Killington is First Ski Area to Open in Northeast

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Killington Resort began spinning its lifts on Sunday, Nov. 3, becoming the first ski area to open in the Northeast this season. Photo courtesy Dave Young/Killington Resort

Opening Day at Killington Resort on Sunday, Nov. 3, brought out a raucous crowd of excited skiers and snowboarders. Photo courtesy Dave Young/Killington Resort

Eager skiers line up to make their first turns of the season on Opening Day at Killington Resort on Sunday, Nov. 3. Photo courtesy Dave Young/Killington Resort

The view from the top of Rhime on Opening Day 2019 at Killington resort on Sunday, Nov. 3. Photo courtesy Killington Resort

Early-bird skiers and snowboarders make their first turns of the season on Reason trail during Killington Resort's Opwening Day on Sunday, Nov. 3. Photo courtesy John Everett/Killington Resort

Stoked skiers and riders get ready to make their first turns of the season at Opening day 2019-20 at Killington Resort on Sunday, Nov. 3. Photo courtesy Killington resort

A lift attendant readies the K-1 Express Gondola for service on Opening Day for the 2019-20 season on Sunday, Nov. 3, at Killington Resort. Photo by Martha Howe

A chair from Killington's new North Ridge Quad is seen in the early morning hours of Sunday, Nov. 3. The lift helped service Killington's Opening Day - the first in the East - later in the day. Photo courtesy Killington Resort

The 2019-20 ski and ride season officially kicked off on Sunday, Nov. 3, with Killington Resort leading the way as the first ski area to open in the Northeast.

"The stoke is real!" stated a post on the resort's Facebook page.

Killington got the season started for Season Pass, Express Card, and IKON Pass holders only with skiing and riding in the North Ridge area serviced by its brand-new North Ridge Quad. The K-1 Express Gondola was scheduled to upload until 3 p.m. and download until 4 p.m., with the last run down Rime slated for 3:30 p.m.

The resort planned to open Monday for the general public, weather permitting.

Killington regularly boasts the longest season in the East. Last year, Killington opened on Oct. 19 for passholders and remained open until the first weekend in June.

Last season, Killington and Sunday River Ski Resort in Maine tied for earliest opening in the East. This year, Cataloochee Ski Area in southwestern North Carolina was first to spin its lifts on Oct. 31.

This year's opening at Killington was announced via a press release Sunday evening:

"We're expecting typical early season conditions ... Terrain is suitable for intermediate and above skiers and riders. No easier terrain will be available, and early season conditions exist, please use caution.

"We plan to remain open daily to the general public from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. weather and conditions permitting. We expect the first Woodward Mountain Park zone, a pop up park on Reason, to open Monday as well."

Sunday also marked the final day of the Bike Park season at Killington, with the Snowshed Express Quad spinning from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.killington.com/the-mountain/conditions-weather/current-conditions-weather