Killington, Vermont
-9°F

How to Ski When
It's Actually Cold

The local's visual guide to sub-zero days

The Layer System

Dress Like You
Mean It

4
Extras
Hand warmers, balaclava, neck gaiter, goggles
3
Shell
Gore-Tex or waterproof breathable jacket + pants
2
Mid Layer
Fleece or lightweight down for insulation
1
Base Layer
Merino wool or synthetic, tight to skin
⚠
Cotton Kills
Cotton absorbs sweat, loses all insulation, and drops your body temperature fast. Leave it in the car.
Cold Scale

Know Your Number

-20°-10°0°10°20°+
Below -10°F
Survival mode
▼

Full balaclava mandatory. Goggle lenses fog fast so carry a spare. Limit runs to 2 or 3 before warming up. Toes and fingers go numb in minutes without warmers. Consider starting after 10 AM when temps climb.

-10° to 0°F
Serious cold
▼

All four layers required. Chemical warmers in gloves and boots. Cover all exposed skin. Plan warming breaks every 3 to 4 runs. Groomers will be firm and fast, so edges matter.

0° to 10°F
Standard Killington
▼

Three layers plus a neck gaiter. Warmers optional but recommended. Great snow conditions, fewer crowds. This is the sweet spot for locals who know how to dress.

10° to 20°F
Comfortable cold
▼

Two to three layers, light gloves work. No warmers needed for most. Ideal all-day skiing temperature. Snow stays great, wind is manageable, you can actually feel your face.

20°F+
Bluebird vibes
▼

Almost warm by Vermont standards. Shell plus a mid layer is plenty. Watch for afternoon softening on south-facing trails. Goggle ventilation on max. Spring skiing energy.

Tap a range to expand
Warming Spots

Know Where to
Thaw Out

Peak Lodge
4,241 ft
Bear Mtn Lodge
3,333 ft
K-1 Lodge
Base Area
Snowshed Lodge
Base Area
Local Knowledge

7 Things
Regulars Know

01
Start Late, Ski Late
Temps can climb 15 degrees by 11 AM. Sleep in, ski till close.
02
South-facing = Warmer
Superstar and Skye Peak catch afternoon sun. Snowdon is shaded and brutal.
03
Two Pairs of Gloves
Rotate gloves at lunch. The dry pair feels 20 degrees warmer.
04
Eat Before You're Cold
Your body burns calories fast in the cold. Fuel up early or you'll crash by noon.
05
Boot Warmers Night Before
Put chemical warmers in your boots overnight. Cold boots = cold toes all day.
06
Gondola = Warming Hut
The K-1 Gondola is a heated 15-minute break. Ride it strategically.
07
Après Is Mandatory
You earned it. Jax, Lookout, or the Wobbly Barn. No debate.
Warning Zone

Frostbite Is Real

30
minutes to frostbite
at 0°F with 15 mph wind on exposed skin
Signs to Watch For
Numbness or tingling in fingers or toes
White or grayish patches on skin
Skin feels unusually firm or waxy
Clumsiness from stiff joints or muscles
!
Kids Are More Vulnerable
Children lose body heat faster than adults. Check their fingers, toes, ears, and nose every few runs. If they say they're cold, go inside immediately.
Before You Drive

Cold Car
Checklist

Remote start or warm up 10 min
Winter washer fluid topped off
Ice scraper and brush in car
Phone charger (cold drains batteries)
Gas tank above half
Emergency blanket in trunk
Snow tires or chains ready
Check tire pressure (drops in cold)

Come Back to
a Warm Condo

Ski all day, thaw out in a slopeside condo with a fireplace, hot tub, and mountain views.

Browse Killington Condos
Simple Vacation Rentals