It is not uncommon for classes and clubs to take field trips, but few take it as far as Ski Club. The variety of trails, terrain parks, and massive jumps at Killington Resort in Vermont was a considerable step up compared to their home slope at Tussey Mountain.

The slopes at the Killington Resort are the largest in the eastern U.S., giving it the nickname “The Beast of The East.” The mountain has a maximum elevation of 4,241’ above sea level and includes 155 individual slopes ranging from easy to expert. The trip took up an entire weekend, giving the students two days to ski, snowboard, and have fun with their friends. The students also enjoyed staying at a Days Inn, which had a pool and free waffles. 

The size and scenery of the slopes was a huge upgrade compared to what the Ski Club members were used to. Senior Katie Gearheart loved the amazing views and the challenges that Killington had to offer. 

“I loved skiing down the trails and seeing the beauty. It was so much bigger and more natural than Tussey,” Katie said. 

One of the reasons that many people love Killington is because of how long the trails are compared to most resorts. If you start at the peak and work your way down, you can ski or snowboard for over 15 minutes for just one run. Sophomore Austin Smith enjoyed riding and doing tricks on the longer runs.

“My favorite part was doing a 360 and hitting cool jumps. It was so much bigger and I got to ski on real snow and at a high elevation,” Austin said.

The students enjoyed spending time together even when they were not shredding down the mountain. The fun lasted the entire weekend, even when they had to stay at the hotel. 

Sophomore Parker Capparelle was just as thrilled to be spending time with his friends in the hotel pool as he was when he was skiing.

“I had a blast playing football in the pool on Saturday night. It was a great way to have fun together and burn time until we got to ski again,” Parker said. 

The experience of getting to ski or snowboard at such a large resort will be one that will not be forgotten. Between the amazing scenery, seemingly endless trails with fun obstacles, and time spent with friends, there was surely something for everyone to love.