The Killington Download

This episode the Killington Download podcast sits down with Steve Reynolds, snowmaking control room supervisor for the resort. We chat with Steve about his first job at Killington making snow and his transition into the control room. We learn exactly what happens in the control room, that there is 90 miles of pipe that covers Killington and Pico and the most challenging part of his job is the weat...

This episode the Killington Download podcast sits down with Anne Reynolds, Director of Human Resources for the resort. We chat with Anne about staffing the largest resort in the East and the 1600+ employees Killignton has in the height of winter. We even debate the oddest jobs at the resort. Then we welcome President and General Manager Mike Solimano back. Mike speaks about the impact the flood ha...

This episode features three guests, US Open co-founder and race director Clay Harper and professional downhill mountain bikers Aletha Ostgaard and Dakotah Norton. In 2022 Aletha finished 3rd and Dakotah finished 1st in the open class division at the US Open. We talk to both about what it’s like to race professionally around the globe as well as what sets racing at the FOX US Open apart from other...

This episode features Joe De Sena, Founder and CEO of Spartan. We talk to Joe about life lessons learned growing up next door to a mob boss, the adventure that was Joe’s first trip to Killington and then we learn all about the Death Race and the origins of the Spartan race itself. As a bonus Joe challenges any listener who has never done one of his races with a free entry into the Killington Beast...

This episode features David Wright, Grooming Manager for Killington and Pico Resorts. We discuss springtime grooming and the reasons every trail isn't groomed when the temperatures rise. We learn the ins-and-outs of winch cats, discuss the new snow depth technology (don’t call it RADAR) and finally hear the challenges behind grooming Dave’s favorite trail. Then we welcome President and General...

In this episode we speak with Amy Laramie, Director of Brand Marketing, Events and Special Projects and Calvin Merrill, Snow Reporter about attending the Castleton Resort and Hospitality Management program at Killington Resort. This unique college experience combines real world, hands-on learning with more traditional college classes just a few miles from the base of Killington. We hear about the...

In this episode we speak with ski tuning expert Mike Aicher. We learn about Mike's childhood at Pico, then take a deep dive into the world of ski and snowboard tuning. He explains the science of skis gliding on snow, and how the correct wax and proper application plays an important role. We learn about base bevels and structures and how they make spring skiing better. Lastly, we hear tips for...

In this episode we are joined by Kayla Sarajian, Anna Tadio and Halley Riley-Elliott; three very interesting women who have demanding jobs at the resort that are traditionally held by men. We invited them to a roundtable to talk about how they ended up in their roles, what struggles they might have encountered along the way and what advice they might give to other women thinking about pursuing a c...

This episode focuses on the proposed Six Peaks Village at Killington with Michael Sneyd, President of Great Gulf Residential Group. We learn about the new water supply, access road, and base lodges, and what locals and guests can expect when construction gets underway. We also discuss Michael's long ski history at Killington and find out that his favorite trail is a groomed Outer Limits. We wrap u...

In this episode we talk to Jim Shands about his nearly 40 years of work at Killington. We discuss his early years “sled doggin’” and learn just what that term means. Then we dive into his team's role in the construction of the new K-1 Lodge and how the job will never really be done. Then we talk with Mike Solimano, President and General Manager of Killington and Pico Resorts about the exciting new...

U.S. Snowboard Slopestyle Olympian Red Gerard joins us to speak about his experience winning a gold medal at age 17. We also talk snowboard contest judging and how his first time riding after the 2022 Olympic Games landed a Snowboard Magazine cover shot. We uncover the origins of Red’s Backyard and what it means to partner with Woodward Parks. Then we talk with Mike Solimano, President and General...

With winter in full swing, we welcome Kim Jackson from Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports to the podcast. Kim speaks about what Vermont Adaptive is and exactly what they offer. We learn that the organization serves people with all types of disabilities and that no one is ever turned away. Lastly, we hear 3 wonderful success stories. Then Mike Solimano, President and General Manager of Killington and...

For episode 2 we welcome Killington’s Golf and Snowsports Director Dave Beckwith to the podcast. We ask Dave why he spends his winters teaching newbies, what it takes to manage the East’s largest snowsports school, and how gratifying it is to stoke people out on skiing and riding. We then get the scoop on how he skis the Beast on days off and where his favorite woods run is located. Then Mike Soli...

