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Pico (2002)
Pico Mountain
Killington, Vermont
Status: Open
First Season:1937-38
Vertical Drop:1967 feet
Standing Lifts:2 high speed quads, 2 triples, 2 doubles, surface lifts
Past Lifts:3 doubles, surface lifts
Left: Pico (2002)
Recent NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com News:
3/7/2019: Pico Announces Major Snowmaking Expansio...
6/19/2014: REPORT: Killington-Pico Could Receive N...
SkiNewEngland.net Profile
Located north of Killington in the Green Mountains, 3,957 foot Pico Peak is home to one of the longest running large ski areas in New England.

Early Years

Pico's lift served ski history dates back to Thanksgiving Day of 1937, when Brad and Janet Mead opened a rope tow serviced slope on Little Pico. In addition to the slope, a Charley Proctor designed trail, Sunset Schuss, opened on a hike-up basis in early 1938. The nearly 2,000 vertical foot trail was billed as the widest trail in the East with its average 50 foot width. Also in 1938, the Meads recruited Karl Acker from Switzerland to become the Pico ski school director.

Two rope tows were reportedly in place for the 1939-40 season.

The Country's First T-Bar

The Pico T-Bar in the 1940s
The Pico T-Bar in the 1940s

Quickly becoming one of the most popular ski areas in all of New England, Pico invested in a high capacity lift for the 1940-41 season. That January, Pico opened the first T-Bar in the United States, manufactured by Constam. After extensive testing by Roebling, the lift was dedicated on January 12, 1941.

The slopes were smooth for better snow conditions for the 1941-42 season, while a dedicated beginner rope tow was installed.

Tragedy struck in 1942, when Brad Mead drowned in a boating accident, leaving Janet to run the ski area. His body was buried near the Sunset Schuss trail. Meanwhile, Karl Acker served in the United States Army's 10th Mountain Division for three years during World War II.

For the 1945-46 season further trail smoothing took place and the T-Bar cable was replaced.

As the decade progressed, Pico became a go to ski area for hosting large state and regional races. Meanwhile, Janet Mead's daughter Andrea was becoming a world renowned ski racer, competing in the 1948 Winter Olympics at the age of 15. Shortly after marrying David Lawrence, Andrea Mead Lawrence won gold medals in both the Slalom and Giant Slalom events at the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo. She narrowly missed the podium in at the 1956 games, coming in 4th in the Giant Slalom.

Back in Vermont, ski school director Karl Acker became the manager of Pico circa 1951. About three years later, he and his wife June Acker purchased the ski area, installing a new rope tow for novices for the 1954-55 season.

In 1956, work commenced on a new novice area initially known as Gnome's Mound. A new T-Bar was supposed to debut for the 1957-58 season, serving the new 400 foot wide Gnomes Knoll slope. The installation took longer than scheduled and the lift was plagued with problems, forcing a replacement five years later.

The Pico base area circa the 1950s
The Pico base area circa the 1950s

In an eerie coincidence, another Pico owner died at a young age, when Acker suffered a heart attack in May 1958 at the age of 42. His widow June carried on his vision as owner, bringing in Don Rosenburg as ski school director and manager. In December of 1958, Killington Basin ski area opened just to the south of Pico.

For its 25th anniversary season in 1962-63, Pico invested in its largest expansion to date. In addition to base area facility expansion (including a ski-in snack bar), a T-Bar, new slope, and new trail were added. More impressively, the area's first double chairlift was installed.

To The Summit

The Summit Chairlift in the 1970s
The Summit Chairlift in the 1970s

After installing the chairlift, June Acker looked to sell the ski area. According to Killington A Story of Mountains and Men, Killington acquired an option to purchase Pico in January 1964. Acker later backed out on the deal, not knowing Killington's ownership well enough at the time.

In October of 1964, Acker sold the ski area to Bruce and Verlene Belden's Pico Peak Ski Resort, Inc. The new ownership wasted no time in expanding, debuting a summit double chairlift in January of 1966. The Bonanza double chairlift was likely completed for the following season.

Not long thereafter, the Outpost area was developed in 1969.

Pico achieved another 'first' in 1971-72, when it installed New England's first triple chairlift, replacing the Gnomes Knoll T-Bar. In 1972, Rutland Banker Frank Heald became Pico's marketing director.

The famous alpine slide was built on Little Pico in 1981. In 1982, Frank Heald took over as general manager.

The Summit Express Quad circa the late 1980s or 1990
The Summit Express Quad circa the late 1980s or 1990

For its golden anniversary season of 1987-88, Pico installed its first high speed quad, one year after the debut of the technology in New England. With the installation of the Golden Express, Pico was initially part of an elite group including Killington, Mount Snow, and Stowe.

A second high speed quad was installed for the 1988-89 season, reaching the summit. To date, the Summit Express is the newest chairlift installed at Pico. Unfortunately, the investments corresponded with bad winters, putting Pico in jeopardy.

Joining Killington, One Way or Another

The Summit Express Quad in 2016
The Summit Express Quad in 2016

In summer 1989, plans to merge Pico with Killington were announced, with an expected deal completion at the end of the year. While the merger did not close, Killington managed Pico for the 1989-90 and 1990-91 seasons.

In the early 1990s, plans for a connection to Killington gained traction. Issues with permits and the Appalachian Trail complicated matters. At one point, a $4.7 million sale to Killington was on the table, however it was not successful.

