Magnificent Mountains

An August 2002 trip to Killington by Denice

We went to Killington in the "off" season of summer. The expectations we had were exceeded from the moment we entered the Green Mountain area. The scenery is breathtaking. There is lots to do for everyone. We had my young children and my mid-70's parents with us.

  • 6 reviews
The highlights are numerous. The gondola ride up 4471ft., MountK1 is spectacular with the view from the top taking your breath away. You have the choice of riding the gondola back down, mountain biking, or walking one of the array of trails to the mountain base. Another attraction is the chairlift to the top of the second highest mountain and take the slide ride 1170ft to the bottom. The speed of descent is completely controlled by the rider, making the ride suitable for the most hesitant adventurer. The other attractions, water slides, bungee thing, wall climbing and skate park are all very good. Quechee Gorge is another must see. It is beautiful and the walk to the gorge floor, 168 ft.down, is well rewarded with an old fashioned swimming hole. It is a 1 hour scenic drive from Killington and well worth it, informative and delicious. The golf courses are like nothing I had ever played before. This only scratches the surface and does not include the antique and craft shops, Norman Rockwell Museum, wineries, creamery, tubing, historical sites, rodeo or shopping in nearby Rutland.

Quick Tips:

Most activities are outdoors. Plan indoor activities and save them for bad weather days. There are a number of excellent publications outlining the innumerable things to do, they will greatly help. The activities at Killington and Pico can be bought with an all - inclusive pass, but are better paid for and done separately as you cannot possibly do or fully enjoy everything in one day. If you intend to use the Bungee Thing, put in your name and do something else until your turn. It can be a long wait. The area is not at all busy in the summer and reservations are not needed anywhere. You can leave your options open to the last minute. There is very little flat ground and you will want to do a lot of walking, the area just inspires you to get out and see it. Good walking shoes are a must as well as an adventureous attitude.

Best Way To Get Around:

Driving to central points and then walking from there to see everything seemed to be method most common. There is a shuttle available to take you to almost anywhere in a 30 mile ratio for only a dollar a ride. BMW runs a program where you can borrow any one of their 6 vehicles at anytime for 3 hours in the daytime and 6 hours at night. They run from a sedan to their completely loaded X5. There is also an Amtrak train called the Ethan Allen express that will take you there.
Best Things Nearby:
Killington & Pico Adventure Center Norman Rockwell Museum Quechee Gorge Killington Golf Course

Best Things About the Resort:
Gorgeous scenery and landscape Beautiful resort Daily maid service included fantastic staff BMW's to borrow at no cost huge and well appointed rooms

Resort Experience:
From the moment you are greeted by the bell staff, you feel like royalty. The staff can't seem to do enough. The lobby is beautiful as you enter with a view of the enormous mountains out the back of the common area. Any services you could possibly need are available and the cost is nominal. The views out every window we encountered was breathtaking. The golf course is like none other I've ever seen and perfectly kept in wonderful condition. The rooms are huge with evrything anyone could need except a large well stocked kitchen. This is the only downfall in these beautifully decorated suites. The pool is in the back of the resort at the base of the mountains. I have never swam in an environment like before. The food and service was excellent. I would return in an instant.

  • Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
  • Activities: Excellent
  • Amenities: Excellent
  • Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
  • Family Friendliness: Excellent
  • Service: Excellent
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Denice on August 19, 2002

Killington Gold Crown Hotel and Grand Resort
Killington Access Road Killington, Vermont

Ovations/RendevousBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Ovations at Killington"

The staff are very friendly you are welcomed at the door by the maitre d'. We were seated right away and brought a drink. The decor is very cozy and attractive, a very nice setting. The specials were outlined by the initial server. The four of us ordered something different with the salad being included. Two of us ordered French Onion Soup. The prices were between 12.95 and 16.95 for the entrees. The amount of food and value were excellent. The quality, presentation and taste was very good. I highly recommend the lobster, chicken parmesan, stuffed chicken and sirloin tips as this is what we had. The desserts are excellent and very well priced. I recommend arriving before 6:00pm as you receive a 20% discount for early birds. This restaurant is excellent and I am rather hard to please as I am a chef.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Denice on August 19, 2002

Ovations/Rendevous
Killington Grand Resort Killington, Vermont
802-422-6111

Casey's CabooseBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

The dining motif is Railway oriented and a lot of fun to look at everything on display. There is no air conditioning but if you sit towards the screened patio, it's not a problem. The menu is extensive and nicely priced for family dining. The salad with their three house dressings is delicious. They bring a large bowl of salad and you can try all the dressings if you like. I recommend you do. We were seven people for dinner including three kids. We ordered everything from seafood to chicken, with all the entrees being excellent. We were all to full for dessert and, in fact, could not finish our meals. An excellent value and a lot of fun, especially for the kids.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Denice on August 19, 2002

Casey's Caboose
Killington Access Rd. Killington, Vermont 05751
802-422-3795

The course is like none other I have seen. It is built into the mountains with each hole having a change in altitude from gradual to drastic. The course is so well kept that their rough area is like most fairways. If you go out of bounds, you will usually lose your ball. Most holes have a water hazard and the sand traps are strategically placed to provide some challenge. It is a course with beautiful scenery and something you will never forget. Make sure you take a cart, you will need it.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Denice on August 19, 2002

Killington Golf Course
Barrows-Towne Road, Route 100 Killington, Vermont 05751
(802) 422-4653

The museum is laid out chronologically from the early 1900's to his death with over 2500 works on display. You will recognize countless paintings from the magazine covers as well as hear Rockwell's life history from interactive terminals. The familiarity with his work is a huge drawing card and the number of displays is outstanding. The gift shop is well worth a visit as well. The items chronical his life and are extremely well priced.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Denice on August 19, 2002

Norman Rockwell Museum
Woodstock Avenue Killington, Vermont
(802) 773-6095

About the Writer

Denice
Denice
Barrie, Ontario

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