June 3, 2002

KILLINGTON, Vt., -- Killington Resort, home of the longest ski and snowboard season in eastern North America, today offered skiing and riding to several dozen die-hard winter lovers. This is the 14th time that the resort has offered skiing and riding in June. The first resort in eastern North America tofor the 2001-2002 season back on Nov. 6, Killington is the only resort in operation in the East and one of just a few in North America to still befor its winter season. Killington will close for the winter season today at 4 p.m. after 205 days of winter operation this season, posting the longest ski and snowboard season in eastern North America for the 41st consecutive season. The Superstar trail, a double black diamond trail nearly a mile in length, is where skiers and riders have reveled in spring conditions for the past two months. Soft spring bumps, sunshine, special events, and classic springtime barbecues set the tone for April and May. At its peak, Superstar boasted base depths of up to 30 feet in some spots, compliments of Killington's snowmaking system. Ironically, Killington offered skiing and riding in late May and on June 1 during a season shadowed by a lack of natural snow and an unseasonably warm winter. A connection to nearby Woodward Reservoir, a few years ago, proved to be the drought insurance Killington needed this season. Killington's snowmaking system, the largest in North America, played a critical role in offering reliable snow surfaces all season long. "There is no question that our snowmaking system was our 'drought insurance' this season," said Allen Wilson, president of Killington. "Because of our connection to Woodward Reservoir, we had an unlimited water resource during a very dry season. In our customer service surveys, we ranked number one in the region for snow surface quality again this year. It's a tribute to our snowmakers and the powerful system they have to work with." The last time Killington offered snow in June was the 1996-1997 season, when the resort received more than 300 inches of natural snow and wasfor 262 winter days. This season, Killington received just 192 inches of natural snow and will close after 206 winter days. In the summer, Killington offers championship golf, mountain biking, hiking, scenic K1 Express gondola rides and chairlift rides, inline skating and skateboarding, a climbing wall, two alpine slides, the bungee thing, two water slides, and mini-golf. In the region, a loaded regional events schedule, canoeing, kayaking, camping, antiquing, and historical landmarks round out the activities available during a Killington vacation. For more information, visit http://www.killington.com or call 877-4-KTIMES.