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Skyeship Gondola

4.7
·6 reviews·Killington, United States

Ride the Skyeship Gondola for breathtaking summit views of Vermont's Green Mountains, especially stunning during fall foliage.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Fall mornings

Peak foliage, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
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Skyeship Gondola - Image 1

Skyeship Gondola

Best Time

Fall mornings

Peak foliage, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ride the Skyeship Gondola for breathtaking summit views of Vermont's Green Mountains, especially stunning during fall foliage.

4.7
(6 reviews)

"Breathtaking views from the top! We hiked from the top of the gondola to the mountain peak and sat on the rocks and looked out at the view for a long while."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your camera! The summit views are incredible, especially during fall foliage season.

🎟️ Consider Day Passes

If visiting the Killington Adventure Park, a day pass can be cost-effective and includes the gondola ride.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Summit Views

Panoramic Summit Views

Killington Peak

Breathtaking 360-degree views of the Green Mountains, especially stunning during fall foliage.

Scenic Gondola Ride

Scenic Gondola Ride

Skyeship Express Gondola

Smooth, scenic ascent offering continuous vertical rise, a unique experience with impressive mountain vistas.

Summit Lodge Relaxation

Summit Lodge Relaxation

Summit Lodge

Cozy lodge at the top for drinks and relaxation while soaking in the expansive mountain scenery.

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Planning Your Visit

New Cabins, New Era

The Skyeship Gondola has been upgraded with new cabins! While the old ones are being auctioned off, the new ones offer a sleek, comfortable ride up the mountain. Plan your visit around the ski season for the best experience.

Peak Foliage & Fall Fun

Visiting during peak leaf season (early October) offers breathtaking foliage views from the gondola and summit. Be prepared for crowds during this popular time, but the scenery is worth it. The gondola is a must-do for fall visitors.

Best Times

When
Fall mornings
Why
Peak foliage, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter weekdays
Why
Best skiing, less busy
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Pleasant weather, scenic
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The next generation of Skyeship Gondola cabins has landed🚡 Our lift maintenance team is hard at work installing all 116 of these beauties for this coming winter. They’re sleek, comfortable, and ready to fly you up the mountain. #bethebeast
killingtonmtn
1.3K likes • 36.2K views

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your camera! The summit views are incredible, especially during fall foliage season. Reddit

🎟️ Consider Day Passes

If visiting the Killington Adventure Park, a day pass can be cost-effective and includes the gondola ride. Reddit

Last call for peak to creek laps! The Skyeship Gondola will be closing for the season on Sunday, March 30th. This will be your final weekend to ride in the current gondola cabins, as they are being replaced this summer as part of $32 million in capital improvements. 🚡To celebrate the end of an era for our classic cabins, head to the summit of the K-1 Gondola at 3:00 p.m for a casual group ride to...
killingtonmtn
2.1K likes • 69.3K views
🚠 A piece of Killington history, reimagined at Alpine Reflection. Once part of the legendary Skyeship Gondola line that carried skiers up Skye Peak since 1994, this retro cabin has been given new life here in the Vermont mountains. For me, it’s personal — I taught snowboarding at Killington a decade ago. Bringing this gondola home feels like reconnecting with where it all began. Now, it stands ...
alpine_collections
37 likes • 3.1K views

🧥 Dress in Layers

Mountain weather can change quickly. Layering is key for comfort, whether skiing or enjoying the views. Instagram

🚗 Parking Tips

Arrive early, especially on weekends or during peak season, to secure good parking spots. Reddit

Going once… going twice… They’ve carried skiers, riders, and countless memories for decades, and now’s your chance to own this piece of Killington history. The retired Skyeship gondola cabins are going up for auction! A portion of all auction proceeds will be donated to small, local ski areas to support their infrastructure needs. Bidding goes live on Monday, August 25th, at 10:00 a.m. 🚡Who’s ...
killingtonmtn
3K likes • 115.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your camera! The summit views are incredible, especially during fall foliage season. Reddit

🎟️ Consider Day Passes

If visiting the Killington Adventure Park, a day pass can be cost-effective and includes the gondola ride. Reddit

🧥 Dress in Layers

Mountain weather can change quickly. Layering is key for comfort, whether skiing or enjoying the views. Instagram

🚗 Parking Tips

Arrive early, especially on weekends or during peak season, to secure good parking spots. Reddit

🍻 Enjoy a Summit Drink

Grab a drink at the cozy summit lodge to relax and fully appreciate the panoramic mountain scenery. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(6 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the breathtaking summit views, especially during fall foliage, and the smooth, scenic gondola ride. While some find the ticket price a bit high, many agree it's a worthwhile experience, particularly when bundled with other activities. The summit lodge offers a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.

