Pico Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pico Mountain Ski Area |
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Pico Peak ski runs as seen from Killington
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| Location | Killington, Vermont, United States |
| Nearest city | Rutland, Vermont |
| Vertical | 1,967 feet (600 m) |
| Top elevation | 3,967 feet (1,209 m) |
| Base elevation | 2,000 feet (610 m) |
| Skiable area | 468 acres (189 ha) |
| Runs | 58 |
| Longest run | Upper-Mid-Lower Pike |
| Lift system | 7 total |
| Snowfall | 250 inches (640 cm) |
| Snowmaking | 75% |
| Website | Pico Mountain Ski Area |
Pico Mountain Ski Area is a fun place to ski and snowboard in Killington, Vermont, USA. It's one of the oldest ski resorts in the state, opening way back in 1937! You can find it near Killington, Vermont, and it's known for its beautiful mountain views and lots of trails for all skill levels. Pico has 58 trails and 7 lifts, with a big vertical drop of about 1,967 feet (600 meters).
Contents
History of Pico Mountain
A Long History of Skiing
Pico Mountain first opened its slopes on Thanksgiving Day in 1937. It was one of the very first ski resorts in Vermont! In 1940, something special happened: Pico was home to the very first T-bar lift in the United States. This made it much easier for skiers to get up the mountain.
The Mead family started the ski resort. Their daughter, Andrea Mead-Lawrence, became a famous Olympic skier! She won two gold medals in skiing at the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo, Norway.
Growing and Changing
Pico kept growing over the years. In 1954, it got its first chairlift. By 1965, the resort had expanded all the way to the mountain's summit. When Pico celebrated its 50th birthday in 1987, it had become a major ski spot with fast chairlifts, snowmaking machines, and a new sports center.
In 1997, the nearby Killington Mountain Resort bought Pico. Even though they are close, the two resorts don't have ski trails connecting them yet. If you buy a ski pass for Killington, it usually works at Pico too. Pico celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2013.
You can also find a special exhibit about Vermont skiing and snowboarding history at Pico Mountain. It's located on the third floor of the main lodge building.
Skiing and Snowboarding at Pico
Pico Mountain has about 468 acres (190 hectares) of land where you can ski or snowboard. There are 58 trails, and they have different difficulty levels.
Trails for Everyone
- Beginner and Intermediate Trails: If you're still learning or like easier slopes, the trails from the top of the Golden Express lift are great. They are perfect for families and those who enjoy a smoother ride.
- Expert Trails: For experienced skiers and snowboarders, the trails from the very top of the mountain are steeper. These are mostly "black diamond" trails, meaning they are the most challenging. You can reach them using the Summit Express lift.
- Outpost Area: This part of Pico gets its snow mostly from nature. It's served by the Outpost Double lift, which is Pico's oldest lift.
- Little Pico: This area is known for having some of the toughest and most exciting terrain on the mountain.
- Freestyle Terrain Park: If you like jumps and features, Pico has a terrain park called Triple Slope. It has small and medium-sized features for you to try out your tricks!
