KILLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – What is it about skiing? That was the question we posed to the die-hards on Day One at the Killington Resort.
It’s a familiar cheer on the first day of the ski season. The hoots and hollers of being back on the snow.
“I’m retiring in three weeks. I’m looking forward to skiing 60 times. Getting out as an old man, getting some exercise,” said Stephen Fisher of Ludlow.
“Makes me look forward to the winter. When everyone is complaining about the snow, I’m loving it, trying to find more of it,” said Rich Sullivan of Connecticut.
New this year at Killington– the skiing and riding start right at the top of the gondola. But you still need to hike back up the catwalk in order to catch the lift back down.
“The freedom of sliding down a hill. Being outside, the weather, the camaraderie of all the people up here,” said Maura Nee of Massachusetts.
As skiers and riders get their legs underneath them at the top of the mountain, construction on the stands, stages and race course is underway on the Superstar Trail. Killington is once again hosting the fastest female World Cup racers on the planet over Thanksgiving weekend. Although, the talent here is also pretty good.
“I love the adrenalin. Every new race, you get that feeling. It’s amazing,” said Bode Cerreta of Rutland Town.
“I like going fast. And I like going off jumps,” said Margot Cardiasmenos of Rutland.
A newly graded and paved access road leads to all that man-made snow. Killington is embarking on a major housing and retail development project over the next decade.
But on Day One, it’s all about the turns.
“It’s everything,” said Owen Wetzel, a senior at UVM. “I will get out here when it’s 70 in June. I will come out first day like today.”
“It’s the reason why I’m up here in Vermont. It’s the only thing I look forward to. Skiing is what makes everyone happy,” said Chris Mulhulland of New Jersey.
We do not know if Killington will have the longest season in the east this year. The mountain is installing a new lift on Superstar which is likely to shorten the season.
Thursday was also opening day at Sunday River in Maine.