"We had an incredible time riding the K-1 Gondola at Killington! It was the perfect fall getaway with friends, the foliage views from the gondola were absolutely breathtaking. The ride up was smooth and scenic, and once we reached the top, we were blown away by the panoramic views of the Green Mountains. There’s a cozy lodge at the summit where we grabbed a drink and relaxed while taking in the scenery. It’s such a fun and relaxing experience definitely a must-do if you're in Vermont with a group. Great for photos, laughs, and making memories."

Salma Mukhtar

"Wow! Breathtaking views from the top! We hiked from the top of the gondola to the mountain peak and sat on the rocks and looked out at the view for a long while. We came during early October during peak leaf season and were blown away. The gondola itself isn't much--the windows were very scratched--but it had no wait and we had a car to ourselves on the up and back. Worth the price!"

Garrett Jobes

"Had been to Killington and a must go attraction was the K1 gondula rides. The parking was huge and it took us some time to park… going ride itself took about 30 to 40 minutes and was good.. we felt that it was very expensive about $35 per person.. since we went to Killington adventure Park we took day pass for 76°, which included the gondola..

Once you go up, you can get down and have a good view of the mountain .. They also had a small snack bar and restrooms on top of the mountain… weather was good and we enjoyed it.. right back to the decent had a lot of stops due to some reason.. overall it was a good ride"

Raj S

What People Like

Breathtaking summit views
Scenic gondola ride
Fall foliage beauty

What People Dislike

Ticket price can be high
Scratched cabin windows (older cabins)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Skyeship Gondola is located at Killington Resort. You can drive and park at the resort's main parking areas. For those without a car, shuttle services are available from surrounding towns. Reddit

Arriving early is recommended for the best parking spots, especially during peak season or weekends. The resort has large parking lots near the base of the lifts. Reddit

Yes, there are shuttle services that connect Killington to major cities and towns in the region, making it accessible without a car. Check local transit schedules for details.

The ride itself takes about 30-40 minutes, offering continuous scenic views as you ascend. Reddit

The Skyeship Gondola is a primary lift at Killington Resort, accessible from the main base areas. It's a key part of the resort's infrastructure for accessing higher elevations. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

A single gondola ride can be around $35 per person. However, purchasing a day pass for the Killington Adventure Park, which includes the gondola, might offer better value if you plan on other activities. Reddit

While not always mandatory, buying tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons like fall foliage or winter holidays, is recommended to avoid potential wait times and ensure availability. Reddit

Operating hours vary by season. During the ski season, it typically runs during resort operating hours. In the fall, it's open for scenic rides. Always check the official Killington Resort website for the most current hours. Instagram

Look into day passes for the Killington Adventure Park, which often bundle activities including the gondola. Group rates or seasonal passes might also be available. Reddit

Ski passes are typically for winter operations. For summer or fall scenic rides, separate tickets or adventure park passes are usually required. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

At the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Green Mountains, hike to Killington Peak, relax at the summit lodge, and take photos. InstagramReddit

Yes, there is a small snack bar and restrooms available at the top of the mountain for visitors. Reddit

The gondola cabins are designed to accommodate passengers, but it's always best to contact Killington Resort directly for specific accessibility details regarding boarding and amenities at the summit. Instagram

Absolutely! Many visitors hike from the top of the gondola to the mountain peak to enjoy the views. Trails are available for various skill levels. Reddit

The new cabins are described as sleek, comfortable, and ready to fly you up the mountain, offering an improved riding experience. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography. Fall foliage season provides vibrant colors, while clear winter days offer crisp mountain vistas. Instagram

Yes, the gondola ride offers continuous scenic views. However, be aware that some older cabin windows might be scratched, potentially affecting photo clarity. Reddit

