Cover Photo: Mike Garceau/Ben Johnson

Looks like NS kicked off a trend in the ski industry. F*ck the MAN maan (we jest). But in pretty huge news, the Beast of the East is entering a new chapter in its storied history with its upcoming sale to a passionate group of local passholders. The investors, led by Phill Gross and Michael Ferri have a deep connection to Killington, and pledge to continue to grow the community to make it a place our visitors continue to call home for generations to come. They are making this purchase with the promise to evolve Killington as a leader among world-class resorts, while maintaining its strong local presence.

According to the new team, everything you love about Killington and Pico is staying the same. Killington season pass offerings will have no changes and we will remain on the Ikon Pass. Guests can expect daily operations to be business as usual, with a continued focus on offering unsurpassed year-round mountain adventure grounded in hosting the longest winter season in the East and hosting the Stifel Killington Cup, November 30-December 1, 2024.

Killington Resort, the Town of Killington and Great Gulf’s partnership will continue to build out the brand-new mountain village. There will be no changes to the leadership, management or front-line teams, ensuring continuity and stability in our operations.

More information, including future investments, will be announced after the closing of the sale this fall.

"We will continue our focus on building community, embracing our local roots and showing how staff, guests, and locals are part of the spirit that makes Killington The Beast of the East. Together, we can all Be The Beast."

At this point there is no information as to whether the resort will continue its WoodWard partnership. When asked "whether they will maintain the Woodward Mountain Park?", the answer was a non-commital "more information on this and other capital investments will come after we close the deal".

We have no information as to whether any of the investors' progeny are 'certified rail rats'.

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https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/1096314/--YouTubeMeet the Investors:

The investors, led by Michael & Phill, are committed to building relationships on shared values and goals for the resort, and maintaining the community spirit that’s forged Killington’s identity for almost a century.

Phill Gross has followed the healthcare therapeutics industry for over 40 years and is a Co-Founder of Adage Capital Management, L.P. serving as Managing Director and Healthcare Portfolio Manager at the firm since its founding in 2001.

His Killington story began in 1986 when he purchased his home and raised his family in the shadow of Killington Peak. He now owns two properties in the area, including one on the Great Eastern Trail. He cites his unique kinship with the resort, the community, and the mountain itself as the core reasons for joining the ownership team.

Phill is a director at several winter sports related non-profits such as Share Winter Foundation, Youth Enrichment Services, Winter4Kids, World Cup Dreams Foundation, the US Ski and Snowboard Board of Trustees and the Killington World Cup Foundation.

Michael Ferri has been an active part of the Killington community since 1970. As a skier, homeowner, and parent of Killington Mountain School students, Killington has played a massive role in the fabric of Michael’s life.

Michael is a driving force in the automotive industry, spearheading dynamic business ventures alongside his brother, Paul. Together, they own and operate Valvoline Instant Oil Change® franchises and Mr. Sparkle Car Wash® locations.

As part of a family-owned business, Michael places great importance on contributing to the communities where their businesses operate. He recognizes that their success is deeply intertwined with the well-being of local communities. This understanding drives him to engage actively in community development initiatives, including sponsoring local events, supporting educational programs, and partnering with local charities.

He and Phill have a longstanding relationship fostered through a shared love of Killington and have successfully turned that connection into a robust working partnership. There are a number of additional dedicated, passionate investors who have the same priorities as Michael & Phil: Keep Killington independent and invest in the Resort as if it is our home, because it is.