The Beauty of The Beast: Killington Cup Returns Amid New Ownership
The return of the Stifel Killington Cup to kick off the 2024-2025 winter season offers a reassuring sign that some of our favorite traditions will endure at Killington as the beloved Vermont resort changes hands.
When POWDR announced the sale of Killington and Pico (among other properties), many wondered what this would mean for the mountain experience we've come to love. POWDR Vice President of Communications and Government Affairs Stacey Hutchinson promised, "We'll look for the best possible owner and steward of these great mountains." It seems they've delivered on that promise.
The new owners, Phill Gross and Michael Ferri, are both longtime homeowners and passholders with deep ties to the mountain. Phill Gross learned to ski at Killington and has owned a home in the town since 1986. Michael Ferri's family has been part of the Killington community since the 1970s. Notably, neither has ski area management experience. The current team, including longtime Killington and Pico President and General Manager Mike Solimano, will remain in place.
"We don't pretend to know how to run a mountain," Gross said in an interview. "Mike and his team are going to be given free rein to operate the business and do what they need to do to make it the best resort in the East."
This approach promises to maintain the Beast 365 experience we've all come to expect, including The Stifel Killington Cup.
The Stifel Killington Cup is a Thanksgiving weekend tradition that has become the Northeast's premier ski racing event. Keep an eye on Mikaela Shiffrin – on track for her 100th win. Despite the infamous New England climate, Killington consistently delivers race-ready conditions and the longest season east of the Rockies, often into June! Skiing and riding will be open to the public though early season conditions are to be expected... which bothered no East Coasters ever.
As ownership transitions in the Northeast, the industry nationwide is watching. Other POWDR properties, including Oregon’s Mt. Bachelor and Eldora in Colorado, are slated for sale within the year. How Killington navigates this change could break trail for future community-oriented transitions.
Next time you're trenching fresh corduroy carves on Outer Limits or staring far across the horizon from the Peak Lodge, take a moment to reflect on what you love about the Beast of the East. Drop a line to the new owners – let them know what makes Killington special to you. As we look forward to another season of world-class racing, legendary après, and wings at Casey’s Caboose, it's clear that the spirit of Killington remains as strong as ever.
Concert Lineup for Stifel Killington Cup: https://www.killington.com/things-to-do/world-cup-fis-ski-racing/spectator-information/concerts
