Killington Ski Resort Cancels 2025 World Cup, Plans 2026 Return
Killington Resort, a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts in New England, has announced that it will not be hosting the FIS World Cup event in 2025. This decision comes as the resort plans to replace the Superstar chairlift, a fixture that has been integral to the World Cup races held at Killington since 2016. The chairlift, known as the Superstar Express Quad, runs directly over the racecourse on the “Superstar” trail, providing a unique vantage point for spectators.
The replacement of the Superstar chairlift with a new, $12 million six-person lift is a significant undertaking that will not be completed until December. As a result, race organizers have determined that hosting the World Cup event in 2025 would not be feasible given the timing of the chairlift replacement. In lieu of hosting the event, Killington has announced that Copper Mountain in Colorado will serve as the venue for the 2025 World Cup, with plans to bring the event back to Killington in 2026.
The Killington Cup has become a much-anticipated event in the region, attracting over 30,000 fans over the course of the two-day racing event. Featuring some of the best women’s skiers in the world competing in giant slalom and slalom races, the event has showcased the talents of athletes like Mikaela Shiffrin. Shiffrin, a former student at Burke Mountain Academy in Vermont, has been a crowd favorite and has enjoyed success at Killington, winning six out of the eight slalom competitions held at the resort.
In 2024, Shiffrin was on the verge of winning the giant slalom competition at Killington, which would have marked her 100th career World Cup victory. However, a crash during the race resulted in her hospitalization. Despite the setback, Shiffrin made a triumphant return to racing in 2025, winning gold in the team combined event at the FIS Alpine World Championships.
While Killington is optimistic about the return of the World Cup event in 2026, formal agreements with the International Ski Federation (FIS) have yet to be finalized. The resort remains committed to hosting the event, recognizing its importance to fans and athletes alike.
In addition to impacting the World Cup event, the replacement of the Superstar chairlift will also affect the current ski season at Killington. Known for hosting one of the region’s longest ski seasons, the resort will be closing the Superstar quad lift earlier than usual, with an expected closure date of April 13. Despite this change, Killington remains dedicated to providing a top-notch skiing experience for its guests and will keep other lifts operational as long as conditions permit.
The $12 million investment in the Superstar chairlift is part of a larger commitment by Killington’s new ownership group to enhance the resort’s facilities. With plans for upgrades including new snow guns, gondola cabins, and other improvements, the resort is poised to offer an improved experience for visitors in the years to come. Mike Solimano, president and CEO of Killington Resort, expressed confidence in the upgrades, noting that they will elevate the guest experience for decades.
As the ski season progresses and preparations for the 2026 World Cup event continue, Killington remains a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. With its rich history of hosting world-class events and commitment to providing an exceptional guest experience, the resort looks forward to welcoming visitors for many seasons to come.
