Photos: Killington Turns On Snow Guns As Ski Season Inches Closer

Can you hear that? It’s the sound of snow guns clicking on at Killington, Vermont. On Tuesday, October 6, as temperatures plunged to near freezing, the resort underwent its first major snowmaking test of the season.

In total, Killington’s snowmaking team operated six fan guns in three separate locations: four fan guns at the bottom of Superstar and two new SMI Super Puma fan guns on Mouse Trap and Lower Skyeburst, both of which were purchased and installed during this summer.

After completing another test later this week, Killington said in a release that it’s “slated to be fully prepared to make snow whenever temperatures become optimal.” The resort doesn’t have an announced opening date, but tends to open in early to mid-November. The last time it opened in October was on the 19th in 2018. 

While the recent snowmaking didn’t produce any snow coverage, the resulting photos provided a taste of what’s to come with the guns firing amid sun-dappled copper and yellow fall foliage. Ski season may only be a few weeks away.

Despite the stoke, it’s always good to temper expectations.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will remain largely above freezing at Killington over the coming week, barring a concerted snowmaking push. The coldest stretch in the near future will come Tuesday evening, with overnight lows dipping into the 30s. Another hint of chillier conditions is set to arrive Friday night.

In the meantime, that leaves an opportunity to check off the usual pre-winter checklist. If you’re buying a pass, do you have one? (I only remembered this recently after procrastinating all summer). Have your skis been tuned up since last season? (If you’re anything like me, they have not).

Can you squeeze in a few more pre-season workouts? This time of year tends to be frantic. One moment, you’re chilling by the lake in the sun—the next, Killington and other mountains are suddenly talking about snowmaking.

Otherwise, think snow. Killington got off to a rip-roaring start last winter with its largest opening terrain-wise in recent history. Will this year’s opening day deliver the same? It’s tough saying not knowing, but no skier in their right mind would be unhappy about a repeat performance.  

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