Killington's Snowdon Triple Chairlift Closes After 53 Seasons

Killington's Oldest Chairlift Shuts Down This Weekend

The Snowdon Triple chairlift at Killington will operate for the final time on Saturday 21 March 2026, ending a 53-season run that began in 1973-74. The lift will run from 9:00am to 4:00pm, with riders entered into a raffle to win one of the old chairs.

While not Killington's first chairlift, the Snowdon Triple has been the oldest operating lift at Vermont's largest resort for years. It serves Snowdon Mountain and provides access to intermediate through expert terrain, plus gladed areas. The mid-station has been particularly valued for its convenient access to Highline and Lower Conclusion runs.

Replacement Lift Details

A new Doppelmayr fixed-grip quad will replace the triple chair. Killington says this will increase uphill capacity and improve reliability during poor weather - a legitimate consideration given the resort's reputation for pushing the season boundaries into April and May, often in marginal conditions.

The resort's emphasis on fixed-grip reliability over high-speed lifts during wet weather is worth noting. High-speed detachables need more time to clear ice and snow buildup, making fixed-grip chairs more practical on stormy days. For a resort that operates in the often-challenging Eastern US climate, this is a sensible infrastructure decision rather than just going for the flashiest option.

The old chairs will be auctioned with proceeds going to the Killington Giving Fund. It's a fairly standard approach when retiring heritage lift infrastructure - gives the gear a second life and generates some community goodwill in the process.

Broader Infrastructure Investment

The lift replacement is part of a significant capital expenditure program since Killington and nearby Pico were sold to local ownership in 2024. The new owners have committed substantial funds across both properties, including replacing the Superstar Express with a six-pack, adding roughly 1,000 snowmaking guns over two seasons, installing new Skyeship gondola cabins, building a reconstructed maintenance barn, and adding a surface lift at Pico.

For context, that's the kind of investment program Australian resorts dream about. Adding 1,000 snowmaking guns alone would transform operations at somewhere like Falls Creek or Perisher, though our different climate and terrain make direct comparisons problematic.

Additional projects include summer mountain bike trail development and an expansion of the Jamaican Jerk Grill scheduled for the 2027-28 season.

The Snowdon replacement fits a pattern of North American resorts upgrading 1970s-era lift infrastructure as equipment reaches end-of-life. A 53-year-old triple chair has well exceeded its design life, and parts availability becomes increasingly difficult for lifts this age.

What's notable here is the choice of a fixed-grip quad rather than a high-speed option. While slower, it's a pragmatic decision that prioritises operational reliability over speed - something that matters more at a resort known for operating in challenging conditions. The capacity increase from triple to quad chair should reduce queue times without the maintenance complexity of a detachable lift.

The broader investment program under local ownership appears genuine rather than superficial. Snowmaking and lift infrastructure are unsexy but necessary expenditures that directly impact operations. Whether this ownership model proves sustainable long-term remains to be seen, but the capital allocation so far suggests they're serious about maintaining the resort's competitive position in the Eastern US market.

For anyone planning a Killington trip next season, expect improved uphill capacity on Snowdon Mountain, though you'll lose some of the character that comes with riding a five-decade-old chairlift. Progress has its trade-offs.