Finding Our Way: A Mother-Daughter Adventure at Killington

Summary

Mom and daughter have an adventure at Killington and learn from lessons, explorations and lots of snowboarding (and falling) that belonging isn’t about being invited in—it’s about choosing to step in and claim your space.

There’s a certain magic to learning something new as an adult—something equal parts exhilarating and deeply humbling. You fall a lot, you get back up, you figure things out, and—if you’re lucky—you get to share that process with someone you love.

That’s what this adventure at Killington was for my daughter, Aria, and me. It was a chance to find our way on the mountain, to fall and get up together, to laugh at ourselves, and to soak in every single moment of the ride.

From the City to the Snow: A Warm Welcome

We arrived at Killington late on a Wednesday afternoon, road-weary but excited to settle in. I’ve learned that a warm welcome can make all the difference when you’re new to a space, and the folks at Killington’s Grand Resort Hotel nailed it.

Lindsay at the front desk greeted us with an energy that instantly made us feel at home. Steve, one of the porters, was a local legend in his own right, full of insight and insider tips on how to make the most of our trip. And then there was Dave, the Wobbly Barn shuttle driver, who might as well be the unofficial mayor of Killington. He, like so many at Killington, is a long time employee on the mountain. Dave spoke so kindly about everyone at Killington; guests and employees alike. He also gave us the lowdown on the best places to eat, including his top pick for dinner: The Garlic.

Dinner at The Garlic: Fancy but Not Too Fancy

The Garlic is the kind of restaurant that makes you feel like you should be wearing a nice sweater—but it’s also the place where no one really cares if you roll in after a day on the slopes, covered in snow. It’s warm, candlelit, and fancy enough to feel like a treat without being intimidating.

Aria and I split the shrimp and scallop scampi, a crispy house salad, and the Harlot’s cheese, which was smothered in capers. It basically melted straight into our souls.

Pro tip: If you’re a caregiver on a budget, splitting entrées and apps is the way to go. We left very full and very happy.

Our server, Dave, was fantastic—not just because he kept us well-fed, but because he’s also a creative force on the mountain. He runs Skiing is Cool, Faces in the POW, an Instagram project that captures the stories and faces of Killington’s skiers and riders. It’s a reminder that skiing and snowboarding aren’t just about the sport—it’s about people, culture, and a shared love of the mountain. (Follow Dave Dixon @puplicklibrary,)

The Garlic also proved to be an art and history educational stop. It has an evolving candle wax sculpture in the dining room that’s been forming for years. Aria and I spent way too long staring at it like it was a museum exhibit.

 

The Tale of the Chicken Pitcher

Then there are the chicken pitchers and their interesting history.

The Italian Chicken Pitcher has its roots in Renaissance-era Italy and is linked to a tale of foiled assassination. As the story goes, the powerful Medici family was targeted by their rivals, the Pazzis, who planned to kill Giuliano de’ Medici during a grand festival. Assassins crept through a field at night, but their stealth was no match for a group of startled chickens, whose loud squawking woke the guards and exposed the plot. The Medici family, grateful to the chickens for saving Giuliano’s life, commissioned artisans to craft wine pitchers shaped like chickens, gifting them as symbols of protection and good fortune. Today, the tradition continues, with Italian chicken pitchers still seen as a charm against misfortune and a symbol of hospitality.

A Little Mountain Mystery

On our way home from dinner we had a mystery adventure! We hopped back on the Wobbly Barn shuttle, and Aria—being the keen-eyed adventurer she is—spotted a treasure chest under one of the seats.

Yep. A literal treasure chest.

Inside, we found a flashy little watch, some kid’s toys, and a few other trinkets that clearly belonged to some young explorer who had been on a grand adventure before leaving their loot behind. We handed it over to Lost & Found, hoping to reunite the mountain treasure with its owner.

Snowboarding Lessons: Fate, Full Circles, and Falling 

The next morning we geared up for lessons—Aria for a full-day ski lesson, and me for a snowboard lesson. This trip being full of surprises, one was waiting for me on the slopes.

Two years ago I took my first-ever mountain biking lesson at Killington. My instructor? A high-energy, military buddy, and incredibly patient guy named Mike Zielinski.

Guess who ended up being my snowboard instructor this time?

That’s right. Mike.

What are the chances?

Mike is the instructor you want when learning something new as an adult. He’s got this way of breaking things down to make perfect sense. He had me take videos of him demonstrating techniques, snapped pictures of my stance, and made sure I understood not just what I was doing, but why I was doing it. His energy was infectious, and by the end of the lesson, I wasn’t just surviving on my snowboard—I was finally riding.

Meanwhile, Aria had the absolute best experience in her lesson. She was paired with Ron, an incredible instructor who made her feel not just confident, but seen. As a Black mom raising a mixed-race kid in a sport that doesn’t always reflect us, it was huge to have her learn from someone who shared some of her experiences.

And when I asked her what she learned after spending the day with her new bestie Ron?

“I learned how to shred.” Enough said.

Before our lessons, we also had one of the best rental shop experiences ever, thanks to EJ, Gavi, and Ivan.

Not only did they make sure we had the right gear, but they also gave us some solid local recommendations—including a must-visit distillery called Still on the Mountain which is ear-marked for a future adult trip.

 

Après, Our Way

After three days of shredding (and some falling), we wrapped up with our favorite kind of après: hot tubs, a saltwater pool, and curling up in our cozy two-bedroom suite.

The thing about Killington is that it doesn’t just offer great skiing and riding—it offers balance. You can push yourself on the mountain and then sink into comfort at the end of the day.

A Gondola Ride to the Future

On our last day, we rode up the K-1 Gondola. For the first time, Aria got a good look at intermediate and advanced trails.

We aren’t quite ready to tackle them (yet), but just seeing them was a game-changer. She looked out over the mountain, eyes wide, already dreaming of what’s next.

A few things we learned about the gondola:

• Going up a big mountain for the first time can be intimidating. First-timers, prep your kids. Show them pictures and videos so they know what to expect.
• It’s colder up there. Wind and altitude don’t mess around. Bundle up.
• The energy is serious at the top. This isn’t the bunny hill crowd. This is where the full-send, no-fear skiers and riders go.

Despite some intimidation, it was absolutely worth it. The views were breathtaking, and even though we aren’t riding the steeps yet, we look forward to tackling them in the future.

A Mountain for Everyone

As someone who didn’t grow up with access to snow sports, I know what it’s like to feel like you don’t belong on the mountain. But here’s what I’ve learned: Belonging isn’t about being invited in—it’s about choosing to step in and claim your space.

At Killington, that space is wide open.

And we will be back to claim our space again.