Killington Resort’s bike park is over 30 years old, but in the past decade significant investments in the park (particularly beginner and intermediate terrain) have improved and expanded it significantly! Ridership has grown exponentially from about 2,000 riders a year to over 50,000 since the build-out. There are three high-speed lifts serving over 30 miles of trails — beginner to expert. The Snowshed area offers beginner terrain with features to challenge intermediate riders, too. The Ramshead area offers intermediate and advanced terrain for riders who’ve graduated from Snowshed. (Tip: start with Blue Magic). The Killington Peak area is for advanced riders featuring classic New England singletrack with plenty of rock and roots. The resort also offers a skills park, kids’ strider park and a designated uphill route. All riders must purchase a pass to access the trails. Visit: Killington.com.
About Sherburne Trails
The 20-miles Killington Mountain Bike Club (KMBC) trail network is comprised of three areas: The Sherburne Trails, Gifford Woods and Base Camp trails — with trailheads located on Route 100 and Route 4. These cross-country flow trails are mostly machine-made, about 3 feet wide, and have fun features such as jumps, rock rolls and bermed turns (not technical). This network has more than doubled in size over the past few years as new trails were built and connected the three areas together. The popular Sherburner Trail opened last year. All trails in this network are multiuse and are free and open to the public. Visit: killingtonmountainbikeclub.org.
In Killington, riders now have more options than ever! Killington Resort offers lift-serve downhill riding and the Sherburne Trails offer a variety of cross-country options from three base areas.
Easy Street and Wiggle are recommended for first time mountain bikers — and those looking to warm up, get a feel for new rental equipment or just need a confidence boost! Once comfortable, try Roller to practice berms. Some riders cruise these trails fast, so be aware. Don’t be afraid to stop on the side and let others pass. For the smallest riders, there’s a strider bike park at Snowshed, too.
Feel it
Step It Up at Snowshed is a great place to start for intermediate riders with berms and small jumps. Jump Start is also a great choice on Snowshed. If you venture over to Ramshead, start with Blue Magic, a serious jumps trail where it’s fairly common for riders to hit speeds of 20 mph and get some big air. Side Show Bob is a good choice if you are looking for a flow trail with rollers and berms with no jumps.
Send it
The Cable Trail from the top of Killington Resort via the K-1 Gondola is a “must ride,” as its a “classic Killington trail,” according to advanced riders and trail builders alike. While the riding is technical and sure to challenge even the best, it’s “not going to eat you,” they assure us. Take Off the Top, then a left onto The Light, then a right to the Cable Trail — it’s a fairly short section, but don’t be fooled! Alternatively, try Scarecrow, a much longer trail from the Peak that brings you by Snowdon Mountain and ends at Ramshead base area.
Mind Eraser and Paca’s Path on the Sherburne Trails are great for beginners, including first time riders. The wide machine-made trails offer relatively easy pedaling and minimal hills.
Feel it
Head to the Sherburner (on the Gifford Woods side). It’s simply the most popular pedal trail in the area — and for good reason! There’s a series of 6-8 tough switchbacks back-to-back but otherwise it’s a pretty friendly ascent and well worth it for the flowy downhill ride!
Send it
Ride TBR to Betty Trail to Archie Baker if you are looking to challenge yourself on some features. Archie Baker is packed with fun and unique rock rolls as well as some jumps and drops. There is a new feature to hit around every corner! Take the Picnic Table Cut Off back, or, if you are looking to get in more miles, continue on Betty Trail loop.
While you’re here …
By Polly Mikula
Challenge yourself
Maybe you have a fear of heights that you’d like to overcome — or maybe you don’t think you’ll be afraid at all? Challenge yourself! The Skye Ropes Course is located at the Snowshed base area of Killington Resort. It stands four-stories high with 42 obstacles to maneuver — it is hours of fun for daredevils, climbers and athletes of all ages. Closed heel shoes are required.
Enjoy a picnic at a concert
Head to the Snowshed base area at Killington Resort for a free Cooler in the Mountains outdoor concert every Saturday from 3-5:30 p.m. June 29-Aug. 21. Bring a lawn chair, a beach blanket and the whole family for this all ages event. On-site bar and BYOB area provided!
Enjoy the 4,241’view!
From the top of the K-1 Gondola, it’s a short 5- to 10-minute walk to the top of Vermont’s second highest mountain: Killington Peak — elevation 4,241 feet above sea level. Enjoy the 360-degree views up the spine of the Green Mountains. It’s a great spot for a picnic, too!
Paddle on 2 ponds
The town of Killington is home to two picturesque ponds: Kent and Colton ponds, both with access off Route 100. Kent Pond has a designated boat launch area and is the larger of the two with great views of Killington mountain. Colton Pond is just a bit further north on Route 100. The boat launch is by the beach area. Go there at sunset and capture a stunning reflection.
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