KILLINGTON, Vermont — Thanks to the early arrival of winter, Killington Resort opens for the 2008/09 ski and snowboard season, Sunday at 10 a.m. with at least six trails served by two lifts off Killington Peak.

Killington Resort, which features the most extensive snowmaking system in the world, began snowmaking operations off the 4,241-foot summit of Killington Peak on October 29th. For opening day, skiers and riders will enjoy deep base depths on up to three miles of groomed trails. Killington will offer Blue Square (more advanced) and Black Diamond (most advanced) trails only. No Green Circle (easier) terrain will be available. The K-1 Express Gondola and the Northridge Triple will operate on Sunday, as well as the opening of the Early Season Terrain Park on Reason.

“Our snowmaking crew has taken advantage of the premium weather conditions and nearly tripled the 12 inches of natural snow at the peak,” stated Patricia Ryan, director of marketing, sales and reservations. “Over the next 36 hours, snowmaking operations will continue and snowcats will begin working the snow surface to provide our guests the best possible opening day conditions.”

Opening day lift tickets are $65 for Adults (19-64); $52 for Young Adult ( 13-18 ) and $52 Senior (65-69); and $46 for Junior (6-12) and Super Senior (70+). Early-season Ski and Stay Packages start at just $87 per person, per night and are available by calling 800-621-MTNS. Lift hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 2nd; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends and holidays. For the latest lift, trail and snow conditions, visit www.Killington.com.

“Snowmaking operations will resume Saturday and continue through the weekend,” Ryan added. “And we will continue to offer top to bottom skiing and riding at Killington as long as the quality conditions permit.”

Killington hosts its first event of the season, Rails2Riches, a $15,000 rail jam on Saturday, Dec 6 for skiers and snowboarders. The competition is held under the lights with a blazing bonfire and a killer after-party.

About Killington Resort

The largest ski and snowboard resort in eastern North America, Killington debuts $8.4 million in improvements for its 50th Birthday Season, including the new Skye Peak Express and “The Stash.” Killington Resort features diverse terrain, an expansive lift network, the most extensive snowmaking system in the world and numerous off-mountain activities, including apr??s, dining, shopping and lodging options. www.Killington.com.