You can capture sweeping panoramic landscapes, close-ups of the mountain peaks, and shots of fellow visitors enjoying the scenery. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant mountain details. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance sky colors. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted at ski resorts and national parks. Always check Killington Resort's specific drone policy before flying. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Skyeship Gondola offers a fantastic family-friendly experience. Kids will be thrilled by the ride itself, feeling like they're flying over the mountains. The summit provides open spaces for them to explore (under supervision) and enjoy the views. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as options at the summit might be limited or pricey. Reddit+1

If you're visiting during the summer or fall, the gondola is a great way to get everyone to a high vantage point without strenuous hiking. The ride is smooth and generally enjoyable for all ages. Ensure you check the operating schedule, as it can vary seasonally. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Skyeship Gondola is a photographer's dream, especially during the fall foliage season. The panoramic views from the summit are unparalleled, offering incredible opportunities for landscape shots. InstagramReddit

For the best results, aim for early morning or late afternoon light. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the scenery and a telephoto lens for details. Be mindful of potential scratches on older cabin windows if shooting from inside the gondola. Reddit

🍻 Craft Beer Aficionados

For those who enjoy a craft beverage, the Skyeship Gondola has become a unique venue for enjoying select beers. Social media posts show people enjoying low-ABV ales from breweries like Tree House and Enegren while riding. Instagram+2

This adds a novel dimension to the gondola experience, allowing visitors to combine scenic views with the enjoyment of quality brews. It's a relaxed way to appreciate the mountain setting. Remember to be responsible and check resort policies regarding outside beverages. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Evolution of the Skyeship Gondola

The Skyeship Gondola at Killington Resort has a history of evolution, with the latest upgrade featuring new, modern cabins. These new cabins are designed for comfort and efficiency, promising a smoother and more enjoyable ride up the mountain. The previous generation of cabins, which served for decades, have been retired and are even being offered for auction, allowing enthusiasts to own a piece of Killington history. Instagram+1

This significant capital improvement reflects Killington's commitment to enhancing the visitor experience. The gondola itself is a marvel, boasting the most continuous vertical rise of any lift in New England, ascending over 2,500 vertical feet. This impressive feat of engineering provides riders with unparalleled views and access to some of the resort's most challenging terrain. Instagram

Beyond its functional purpose, the Skyeship Gondola has become an iconic symbol of Killington. Its presence is deeply intertwined with the resort's identity, offering a unique perspective on the Vermont landscape throughout the year, from vibrant fall foliage to pristine winter snowscapes. Instagram+1

Experiencing the Summit: More Than Just a Ride

Reaching the summit via the Skyeship Gondola is just the beginning of the experience. At the top, visitors are greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Green Mountains. This vantage point is particularly spectacular during the peak fall foliage season, when the landscape transforms into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. InstagramReddit

For the adventurous, the summit serves as a launching point for hikes to Killington Peak. These trails offer varying levels of difficulty, allowing visitors to immerse themselves further in the natural beauty of the mountains. After exploring, the cozy summit lodge provides a perfect spot to relax, warm up, and enjoy a drink while taking in the expansive scenery. Reddit+1

Even the ride down offers opportunities for enjoyment. While the gondola itself is a functional lift, the journey back provides a different perspective on the mountain and its trails. Some visitors have noted that older cabin windows could be scratched, but the overall experience of ascending and descending this impressive mountain is widely considered a highlight of any visit to Killington. Reddit

A Taste of Killington: Beverages on the Go

For some visitors, the Skyeship Gondola experience is enhanced by enjoying a beverage. Several social media posts highlight enjoying craft beers from breweries like Tree House Brewing Company and Enegren Brewing while riding the gondola. These are often low-ABV options, perfect for a scenic and relaxed journey. Instagram+2

This trend of enjoying a 'gondola beer' or 'skibeer' adds a unique cultural element to the experience, blending outdoor adventure with craft beverage appreciation. It's a way for some to further savor the mountain atmosphere and the unique setting of the gondola ride. Instagram+1

While enjoying a drink on the gondola might be a niche activity, it speaks to the diverse ways people engage with the Skyeship Gondola experience. It's not just about the views or the skiing; it's also about creating memorable moments and enjoying the journey. Instagram+2

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