Summary
Slopes, sun and seamless lesson send-offs were all in sync - as if the stars in the sky were in perfect alignment for this family's two days at Killington and Pico Mountains.
“Boys – guess what? It’s totally a “full send” day!” I mused from the front seat of our car, turning to our three boys shoulder to shoulder in the middle row as we made our way to the first stop on our family ski trip — Killington. Apparently, that was an uncool use of “full send” but my youngest smiled ear to year, the 8-year old said “oh mommmm” with an eye roll and slightly amused grin, while my eldest (middler schooler) simply grimaced his eyebrows, shook his head and muttered “umm–no Mom” (clearly implying my ski slang was a fail.) Regardless – we all agreed it was going to be a great day.
After early season trips with wind holds and frigid temps, this was our long-awaited bluebird weekend — and Killington and Pico delivered. Just a short (20-25 minute) drive from our accommodations at the enchanting Mountain Top Resort, the two mountains are within a few minutes drive from eachother. Not trail-connected, they’re both large enough for their own dedicated days (Killington could be 2-3 days!)
Kicking it off at Killington
We visited Killington Mountain Resort on a Friday and received top notch customer service all around. Our youngest was enrolled in a full day lesson which can mean rushing to get everything in order. At Killington, though, the trifecta of loading RFID cards (or purchasing individual passes), readying up, parking and shuffling along kiddos, and checking in for lessons is all conveniently located at the Ramshead base lodge.
My first mental notes were that of the friendly, considerate, and genuinely helpful staff. The theme held true across our two days at both mountains – from the lift ticket kiosks, to the cafeteria/dining and register staff, to each (of many!) smiles that greeted Reid for his full day lesson.
Five Stars for “Mini-stars” – Kids Lessons at Killington
At Killington Resort, the kids’ ski lessons go by a few specific program names depending on age—but the one most families remember is:
“Ministars”
- This is the main kids program for younger children (ages ~4–6)
- It’s a full-day lesson with small groups, lots of fun learning zones, and lunch included.
Simple way to think of it:
- Little kids → Ministars
- Older kids → Youth Lessons
- First-time adults → Learn to Ski/Ride
In the 2025-26 season – our youngest, Reid (5), has participated in weekly lessons at our nearby mountain in Connecticut, gaining a solid skil base. The youngest brother of our trio, he is a little too fearless for my nervous system and eager to keep up with his brothers. On our previous Indy Pass Trip, Reid was a rockstar and conquered base level greens and several blues with his brothers.
The family “mountain plan” we’ve executed this ski season typically involved morning greens, a manageable ‘blue or two’, and lunch break in the lodge as a family. Afternoons leads to “older brother break off with dad” to hit terrain parks, glades, black diamond delights, while I savored one-to-one time on lower mountain trails with Reid. We’d hit our apres stride by 2pm (fries and an IPA), while waiting for the “big boys” return.
At Killington, the opportunity for Reid to be in a full day lesson (9am-3pm with lunch, snacks and lots of TLC) offered him the opportunity to ski with similar skilled peers and a phenomenal instructor. Meanwhile, the rest of our family had greater flexibility for mountain adventuring, exploring more difficult terrain, and lapping lift lines.
The Mini-stars lesson drop off was hands-down the most organized, straightforward, relaxed and well-staffed lessons I have encountered.Smooth and seamless, I appreciated the relaxed area and restrooms for organizing children’s drop-off gear and booting up. Not one, not two, but three Mini-star staff members had clipboards for checking in Reid, and each individual had clear skills for “getting on the level” of a 5-year old. Fist bumps and jokes abound, Reid was classified as a “Fox” ability level, caringly walked over to the second official drop point, and was cheesin’ for a picture in front of a mini-stars sign that later served as our ‘proof of parent’ for pick-up – genius!
Kids are grouped into fun animal levels—from Bears and Foxes up through Wolves and beyond—so learning feels like a game, but the progression is well structured.
Our little Fox was off and happy – the best way for any parent to start their own ski day, relieved that their child is content and in caring, capable hands and an incredible learning experience.
Eight Peaks of Fun: Exploring Killington Resort
Starting near Ramshead Lodge, we warmed up on the easy greens off Snowshed Quad—perfect for kids and close to lesson drop off. From there, we took Ramshead Express Quad to work our way across the mountain, with trails gradually increasing in difficulty.
This route leads to K-1 Lodge, the hub for lifts up Snowdon Peak and ultimately the Summit via the popular K-1 Express Gondola.
Aunt Mary and crew crisscrossed the mountain, chasing peaks, lifts, and double black glades, while I happily cruised blues off the SuperStar Express toward the gentler Bear Trax and Bear Cub—perfect for a more relaxed pace. Families in various stages of skiing skills will enjoy Killington’s clusters of easier greens and blues pegged across the mountain.
If your kids or family members are eager to shred one of the most famous double black diamond runs at Killington and on the east coast – our boys had rave reviews for ‘Outter Limits.’ Covered in big moguls and a wide, straight, fall-line – you can access it from the Bear Mountain Quad Lift.
Later, my husband casually reported that “Evan tried to ski off a tree” (if you have boys – no further explanation needed), fell and hit a small tree. Shaken up, with thankfully no injuries, the boys regrouped and navigated on over to the terrain park for more structured thrills.
For the most adventurous, a trio of terrain parks is in close proximity to the ‘Stash’ glades. Grant and Evan, my terrain park enthusiast sons, enjoyed many of the smaller terrain parks.