We are kicking off season two of the Killington Download Podcast with US Ski Team athlete and Olympian Paula Moltzan. We chat with Paula about learning to race at a small Minnesota ski hill, racing for the University of Vermont and why racing the at Killington Cup is so special. We round out our conversation discussing her success at the Beijing Olympic Games. Then Mike Solimano, President and Gen...

On the season finale of the Killington Download Podcast we talk to Greg Gleason, Killington Snowmaking Manager. He reveals what it takes to make the snow that allows those early-season turns on Rime. We also get the lowdown on all types of different snow guns, why the snowmaking pipe is always on the skier’s left side of the trails, and Greg’s favorite trail to make snow on (it might surprise you)...

Clay Harper has a lifelong love affair with mountain biking. We discuss Clay taking his first bike ride at five years old, being a professional downhiller, and starting the US Open of Mountain Biking. Plus we get a lesson on what a "Best Whip Competition" really is. We wrap Clay’s segment with a complete rundown of everything that is happening at this year’s US Open, September 15th-18th, 2022. The...

Ben Colona has been the President of the Killington Mountain Bike Club since its inception. We sat down with Ben and chatted about the development of the Sherburne Trails, the future of the Velomont, and how the Killington community has embraced all things mountain biking. Then Mike Solimano, President and General Manager of Killington and Pico Resorts, comes on the podcast. We discuss the evoluti...

Jimena Dolzadelli is a mountain bike legend. She has represented Argentina in two Olympic Games, won 4 NORBA titles and is currently wearing a rainbow jersey for winning the Masters World Championship this past spring. We talk to her about all that and what she is currently doing at Killington Resort. Then Mike Solimano, President and General Manager of Killington and Pico Resorts, joins us on the...

On March 20, 2022, one last bowl of chili was served and one last beer poured at the Killington Base Lodge. The Killington Download Podcast took the microphones on the road and set up shop during one last party at the Mahogany Ridge Bar. Our goal was to capture stories and memories from old-time locals and Killington skiers and riders, as they came together to toast the old building one last time,...

Grooming perfect corduroy is an art form, and on Episode 10 of the Killington Download we talk to one of the best groomers in the business: Killington’s own Corey Tredtin. Corey takes us inside the cab of his tractor as he drives and grooms at Pico this past February. We learn why natural snow is the best snow for grooming, how driving one of these monster machines is like flying a fighter jet, an...

2 time X-Games gold medal winner, US Olympic Athlete and the inspiration behind the Woodward Peace Park, Danny Davis joins the podcast. We discuss his take on the olympic games, the origins of the Peace Park, his favorite features of this year's build as well as who inspires him in snowboarding currently. We round out the podcast with Danny’s Mt. Rushmore of snowboarding. Then Mike Solimano, Presi...

Sometimes you gotta go where everybody knows your name. In Episode 8, we sit down with Killington’s head bartender Matt Bigelow to hear about his 28 years of mixing drinks, pouring beers, and making friends. We discuss closing down Mahogany Ridge for the last time, then Matt shares a story about former New England Patriot Drew Bledsoe. He tells us just how many gallons of bloody mary mix they use...

The saying goes if you don’t like the weather in Vermont just wait five minutes. In Episode 7, we sit down with Killington’s Chief Meteorologist Mallory Brooke to find out the extended Killington forecast and why it could be  a good one for snow lovers. (4:54) Then we discuss what makes Killington’s weather so unique,(18:50) if there is any truth the the locals saying “it’s always sunny at Be...

This week we welcome award-winning writer and 8th-generation Vermonter Peggy Shinn to the podcast. (4:04) We chat with Peggy about what it’s like to cover seven Olympic Games and the different preparations she’s taking before heading to the ‘22 Winter Games in Beijing, China. (13:44) We also discuss Andrea Mead Lawrence’s special relationship with gravity, what it’s like to have a butler while cov...

Skiers and riders say Woodward Mountain Parks at Killington are some of the best in the business, and who are we to argue? In Episode 5 we talk to the man that keeps the parks fresh day in and day out, Terrain Park Supervisor Taylor Zink. We chat with Taylor about what it’s like to build parks for Danny Davis and Red Gerard, his favorite feature in all the parks, who’s throwing down currently at T...