Snowed Inn Blog/News Feed

An Inside View to Living in a Tourism-Driven Town

As a serial civic volunteer, I recently completed my three year term as a member of the fledgling Killington Economic Development and Tourism Commission. Calling it a tumultuous three years would be more than accurate, as small towns, especially resort towns grapple with a struggling economy, rising taxes, shifting tourism trends, etc. In spite of frequent controversy we, in conjunction with Killington Resort and the Killington Chamber of Commerce, were able to get things moving, as our rejuvenated summer calendar has shown.

As we enter the final stages of summer (egad, so soon?) the fruits of the commission’s labor with, of course the fantastic director, Seth Webb and staff at the helm, have been and continue to be extremely gratifying. The second year of the resurrected Killington Stage Race was a terrific summer opener.  Well over 600 racers participated, up 100 riders from last year. The women’s field was particularly robust. The weather held, as rain circled the area, but never dampened the race courses. Our race guests here at the inn pronounced the event a resounding success and are looking forward to next year already.

The Killington Wine Festival just celebrated its 10th Anniversary with a three day event from July 22 thru July 24. How can you go wrong, with an Estate Tasting, Grand Tasting, Bubbly Brunch, Wine and Nine (a golf course treat) and special wine dinners throughout the area’s restaurants? Additionally in July we saw the return of the AJGA Golf Tournament, a nationally recognized tournament series for nearly 150 high ranking junior golfers, which took place July 10-14. What a great group of families to welcome to town.

In early August nearly 2000 extreme athletes came to town Killington’s Spartan Race and this past weekend the emphasis shifted to more lighthearted fun when the famed Cirkus Smirkus came to town. Attendance at our free Saturday afternoon Cooler in the Mountain concert series is climbing to new heights every weekend with a few more fantastic concerts to go. And this is just a portion of the components of the Killington summer/fall events roster!

So, did I mention “serial” volunteerism already? Well, glutton for punishment that I am, or as I prefer to see it, passionate Killington resident that I am, I find myself once again in a seat on the Killington Economic Development and Tourism Commission. My enthusiasm for the potential of this great town once again overrides my disdain for sometimes testy political catfights. After all, someone has to stick their neck out for the greater good.

Categories: Discover Vermont
Tags: Vermont

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