A Case for Skinny Skis: Killington Closing Day 2024

Skiers are used to dodging bare spots on closing day, but nothing is quite like the rough and rugged mogul-bashing festival that takes place on Killington's Superstar Glacier each late-May/June.

Need proof? Watch Ski The East Director of Sales and Marketing Jake Whitlock at Killington's closing day on June 1st, 2024. Video directly below.

Where else can you see a 20-something-year-old skier rip a pair of skinny skis on slush, dirt, and corn snow in 80-degree temperatures other than closing day at Killington, Vermont?

The question is rhetorical, but the point is made. The vibe at Killington is nothing short of unique, especially on closing day.

As an east coaster, I'm ashamed to admit that I've never made the pilgrimage to Killington for closing day. The occasion has eluded me thus far, but rather than wallow in regret, I reached out to Whitlock in an attempt to live vicariously through his words.

An excerpt from our email conversation is below. Enjoy!

Jake Whitlock- Killington Closing Day Q&A

Hey Jake, please tell us a bit about yourself to kick things off.

"My name is Jake Whitlock and I grew up in Beantown, Mass. I started skiing when I got to the University of Vermont in 2015 and instantly fell in love with the sport, including the ups and downs of the East Coast winters. I might have flunked a math class because I spent more time on the hill than in school my freshman year (sorry Mom).

I currently reside in Stowe, VT., working as the Director of Sales and Marketing for Ski The East. When I’m not on the computer, you can find me skiing Jay Peak, MRG, or Stowe."

What was the skiing experience like for closing day at Killington?

"First off, it felt like Summer, which was great. You hopped on the lift and immediately looked down on this beautiful white ribbon of snow. As you get further up the mountain, you pass over the bright green grass at your feet.

At the top of the lift, you’re met with one of the most incredible sights in all of Vermont, a 360º view of the entire state and more. By June 1st the hills and high peaks have turned to their true Green Mountain form, it’s absolutely breathtaking.

Now that you’ve admired the view, you start making your trek to the glacier. There are two Piston Bullies parked at the top of the trail with ropes attached to the front blade, this is how you’re getting down to your drop-in. Skis and poles in one hand, line in the other, you slowly rappel yourself down the slope to the snow. As you traverse the rocks and dirt in your ski boots, you would occasionally hear someone shout “ROCK” as a stone comes hurling toward the skiers, but these East Coasters aren’t worried…it’s a lot easier than navigating traffic on Storrow Drive.

Once you reach the transition point, you try and hold your footing in the mud and snow to step into your bindings - this proved difficult as we saw multiple people lose their balance and slide down the headwall until the pitch mellowed out. Once you were in your skis, it was all downhill from there. The first few turns aren’t quite as soft since you’re skiing the glacial ice that was blown back in October for the World Cup, or you’re still finding some rocks.

Once you reach the bumps it’s nothing but sunshine and slush. You’re just mashing moguls getting sprayed by corn and it feels magical; find a good zipper and let ‘em eat. It’s incredible to see lush forests in your peripherals as you bash bumps with your friends. The trail does get a little thin in some spots, especially as the day goes on, but it’s nothing these folks can’t handle. Before you know it you’re just hootin’ and hollering the whole way down because again, it is JUNE 1ST and you’re still skiing!"

Why did you opt for a pair of skinny skis?

"Simple answer: They rip in the bumps. In the Springtime, Superstar basically turns into one mega bump run so having a pair of planks that love to mash moguls is key."

You told me that those skis are your "favorite pair that you own". Why is that?

"They just don’t make them like they used to ;) But in reality, I do have an obsession with straight skis. I love the Greg Stump films from the 80’s and 90’s. I’m constantly on Craigslist or FB marketplace hunting down the perfect pair. The graphics and the construction are so rad. It breaks my heart to see people chopping up perfectly good straight skis into patio furniture when they could still be ripping out on the hill. If you want to repurpose them after they’re delaminating or falling apart, be my guest.

This particular pair of original Rossignol Mountain Dew skis are my favorite because they were the first pair of straight skis I ever got, and they came off the wall of a bar in Boston. They’ve held up incredibly well over the years and are still going strong.

Bottom line, they offer a different experience than shaped skis that can be super fun, just like shooting on film or listening to vinyl - gotta keep the old ways alive."

What are you looking forward to next season?

"I’ll answer this one with our Ski The East credo: The snow, sleet, rain, ice, powder, slush, stumps, bumps, rocks, guts, grit, and glory."

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