KILLINGTON, Vermont — Vermont’s Killington Resort, the largest ski and snowboard resort in the East, is celebrating its 50th Birthday December 12-14 with numerous events and activities for the entire family, including a special commemorative 50th birthday medallion valid for a full weekend of skiing and riding.

To commemorate the founding of the resort on Dec. 13, 1958, Killington will offer 1,958 50th Birthday medallions valid for skiing and riding the weekend of Dec. 13-14. The $50 commemorative medallions will be available for purchase through Killington’s website beginning Nov. 14. In addition to skiing and riding, medallion holders will enjoy a variety of discount opportunities from Killington Chamber of Commerce members, preferred lift access and other resort benefits. Special 50th Birthday Ski and Stay Packages, including commemorative medallions, start at just $62 per person, per night.

“The entire weekend of events and activities will offer our guests an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful heritage and history of our resort,” said Chris Nyberg, Killington president and general manager. “There are many traditions that began and innovations that have taken place over the past 50 years here at Killington. From ski lift and snowmaking technology, to the ticket wicket and the Graduated Length Method of teaching, and we want to celebrate and honor those accomplishments and the folks that made it happen.”

While not an invention or even an innovation at Killington, the ski sweater was a statement of style on the slopes. Break out your White Stag, Obermeyer, CB Sports, Icelandic or Roffe ski sweater as the Ski Sweater Soir?В©e kicks off the 50th Birthday weekend Friday night, Dec. 12 at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel and Spa. Honoring the founders, pioneers and those instrumental in building Killington Resort as the premiere winter destination in the east, the Ski Sweater Soir?В©e will feature photos and memorabilia from the first 50 years, along with dinner and dancing. Killington’s own Joey Leone and his Chop Shop Band will open the Ski Sweater Soir?В©e with classic jazz sounds for the cocktail hour and dinner, and then turn up the volume for an evening of dancing and celebration.

Saturday’s events include a Poker Run throughout the resort and historical mountain tours. Saturday evening, Killington kicks off its Birthday Party at the Snowshed Lodge with a torchlight parade, followed by a snowcat parade down Snowshed Slope. Live apr??s entertainment fills the Long Trail Pub from 6-8 p.m. along with kid’s activities and entertainment will feature magic shows, sing-a-longs, face painting and of course cake and ice cream from 6-8 p.m. at the Snowshed Lodge. From 8-10 p.m. at the Resort Center the lively sounds of Diamond Neil will fill the lodge, and of course a huge birthday cake.

Opening for business on Dec. 13, 1958 with two surface lifts and seven trails, today Killington Resort stretches across seven mountain areas, including Pico Mountain, and features 30 lifts – including three express gondolas and seven express chairs ??“ which provide access to the highest lift-served ski terrain in Vermont at 4,241 feet off Killington Peak. Killington’s 88 miles of diverse terrain includes 191 trails and provides skiers and riders of all ability levels a choice of wide-open groomed cruisers, narrow classic New England runs, moguls, steeps and 13 tree skiing areas.

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.