Killington, VT, located in the heart of the Green Mountains, is best known today as a premier destination for skiing and outdoor recreation. However, its history is as rich and varied as the surrounding landscape. From its early settlement days to becoming a hub for winter sports and extreme outdoor events like the Spartan Race, Killington’s story is one of resilience, growth, and transformation.
Early Settlement and Founding of Killington, VT
The area now known as Killington, VT was first settled in the mid-18th century. Initially chartered in 1761 by New Hampshire Governor Benning Wentworth, the town was named “Sherburne” after a prominent family in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Like many other towns in the Green Mountain State, the early settlers faced the challenge of living in a rugged and often inhospitable environment. Farming was the primary occupation, though the mountainous terrain made it difficult.
The name “Killington” refers to Killington Peak, the second-highest summit in Vermont, which has long been a landmark in the area. The town was renamed “Killington” in 1999, reflecting its association with the mountain and the ski resort that had become central to its identity.
Development of the Town
Throughout the 19th century, Killington, VT remained a small, rural community. Agriculture, including sheep farming, was the primary economic activity, supplemented by small-scale logging operations. The town’s population fluctuated with the changing fortunes of agriculture, but it remained relatively small and isolated.
Transportation improvements, particularly the railroad’s arrival in nearby towns, helped open up the region, though Killington remained off the main routes. The mountainous terrain, while beautiful, presented significant challenges for transportation and development.
The Birth of Killington Ski Resort
The actual transformation of Killington began in the mid-20th century with the rise of skiing as a popular recreational activity in the United States. In 1956, a young engineer named Preston Leete Smith and his business partner Joe Sargent envisioned creating a ski resort on the slopes of Killington Peak. The pair were inspired by the successful ski resorts in the European Alps and believed that Vermont’s Green Mountains had the potential to become a premier skiing destination.
In 1958, Killington Ski Resort officially opened with a modest operation featuring a single Poma lift and a few primary trails. However, Smith’s vision was far-reaching; he introduced snowmaking technology, a relatively new concept, to ensure consistent snow cover throughout the ski season. This innovation helped Killington’s popularity, earning it the nickname “The Beast of the East” for its expansive terrain and reliable snow conditions.
The Inaugural Spartan Race in Killington, VT
While Killington, VT became synonymous with skiing and winter sports, it also gained recognition in extreme sports. In 2010, Killington hosted the inaugural Spartan Race, an event that would become a global phenomenon. The Spartan Race, known for its grueling obstacle courses designed to test participants’ physical and mental endurance, found the perfect setting in the challenging terrain of Killington.
The inaugural race in Killington, VT was not just another event—it was the birthplace of the Spartan Race movement. The area’s rugged mountains, dense forests, and natural obstacles provided an ideal backdrop for the race’s founders, who wanted to create an event that would push competitors to their limits. The first race attracted diverse athletes, adventurers, and fitness enthusiasts, all drawn by the promise of an extreme challenge in a breathtaking setting.
The success of the first Spartan Race in Killington set the stage for the event’s rapid growth. What began as a single race in the Vermont mountains quickly expanded into a series of races held worldwide, with Killington earning a special place in Spartan Race history. Each year, thousands of participants return to Killington to tackle the Spartan Race, drawn by the reputation of the original course and the allure of competing where it all began.
Growth into a Year-Round Destination
As Killington Ski Resort expanded, so did the town of Killington itself. What was once a quiet, rural community became a bustling hub for winter sports enthusiasts. New businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops, sprang up to cater to the growing number of visitors. The resort continued to add new trails, lifts, and facilities, making it one of the largest ski areas in the Eastern United States.
The 1970s and 1980s were boom years for Killington, as the resort attracted skiers from across the country and beyond. The town’s economy became increasingly dependent on tourism, with seasonal fluctuations in population as workers and visitors arrived for the ski season.
Recognizing the potential to attract visitors year-round, Killington also began to develop summer activities. The construction of the Killington Golf Course, the opening of hiking and mountain biking trails, and the development of events like the Killington Music Festival helped to establish the area as a four-season destination. The addition of the Spartan Race to Killington’s calendar further solidified its reputation as a hub for outdoor adventure, attracting a different kind of athletes to the area during the warmer months.
Modern-Day Killington, VT
Today, Killington, VT is a thriving town with a population that swells during winter as visitors flock to the slopes. The resort continues to innovate, offering skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, mountain biking, and various other outdoor activities. Killington Peak remains a symbol of the town’s enduring appeal, drawing visitors with its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
The Spartan Race has become an iconic event in Killington, VT, embodying the town’s spirit of adventure and resilience. Each year, thousands of participants worldwide gather in Killington to test their limits on the course that started it all. The race has brought economic benefits to the town and reinforced Killington’s reputation as a destination for extreme sports and outdoor challenges.
The community has also embraced its history, with efforts to preserve the town’s heritage and celebrate its transformation from a small farming community to a significant tourist destination. Local museums, historical societies, and community events keep the town’s history alive, ensuring that residents and visitors understand and appreciate the journey that has shaped Killington.
Conclusion
The history of Killington, VT, is a testament to the resilience and vision of its people. From its humble beginnings as a remote farming settlement to its rise as one of the premier ski resorts in the East, and now as the birthplace of the Spartan Race, Killington’s story is one of adaptation and growth. As the town evolves, it remains deeply connected to its roots, honoring its past while embracing the future. Whether exploring the slopes, conquering the Spartan Race course, or simply enjoying the town’s charm, you’re part of a living history that has been centuries in the making.
