The Killington Download

This episode the Killington Download podcast sits down with Steve Reynolds, snowmaking control room supervisor for the resort. We chat with Steve about his first job at Killington making snow and his transition into the control room. We learn exactly what happens in the control room, that there is 90 miles of pipe that covers Killington and Pico and the most challenging part of his job is the weather. Then we get one little nugget from Steve that this season, with the right weather, we should see snowmaking on Devils Fiddle for the first time in 7 years. Then we welcome President and General Manager Mike Solimano back. Mike speaks about what it's like to manage the Beast fo the East and the energy around the resort as we get into winter. Lastly, we chat with Mike about his take on what he would do to improve the resort if he had a blank check and his best guess to when the resort might open for the season. Links The Killington App https://apps.apple.com/us/app/killington-resort/id1532074858                                                                                                                     https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wearlynx.slandroidkillington Instagram https://www.instagram.com/killingtonmtn/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/killingtonresort Twitter https://twitter.com/KillingtonMtn YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/KillingtonMountain Host: Justin Cash Guests: Stephanie Backus, Steve Reynolds, Mike Solimano

This episode the Killington Download podcast sits down with Anne Reynolds, Director of Human Resources for the resort. We chat with Anne about staffing the largest resort in the East and the 1600+ employees Killignton has in the height of winter. We even debate the oddest jobs at the resort. Then we welcome President and General Manager Mike Solimano back. Mike speaks about the impact the flood had on the resort and community and updates us on the recovery process. Lastly, we chat with Mike about investments happening around the resort to prepare for the start of the ski/ride season. Links The Killington App https://apps.apple.com/us/app/killington-resort/id1532074858                                                                                           https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wearlynx.slandroidkillington Instagram https://www.instagram.com/killingtonmtn/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/killingtonresort Twitter https://twitter.com/KillingtonMtn YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/KillingtonMountain Host: Justin Cash Guests: Stephanie Backus, Anne Reynolds, Mike Solimano

This episode features three guests, US Open co-founder and race director Clay Harper and professional downhill mountain bikers Aletha Ostgaard and Dakotah Norton. In 2022 Aletha finished 3rd and Dakotah finished 1st in the open class division at the US Open. We talk to both about what it’s like to race professionally around the globe as well as what sets racing at the FOX US Open apart from other races. We then get detailed accounts of their race runs down Goat Skull, their take on the vibe in the parking lot and how they deal with the highs and lows of professional mountain bike racing. 5:15 Clay Harper 14:30 Aletha Ostgaard 29:30 Dakotah Norton Then we welcome President and General Manager Mike Solimano back to the podcast. We talk to Mike about what improvements are being made to the mountain this summer, the current state of the new village and how he recharges his batteries during the summer. Links The Killington App https://apps.apple.com/us/app/killington-resort/id1532074858                                                                                           https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wearlynx.slandroidkillington Instagram https://www.instagram.com/killingtonmtn/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/killingtonresort Twitter https://twitter.com/KillingtonMtn YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/KillingtonMountain Host: Justin Cash Guests: Stephanie Backus, Clay Harper, Aletha Ostgaard, Dakotah Norton, Mike Solimano

This episode features Joe De Sena, Founder and CEO of Spartan. We talk to Joe about life lessons learned growing up next door to a mob boss, the adventure that was Joe’s first trip to Killington and then we learn all about the Death Race and the origins of the Spartan race itself. As a bonus Joe challenges any listener who has never done one of his races with a free entry into the Killington Beast race. Email Joe at [email protected] with the subject line “Justin Killington” and make sure to do this before July 1st. Then we welcome President and General Manager Mike Solimano back to the podcast. We talk to Mike about what he’s looking forward to this summer, a new event at Killington - Outerbike, July 7-9 and the retirement of a 45 year snowmaking veteran, Greg Hiltz.  Links The Killington App https://apps.apple.com/us/app/killington-resort/id1532074858                                                                                                                     https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wearlynx.slandroidkillington Instagram https://www.instagram.com/killingtonmtn/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/killingtonresort Twitter https://twitter.com/KillingtonMtn YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/KillingtonMountain Host: Justin Cash Guests: Stephanie Backus, Joe De Sena, Mike Solimano

This episode features David Wright, Grooming Manager for Killington and Pico Resorts. We discuss springtime grooming and the reasons every trail isn't groomed when the temperatures rise. We learn the ins-and-outs of winch cats, discuss the new snow depth technology (don’t call it RADAR) and finally hear the challenges behind grooming Dave’s favorite trail. Then we welcome President and General Manager Mike Solimano to reflect on the 2022-23 ski season and learn what he's looking forward to this summer. Lastly, we chat about the recent warmup and what that might mean for closing day. Links The Killington App https://apps.apple.com/us/app/killington-resort/id1532074858                                                                                                                     https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wearlynx.slandroidkillington Instagram https://www.instagram.com/killingtonmtn/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/killingtonresort Twitter https://twitter.com/KillingtonMtn YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/KillingtonMountain Host: Justin Cash Guests: Stephanie Backus, David Wright, Mike Solimano