Sunshine & VIP Treatment at Killington
As winter luck would have it, the sun was blazing by mid-afternoon and we were shedding some layers and breaking a sweat. The boys made their way back over to Ramshead – hitting more glades and two terrain parks via Ramshead Express Quad.
Chatting on the ski lift with a longtime local and Killington mountain veteran, he recommended my sister and I check out the Jerk Jamaican Mountain Grill. Goals: Sweet libations (check) & facing the afternoon sun (check check). Commonly referred to as the ‘Jerk’ this was the perfect afternoon stop, and thankfully no jerks unveiled themselves (triple check.)
A sisterly tradition, we sank into two red Adirondack chairs, tilted toward the sun, and kicked back with our delicious libations.
After our afternoon sun siesta, we met up with Matt, Killington & Pico’s Creative Services Manager and super skilled digital content creator, to capture our family in action. He greeted us with a cheerful smile and relaxed, go-with-the-flow energy for candid memories and both stills and videos of our family skiing.
Some “can’t forget” moments Killington Matt (and Dad Matt) captured:
Ski Lesson Perfection- Bravo Fernando & The Fox Fleet
At the end of our day, we scooped Reid up from lessons. I was wow’d by his energetic instructor, Fernando, who enthusiastically shared the adventures of the Fearless Foxes (Reid and his ‘skulks’ – a group of foxes). Fernando eagerly reported out on their ski-escapades: the groups tirelessness and pack mentality going to the mountain’s top and skiing “peak to creek!”
Killington made Reid’s lessons feel effortless, fun, and organized, and delivered a happy, smiling kid at the end of the day.
Another Way Down: Killington’s Tubing Park
After a full day on the slopes at Killington Resort, the adventure didn’t end—it just shifted gears.
We ventured over to Killington Tubing Park where we were met with beats blasting and tubes spinning down their multi-lane facility. Kids and adults of all ages were having a pure blast.
“Eye of the Tiger” pulsed from the speakers and the three Broconnor wildlings were cruising with joyful reckless abandon down the lanes. The best part? Those tired ski muscles can simply plop onto a tube and go. The tubes get clicked in to a rope tow with a carabiner-type apparatus to get back up to the top. No hiking and carrying tubes here!
Tubing was pure fun and a fantastic setup. There’s a clubhouse right by the lanes for warm-ups, cocoa, snacks, etc. Reservations are recommended, and so is dancing. Consider embarrassing your kids like I did and bust a dance move before your next ride down!
Pico Mountain: Laid back and loveable
We woke up Saturday to, yes, another bluebird day.
On to Pico Mountain—smaller than Killington, but mighty in charm. Pico is easygoing, friendly, and refreshingly simple, with one central lodge (free bag storage, great food, and a cozy upstairs lounge full of vintage ski nostalgia).
I was pleased to encounter little sparks of joy and extra efforts that make Pico one of a kind. The mountain is a “stop and smell the flowers” (when you’re not skiing of course) destination. Speaking of flowers, several staff were arranging fresh, colorful blooms in simple glass vases throughout the lodge. Booting up amongst plenty of long, roomy tables, I noted that Pico is uncrowded and unassuming – welcoming every skier.
Trails for Everyone at Pico
As for the skiing? Pico shines for intermediates—tons of fun blue terrain without the crowds. We started with family-friendly greens (Gold Rush to Swinger), then lapped Fools Gold and Prospector off the Golden Express.
Our five-year-old delighted in popping in and out of the trees like a tiny ski gnome, while I soaked in the joy of watching his confidence grow—bumps, turns, and all.
Later, we headed higher to Pico’s summit with our older boys—where winding blues like Forty-Niner delivered great runs and even better views. While there is one lift (Summit Express quad) to Pico’s peak, there are a variety of blues (and black diamonds) that weave together – offering a variety of scenery and terrain for everyone to enjoy.
We all broke for lunch – enjoying Pico Lodge’s convenient slopeside dining. Lobster bisque and a chocolate chip cookie were a winning combination (who knew?) Evan plotted his afternoon trail ‘wish list’ with a Pico map.
After lunch, Reid and I had more quality time cruising mellow laps off the kid and family-friendly “Knomes Knoll Triple” lift. Located conveniently close to the magic carpet, this quick lift offers families either the one green ‘triple slope’ trail back to its base, or wide blue trails on either side (‘Ace of Clubs’ and ‘Sundowner.’)
Came for the Skiing, Stayed for the Cookies
As the lifts closed and the mountain started to wind down, our boys started the familiar packing up of ski bags and collecting belongings.
Our three boys’ faces beamed with looks of happy exhaustion—their legs spent and faces sun-kissed.
And just when you thought the day couldn’t get any better, staff handed out chocolate chip cookies as skiers drifted to their cars—an unexpected, simple gesture that felt perfectly Pico.
Our family appreciated the sweet send-off – sending us on our way with one last reason to smile.
Leah is a lifelong adventurer and creative spirit raising three amazing boys on the Connecticut shoreline. Her family thrives in the outdoors—skiing, biking, hiking and diving into any ocean adventure. While her children were each on skis at age three, Leah first clicked into skis as an adult. Almost outpaced by her youngest skier, age five, she has been chasing after her husband and two older boys down Vermont and other New England mountains ever since!
Working, counseling, and leading in public schools for over a decade, Leah is a former district administrator and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Wellness Director. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Leah now owns a private practice, specializing in women’s wellness. In tiny sparks of free time she writes about the wild, beautiful work of living fully—where sand, sea, slopes, and meaningful healing all meet.