Killington Resort Marks Milestone with Skyeship Gondola Overhaul on Christmas Day: Enhanced Access and Upgraded Infrastructure for 2025 Ski Season

Published on December 27, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

The 2025 holiday season kicked off with a major development for Killington Resort, as it officially opened the newly overhauled Skyeship Gondola on Christmas Day, 2025. This $60 million renovation, part of the resort’s “Fiercely Independent” reinvestment phase, introduces new cabins, enhanced infrastructure, and expanded trail access, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing growth and modernization of Vermont’s premier ski destination.

Who is Affected by the New Skyeship Gondola?

The Skyeship Gondola, an iconic feature of Killington Resort, has been completely overhauled as part of the resort’s broader modernization plan. The gondola serves as a vital lift, connecting the Route 4 base area to Skye Peak, offering skiers and snowboarders easier access to the Needles Eye and Skye Peak zones. The gondola’s capacity remains at eight passengers per cabin, allowing it to transport 2,400 people per hour, helping to ease congestion during busy holiday periods.

What Upgrades Have Been Made to the Skyeship Gondola?

In preparation for the 2025/26 ski season, Killington Resort undertook a major renovation of the Skyeship Gondola (Stages I & II). The overhaul involved the replacement of the gondola’s original cabins, which were installed in 1994, with new, sleek cabins manufactured by Sigma. These new cabins mirror the design of the K-1 Express Gondola cabins, ensuring improved passenger comfort and visibility during the ride up the mountain.

In addition to the new cabins, the gondola underwent upgrades to its gondola barn located in the Needles Eye area, improving both maintenance efficiency and the protection of the new cabins during inclement weather. The gondola now features improved snow removal and de-icing capabilities, ensuring safe operation throughout the ski season.

When Was the Skyeship Gondola Opened and What New Features Were Included?

On December 25, 2025, Killington Resort officially opened both stages of the Skyeship Gondola to the public. The opening coincided with a 6-inch snowfall that fell on Christmas Eve, bringing the resort’s season total to approximately 70 inches of snow, ensuring excellent conditions for skiers and snowboarders. This snowfall was a perfect complement to the newly opened gondola, which granted skiers direct access from the lower Route 4 parking area to Skye Peak and the Needles Eye zones.

With this expansion, the resort’s trail count for the holiday weekend climbed closer to 100 trails, providing guests with more options for skiing and snowboarding. The gondola upgrades were part of a broader plan to improve infrastructure and enhance guest experiences at Killington Resort, especially during the busy holiday season.

How Does the New Gondola Affect Killington’s Holiday Schedule?

Starting Christmas Day, Killington Resort began operating the Skyeship Gondola alongside all its other major lifts, with operations beginning daily at 8:00 a.m. throughout the holiday period. The resort’s expanded holiday schedule, which runs until January 4, 2026, ensures that skiers can access the entire resort from early morning until late afternoon.

Broader 2025 Resort Infrastructure Upgrades

The Skyeship Gondola overhaul is part of a broader state-approved modernization plan designed to enhance the overall infrastructure at Killington Resort. This comprehensive plan includes several other upgrades, such as:

These upgrades aim to improve overall operational efficiency, increase guest satisfaction, and ensure reliable lift access across the resort.

What Are the Recommendations for Travelers Visiting Killington This Holiday Season?

In light of the new infrastructure and the upcoming holiday season, the Killington Resort and the Vermont Department of Tourism are offering the following recommendations for visitors traveling to the resort:

1. Check-In Early: Due to the increased holiday traffic, guests are encouraged to arrive at least 3 to 4 hours before their scheduled lift time.
2. Hand Luggage Only: For a quicker check-in process and smoother transition through baggage handling, guests should consider bringing only hand luggage.
3. Monitor Lift Status: Guests are urged to check for real-time lift updates via Killington Resort’s official website or the resort app to stay informed about operational changes.
4. Lodging Options: The resort’s Gondola Lodge and other base-area rentals can be booked directly via Killington’s website, with real-time availability.
5. Mass Transit Recommendations: With the potential for traffic delays during the holiday season, travelers are encouraged to use mass transit options such as the Killington Shuttle or Vermont’s public transport network.

Killington Resort’s Milestone Achievement in Ski Resort Innovation

The Skyeship Gondola upgrade and the continued expansion of Killington Resort reflect the resort’s ongoing commitment to becoming the premier ski destination in New England. The $60 million investment is part of a broader effort to ensure that Killington remains competitive and offers the best guest experience in the Vermont ski market.

With a combination of modern infrastructure, improved lift services, and expanded trail access, Killington Resort has positioned itself as a top choice for travelers looking for a premier skiing experience during the 2025/2026 season. As the holiday season unfolds, visitors can look forward to a smoother, more enjoyable experience thanks to the newly revamped Skyeship Gondola and other infrastructure upgrades.