In this episode we speak with Amy Laramie, Director of Brand Marketing, Events and Special Projects and Calvin Merrill, Snow Reporter about attending the Castleton Resort and Hospitality Management program at Killington Resort. This unique college experience combines real world, hands-on learning with more traditional college classes just a few miles from the base of Killington. We hear about the unique accelerated program that provides paid co-operative education for students, and in turn provides the resort with dedicated, enthusiastic employees. Then we talk with President and General Manager Mike Solimano about his take on the resort and hospitality program and what value it brings. We also learn that Mike taught the very first class at the program—before, as he puts it—“they found a real professor.” Links The Killington App https://apps.apple.com/us/app/killington-resort/id1532074858                                                                                                                     https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wearlynx.slandroidkillington Instagram https://www.instagram.com/killingtonmtn/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/killingtonresort Twitter https://twitter.com/KillingtonMtn YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/KillingtonMountain Host: Justin Cash Guests: Stephanie Backus, Amy Laramie, Calvin Merrill and Mike Solimano

In this episode we speak with ski tuning expert Mike Aicher. We learn about Mike's childhood at Pico, then take a deep dive into the world of ski and snowboard tuning. He explains the science of skis gliding on snow, and how the correct wax and proper application plays an important role. We learn about base bevels and structures and how they make spring skiing better. Lastly, we hear tips for building a home tuning bench. Then we talk with Mike Solimano, President and General Manager of Killington and Pico Resorts about building the exciting new village at the base of Killington. We also learn about the snow groomers that have RADAR to help extend the ski season, and wrap up with what Mike is looking forward to the most this spring. Links The Killington App https://apps.apple.com/us/app/killington-resort/id1532074858                                                                                                                     https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wearlynx.slandroidkillington Instagram https://www.instagram.com/killingtonmtn/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/killingtonresort Twitter https://twitter.com/KillingtonMtn YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/KillingtonMountain Host: Justin Cash Guests: Stephanie Backus, Mike Aicher, Mike Solimano

In this episode we are joined by Kayla Sarajian, Anna Tadio and Halley Riley-Elliott; three very interesting women who have demanding jobs at the resort that are traditionally held by men. We invited them to a roundtable to talk about how they ended up in their roles, what struggles they might have encountered along the way and what advice they might give to other women thinking about pursuing a career at a mountain resort. Then we talk with Mike Solimano, President and General Manager of Killington and Pico Resorts, about late season snowmaking and the push toward June skiing. Mike also speaks to the Killington work environment and changes made to help employees have a more enjoyable and stable work-life balance. Links Years: Kayla Sarajian Years Kayla Sarajian The Killington App https://apps.apple.com/us/app/killington-resort/id1532074858 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wearlynx.slandroidkillington Instagram https://www.instagram.com/killingtonmtn/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/killingtonresort Twitter https://twitter.com/KillingtonMtn YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/KillingtonMountain Host: Justin Cash Guests: Kristel Killary, Michael Sneyd, Mike Solimano

This episode focuses on the proposed Six Peaks Village at Killington with Michael Sneyd, President of Great Gulf Residential Group. We learn about the new water supply, access road, and base lodges, and what locals and guests can expect when construction gets underway. We also discuss Michael's long ski history at Killington and find out that his favorite trail is a groomed Outer Limits. We wrap up with Mike Solimano, President and General Manager of Killington and Pico Resorts, with his thoughts on the proposed village, what it will mean to the community and what he looks forward to the most. We review the K-1 Lodge opening party and talk changes in operating procedures when it’s 20° below. Links The Killington App https://apps.apple.com/us/app/killington-resort/id1532074858 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wearlynx.slandroidkillington Instagram https://www.instagram.com/killingtonmtn/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/killingtonresort Twitter https://twitter.com/KillingtonMtn YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/KillingtonMountain Host: Justin Cash Guests: Kristel Killary, Michael Sneyd, Mike Solimano

In this episode we talk to Jim Shands about his nearly 40 years of work at Killington. We discuss his early years “sled doggin’” and learn just what that term means. Then we dive into his team's role in the construction of the new K-1 Lodge and how the job will never really be done. Then we talk with Mike Solimano, President and General Manager of Killington and Pico Resorts about the exciting news of one more World Cup Race. We also discuss all the fresh snow stacking up for more open terrain and the big K-1 Lodge grand opening celebration. Links The Killington App https://apps.apple.com/us/app/killington-resort/id1532074858 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wearlynx.slandroidkillington Instagram https://www.instagram.com/killingtonmtn/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/killingtonresort Twitter https://twitter.com/KillingtonMtn YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/KillingtonMountain Host: Justin Cash Guests: Kristel Killary, Jim Shands, Mike Solimano