A snow gun recently firing at Killington Resort in Vermont. (Killington Resort/Facebook Photo)
Vermont’s Killington Resort has begun snowmaking in advance of it hosting the 2016 Audi FIS Ski World Cup on November 26 and 27, 2016 — the first World Cup event on the East Coast in a quarter century.
Snowmaking lit up on Killington and Skye Peaks just before dawn Monday, October 10, building stockpiles for both public consumption on North Ridge trails and the approaching Audi FIS Ski World Cup races on the legendary trail Superstar.
In addition to summer snowmaking improvements to the water lines, Killington has dedicated a snowmaking team to specifically build the race venue on Superstar where the women’s slalom and giant slalom races will take place. Killington’s snowmaking system has the ability to pump more than 720,000 gallons of water into 240 snow guns, covering 80 acres with 12 inches of fresh snow in a matter of hours. Killington’s snowmaking capacity and grooming allow the mountain to maintain a dependable and consistent snow surface regardless of weather conditions.
“Our operations team has snowmaking and grooming down to a science, which makes Killington able to host an event of this magnitude early in the season,” said Mike Solimano, President and General Manager of Killington Resort. “Hosting the World Cup is a tremendous opportunity for both Killington and the East in general. We are preparing for a successful event regardless of how much powder Mother Nature drops between now and Thanksgiving.”
Killington will be the first mountain in the eastern US to host an Alpine World Cup event in 25 years. The general public is invited to view the women’s giant slalom and slalom races in a free general admission area, which will accommodate approximately 7,500 spectators. Free parking and shuttle buses for event spectators will be provided during the weekend. Appropriate attire for winter weather is recommended for the outdoor venue, including sturdy waterproof shoes and multiple layers. No pets, lawn chairs or coolers will be permitted in the Expo Village. In addition, rock band O.A.R. will headline a robust music and entertainment lineup for World Cup spectators.
For more information about the 2016 Audi FIS Ski World Cup at Killington Resort, including the schedule of events, please visit www.killington.com/worldcup for details and updates.