Pico Mountain

Pico dates to the 1930s, the pioneering era when skiing was taking hold in New England and enthusiasts were cutting the first trails and stringing up the first rope tows and lifts. It ranks among the older continuously known ski mountains in Vermont.

In those years the sport was homegrown and community-driven, and mountains like Pico were built by people who loved to ski rather than by large corporations. That founding spirit still colors the mountain's character.

The Pico family of skiers who developed the area became part of the lore of early American skiing, and the mountain nurtured serious racers.

Pico is closely associated with Andrea Mead Lawrence, who learned to ski on the mountain her family helped develop and went on to win two gold medals in alpine skiing at the 1952 Winter Olympics, a landmark achievement for American skiing.

That heritage gives a modest Vermont hill an outsized place in the history of the sport, a reminder that champions can come from small, family-run mountains rather than only from big resorts.

Skiers who know the story feel that legacy on the trails, part of what makes Pico more than just another ski area.

Today Pico offers classic New England skiing across a mix of terrain, with a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere than the huge resort next door. For many it is the antidote to crowds, a place to ski at a human pace.

The two mountains share a massif and a long, intertwined history of ownership, and skiers sometimes treat them as complementary, the big mountain and the friendly one.

In the warm months, the ridge above Pico carries a segment of Vermont's Long Trail, so the mountain contributes to summer hiking in the area as well as winter skiing.

Winter is Pico's headline season, offering traditional Vermont skiing and riding, though its operating calendar can be more limited than Killington's, so it pays to check.

Fall brings foliage to the surrounding Green Mountains and quiet trails for those exploring on foot.

Summer is low-key, with hiking on the ridge and the Long Trail, and the nearby Killington gondola for those wanting an easy summit view.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is a place we chose through independent editorial review, never a paid placement.

Pico Mountain, near Killington in central Vermont, is a beloved and historic ski mountain, one of the oldest ski areas in the state, known for its friendly, less-crowded atmosphere and beautiful Green Mountain scenery. A classic New England ski destination, Pico offers skiing and snowboarding across varied terrain in winter, and in the warmer months the mountain and its surroundings offer hiking and access to the scenic high country, including nearby peaks and the Long and Appalachian trails. With its historic charm, uncrowded slopes, and mountain beauty, Pico is a favorite for skiers and outdoor lovers. With its slopes and mountain scenery, Pico Mountain offers a delightful destination in Vermont.

You can ski and snowboard the varied terrain in winter at this friendly, historic mountain, and in the warmer months hike the trails on and around the mountain, access the nearby high country and long-distance trails, and enjoy the beautiful Green Mountain scenery. The uncrowded winter slopes, the classic New England ski atmosphere, and the summer hiking and scenery are the draws, making it a favorite for skiers seeking a relaxed experience and hikers exploring the mountains. Its historic charm sets it apart. With its slopes and trails, Pico Mountain offers a rewarding experience in Vermont.

Winter is the main season for skiing and snowboarding at Pico Mountain, with the snowy months offering the classic New England ski experience on its friendly, less-crowded slopes, while the warm months of summer through fall offer hiking and mountain scenery, with fall foliage especially beautiful. Because ski operations are weather-dependent and seasonal, checking current conditions before you go is wise. For skiing choose winter, or visit in summer through fall for hiking and foliage, at Pico Mountain in Vermont.

Pico Mountain is a separate but neighboring ski mountain closely associated with the much larger Killington Resort in central Vermont, and the two are operated together, sharing the region's reputation as a premier ski destination. While Killington is Vermont's largest ski area, known for its extensive terrain, Pico offers a smaller, friendlier, less-crowded alternative with its own historic charm, making the pair a versatile destination. Their proximity lets visitors enjoy both. This relationship makes Pico Mountain a delightful complement to Killington in Vermont.

Pico Mountain is near Killington in central Vermont, within reach of Killington Resort with its K-1 Gondola scenic ride, Rutland with the Chaffee Art Center and the Wonderfeet Kids Museum, the marble heritage sites of Proctor, and central Vermont. That makes Pico Mountain a delightful stop to combine with the Killington K-1 Gondola scenic ride, the Rutland attractions, and the other sights of central Vermont on a visit to the state.