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Killington © skiUSA

Overview: With seven peaks and 87 miles (140km) of trails, Killington is the biggest winter sports resort in the eastern United States, earning it the nickname 'the Beast of the East'. Opened in 1958, Killington has five base lodges (all colour coded for convenience) and a huge variety of terrain. The resort boasts a wide range of holiday accommodation, over 100 restaurants, plenty of nightlife and lots of après-ski activity, and attracts locals and foreigners alike.

If looking for charm and a personal touch, however, there is little to be found. A sprawling enterprise, Killington is more about skiing than architecture and is run like the huge operation it is. There is also no defined centre to the resort. That said, the views are spectacular and the skiing offers something for everyone. Some visitors prefer to stay at the nearby town of Woodstock, about 20 miles (32km) away, which has more atmosphere and some impressive buildings dating back over 200 years. With 1,209 acres (469 hectares) of skiable terrain, it is easy to get lost on the various trails, and a free tour of the mountain to get orientated is highly recommended.

Skiing: Killington has excellent ski runs with 200 trails, 33 lifts and nine separate ski areas. The resort offers skiing opportunities for all skiers, from beginners and intermediates to experts, with ski and snowboarding lessons available for those just starting out. The ski season is long, lasting from about mid-October to late May/early June. One of the world's most extensive snowmaking systems means that snow conditions are outstanding. The terrain includes plenty of cruisers, high-altitude bumps, and a halfpipe to lure snowboarders. The craziest run is the Outer Limits on Bear Mountain and the 10-mile (16km) Juggernaut is the country's longest alpine ski trail. An excellent shuttle system delivers skiers and snowboarders to the various base areas and then back to their cars at the end of the day.

Shopping: There are a number of shops at Killington, including gift shops and antique shops, and a host of ski equipment shops. Shops at the Shack houses a group of boutiques including North Face and Nike. There are also shops that sell traditional Vermont specialities including maple syrup and local cheeses.

Restaurants: There are roughly 100 restaurants at Killington, ranging from sushi to pizza. The Grist Mill serves its famous Goombays (fruit juices and rum) and with such a lethal concoction being consumed, its emphasis falls more on its bar than the restaurant as the evening progresses. The Lookout Bar and Grill is casual, serving drinks and good snacks, while Hemingway's is sophisticated and elegant, serving three- or four-course dinners and rating as one of New England's finest restaurants. Charity's 1887 Saloon offers decent pub fare and tends to get pretty crowded, and Ppeppers offers a mix of pastas, hamburgers and other basics to satisfy a hungry post-ski crowd.

Nightlife: The après-ski activities on offer are extensive and Killington's nightlife falls in the top 10 of ski resorts. The Wobbly Barn steakhouse-cum-nightclub is an institution that has been running for over 40 years, offering live music, dancing and a popular happy hour, resulting in a rowdy crowd. The Pickle Barrel often hosts big name bands and has lots of dancing, Casey's Caboose is a locals' hangout, and McGrath's Irish Pub serves a decent Guinness. Bars on the mountain include the Long Trail Brew pub at the Snowshed base lodge and the Mahogany Ridge at Killington Base Lodge.

Activities: In winter, snow-mobiling and ice-skating, indoor rock climbing, dog sledding, sleigh rides, spas, snow-shoeing and live music are available. In summer, Killington is still a popular holiday resort with two world-class golf courses, horseriding, mountain biking and hiking available. Rates usually drop drastically in summer.

Negatives: The novice area at Snowshed base lodge can get crowded. The terrain can be confusing, resulting in startled beginners ending up on black diamond runs, and experts whizzing down beginner slopes. Special attention should be paid to following trail signs, and first-time visitors are advised to take the free Meet the Mountain tour to get orientated. Killington resort is a popular holiday destination and gets very crowded.