Killington Resort ramps up snowmaking against strong El Niño threat before World Cup

Killington Resort is intensifying snow production efforts ahead of the Stifel World Cup event scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend.

The mountain took a one-year hiatus from the race to install a new lift on the Superstar run. That project is now complete, with heavy machinery currently positioned on the slope as preparations resume.

Amy Laramie of the Killington Resort stated that staff are actively monitoring weather forecasts. The team plans to be more aggressive with snowmaking this season to counter the potential for a warmer winter.

A strong El Niño pattern is expected to influence regional weather this year. This condition often brings milder temperatures to the Northeast, which could challenge snow retention on the mountain.

Snowmaking operations began in mid-October but have since paused. Only remnants of the initial snow cover remain on the slope. The guns are set to resume firing this weekend to build a deeper base before the competition.

Seth Kutikoff of the National Weather Service described the current El Niño as particularly strong. However, he noted that historical data shows snowfall on these mountains is highly variable during such events, meaning a strong pattern does not guarantee less snow.

Local businesses are also preparing for the influx of visitors. Rob Cunliffe of Ski Essentials said the shop is hosting an El Niño party to open the season. He noted that the World Cup brings a large crowd and helps the town feel alive at the start of the year.