheels.
Self doubt settles in like a bank of murky clouds.
"What if I forget how to ride a bike? Will I look like a total kook? Will I get passed by kids a fraction of my age?!"

Fear not, you’re only a beginner once, and it’s the only way to get in the game. Someone will always look cooler and ride faster, but your goal is to have the most fun on the mountain. So toss those negative thoughts into the rearview, envision yourself shredding the mountain, and let’s ride.
Before the rubber hits the trail, scope out our pre arrival recommendations so you show up stoked and ready to rip.
Listen to Episode 12 of the Killington Download Podcast, featuring Olympic mountain biker and Killington regular Jimena Dolzadelli.
Watch mountain biking videos to get pumped up.
If you’re planning on more than one day of riding(do it!), line up lodging in advance.
Book a lesson.
Line up equipment rentals.
Ride. Ride. Ride. On your spin bike, around the neighborhood or on your local trails. The more time you spend in the saddle, the more comfortable you’ll be and the more fun you’ll have riding a bike at Killington.
Now that you’re headed to Killington, a few tips for navigating the Beast of the East.
Park at Snowshed.
Pick up rentals, lift tickets and anything else you might need at the Killington Bike Shop in Snowshed Lodge.
Program registration is located on the first floor of Snowshed Base Lodge.
Lessons meet outside at the Woodward boom box right next to the Beast Coaster.
Arrive at least 15 minutes (25 minutes weekends and holidays) before the lesson meeting time for registration, ticketing, and rental gear pickup.
For newcomers to Killington’s mountain bike experience, the sport can be a little intimidating.
"Do we really need this much protective gear? That bike looks as big as a motorcycle. What are we getting ourselves into?!"

While it might seem like overkill, having the right equipment makes all the difference when it comes to maximizing fun and prioritizing safety. You might look like a stormtrooper, but you’ll ride like one too.
All geared up with nowhere to go?
You shouldn’t be. See the note above about booking a lesson.It’s a lot easier to develop new, good habits than to break ingrained old ones.

"Aren’t lessons more for kids? I’ve been riding a bike for 30-plus years…."

The beautiful thing about sports like mountain biking is the progression never ends. That means whether you’re a beginner or seasoned rider, you never stop learning and expanding your horizons.
First dirt
"Will I get thrown right into the deep end, or can I start on an easy route?"

No, we’re not going to toss you right into the mouth of The Beast. Before you even look at the lift, newbie riders will benefit from sessioning the skills park.
Load up
"How the f%$* do I load my bike on the lift?! What ifI put it on wrong and it falls off?!"

This looks trickier than it really is, but a dash of confidence and the right technique goes a long way. Watch the riders loading the lift in front of you. If you feel remotely uncomfortable, ask the lift operator for assistance. After a few laps it’ll become second nature.
Take it easy
"If I go out on my own, which trail should I ride first?"

Easy Street. Ride this friendly and fun trail until you really get a feel for the bike and your surroundings.
Bigger and better things
"I’ve mastered Easy Street and have fallen in love with riding my bike. Now what?"

Rocks ‘n rolls. Bumps, berms and booters. Airtime, aprés and overall awesomeness. Welcome to mountain biking.
The Beast
Quintessential Killington
Call it a Comeback

On September 15, 2022, some of the world’s best mountain bikers will descend on Killington.

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Masters of Killington - MTB

Don’t dread the downhill: master mountain biking the Killington way.

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Masters of Killington - H2O

How do locals beat the summer heat? Drop in and discover Central Vermont’s water world.

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Mountain Bike Central

There are at least eight trail networks within 25 miles of Killington. Welcome to the epicenter of Vermont’s mountain biking universe.

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Roots Riding

One of snowboarding’s cultural icons and master of style, Danny Davis is all about bringing snowboarding to the people. His signature Woodward Peace Parks, including one at Killington, have opened up a whole new world for riders of all ages and abilities.

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Slippery Slopes

Imagine an eerily quiet, cold, crystalline world high in the mountains of Vermont, where everything—everything—is encased in two inches of glassy, impenetrable ice. We take you there in this multimedia feature story, and explore an otherworldly landscape witnessed only by a frozen few. Filmed and photographed on location at Killington Resort.

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Mogul Queens

Aspiring olympic skier Hannah Soar and olympic gold medal winner Donna Weinbrecht are cut from the same cloth - or moguls, as it were. This rich media feature explores the passion that drives them both to greatness, while also reflecting on the mountain where it all began.

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First Tracks

NCAA athletes Nina O’Brien and Paula Moltzan are the only skiers - besides Mikaela Shiffrin - to score points at the Killington Women's World Cup. Here, they talk about balancing their education with ski racing, and why there’s nothing quite like skiing in front of the home crowd.

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Park Etiquette

Not all rules are made to be broken. In this animated feature story we dive into the do’s and don’ts of skiing and riding in our Woodward Mountain Park.

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Home Mountain Advantage

After last year’s COVID-driven cancellation of the World Cup, the Killington community is ready for its triumphant return. Plus: racers with Vermont roots including Mikaela Shiffrin, Nina O’Brien, and Paula Moltzan speak to the excitement of returning home.

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Deep Days

The pursuit of powder and transcendent turns alters the trajectory of people’s lives. Why? Immerse yourself in this interactive feature and find out.

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Builders of the Beast

The builders of the East's longest ski season always rise to the challenge. In this collection of profiles, we go behind the scenes with three of Killington’s most valuable players.

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Mountain Forecasting

Mountain forecasting is its own beast. In this interview with Chief Meteorologist Mallory Brooke, we learn that she knows that beast better than anyone.

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Culture
Characters & Craft Vermont
Quintessential Character

Pico may lack bourgeois base lodges and six-pack lifts, but it’s as rich in culture and community as any mountain destination in New England. Here, we explore the character that defines the Pico experience through a multimedia lens.

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Snow Slang

Who knew there were so many words for snow? Here, writer Tyler Cohen takes a deep dive into the snow slang lexicon.

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Vermontness
Peggy Shinn, Unfiltered
The Evolution of Killington’s Mountain Biking Revolution

Mountain biking has never been more fun.

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Fling Into Spring

Vermontress Peggy Shinn takes us to her happiest place: springtime at Killington.

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What To Do On Valentine’s Day, Or More To The Point: How To Get More ________.

Love is in the air … and in the gondola. Liven up your Valentine’s Day with Peggy Shinn’s primer on mountain love.

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New Year’s Res-ski-lutions

Some New Year’s resolutions are doomed before the new year even begins. But not this one….

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How to Be a Bada$$ Santa

Columnist Peggy Shinn’s guide to giving the gift of stoke this holiday season.

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Takeaways From Last Season

Longtime 4241’ writer and contributor Peggy Shinn is a ninth-generation Vermonter and a member of the Vermont Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame. This is the debut of her column, “Vermontness.”

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Waxing on the World Cup

4241’ columnist Peggy Shinn knows what it takes to win the Killington World Cup - as a spectator and an athlete.

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