In December of 1993, long time Pico shareholders Harold and Edith Herbert purchased the ski area's mortgage from The Howard Bank. In May of 1995, the Herberts foreclosed on Pico and formed Pico Mountain, Inc. in August. From the foreclosure, the Herberts were awarded the assets of the ski area in January of 1996. According to Killington: A Story of Mountains and Men, Pico sold 1,360 acres of Appalachian Trail related land to the National Park Service in March 1996 for $482,335 and Sherburne Pass development rights.

Pico Mountain, Inc. filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy July 22, 1996. On December 9, 1996, Pico was purchased by American Skiing Company for $5 million. A landswap agreement between Killington and the State of Vermont was announced during the 1997-98 season and initial work on the Killington-Pico Interconnect started soon thereafter (as well as a re-route of the Applachian Trail). Financial troubles would eventually halt development.

The top of B Slope in 2018
The top of B Slope in 2018

On May 11, 2007, Pico and Killington were sold to SP Land Co. for $85.2 million with Powdr Corp. taking over operations.

In January of 2012, Pico announced alpine slide operations would cease after some three decades of summer use.

On March 1, 2018, Powdr Corp announced RFID ticketing would be installed at Pico for the 2018-19 season.

NewEnglandSkiConditions.com Reports
Month Average Percent of Terrain Open
December15%    (2 reports)15 Open
January63%    (2 reports)63 Open
February83%    (7 reports)83 Open
March81%    (8 reports)81 Open
Recent Conditions Reports
Mar. 16, 2024 by snowphoenix
Spring Snow, Variable Conditions
Jan. 15, 2024 by bostonbob
Packed Powder, Loose Granular
Feb. 12, 2023 by indyskier29
Packed Powder, Ice
Feb. 13, 2021 by nhalex
Packed Powder, Frozen Granular
Feb. 9, 2020 by nhalex
Frozen Granular, Variable Conditions
Pico Mountain on NewEnglandSkiConditions.com


NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com News
Recent Articles
Pico Announces Major Snowmaking Expansion - Mar. 7, 2019
REPORT: Killington-Pico Could Receive New Lifts - Jun. 19, 2014
Pico Mountain NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com News Page


Expansion History
Project
Season
Sherburne Pass
Cancelled
1980s
Little Pico
Open
1940-41
Outpost
Open
1969-70
Killington-Pico Interconnect
Proposed


Image Gallery
1953-54 Eastern Ski Map1954-55 Eastern Ski Map1955-56 Eastern Ski Map1956-57 Eastern Ski Map1959-60 Eastern Ski Map1960-61 Eastern Ski Map
View All Images in Pico Mountain Image Gallery


Lifts
Click on lift name for information and photos
Standing Lifts
Installed
The bottom terminal (2017)
Bonanza Double Chair
Carlevaro & Savio
Chairlift - Double - Fixed
1965-66
The bottom terminal (2017)
Golden Express Quad
Yan
Chairlift - Quad - Detachable
1987-88
The Knomes Knoll Triple in the 1970s
Knomes Knoll Triple Chair
Hall
Chairlift - Triple - Fixed
1971-72
The bottom terminal (2014)
Little Pico Triple Chair
Hall
Chairlift - Triple - Fixed
1980-81
The base terminal (2018)
Outpost Double Chair
Carlevaro & Savio
Chairlift - Double - Fixed
1969-70
The Summit Express in 2006
Summit Express Quad
Yan
Chairlift - Quad - Detachable
1988-89

Past Lifts
Seasons
The former bottom terminal (2017)
Birch Glade Chairlift
Poma
Chairlift - Double - Fixed
1978-79
-
1993-94
Gnomes Knoll T-Bar
Western Manufacturing Co.
T-Bar
1957-58
-
1961-62
Gnomes Knoll T-Bar
Doppelmayr
T-Bar
1962-63
-
1970-71
The lift line circa the 1960s
Lower Chairlift
Stadeli
Chairlift - Double - Fixed
1962-63
-
1974-75
The Lower Chairlift in the 1980s with General Manager Frank Heald in the foreground
Lower Chairlift
Hall
Chairlift - Double - Fixed
1975-76
-
1987-88
Pico J-Bar
Ottman-Allen
J-Bar
1959-60
-
1970-71
The rendering of the Pico T-Bar circa the 1940s
Pico T-Bar
Constam
T-Bar
1940-41
-
1979-80
The Pico T-Bar II (left) in 2002
Pico T-Bar II
Doppelmayr
T-Bar
1971-72
-
2000s
The Summit Double circa the 1970s
Summit Chairlift
Carlevaro & Savio
Chairlift - Double - Fixed
1965-66
-
1987-88
The base terminal (2018)
Summit Poma
Poma
Platter
1978-79
-
1998-99


Maps
2023-24 Pico Trail Map
1963-64 Pico Peak Trail Map1967-68 Pico Peak Trail Map1968-69 Pico Trail Map1969-70 Pico trail map1970-71 Pico Trail Map1978-79 Pico Trail Map
View All Pico Mountain Trail Maps

Year by Year History
Adult Weekend Full Day Lift Ticket; Adult Full Price Unlimited Season Pass
2020s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
2023-24$131.442023-24 Ticket Price Graph$762.142023-24 Season Pass Price Graph5.8 daysDecember 92023-24 Skier Visit Graph
2022-23$131.442022-23 Ticket Price Graph$730.342022-23 Season Pass Price Graph5.6 daysDecember 15April 22022-23 Skier Visit Graph
2021-22$119.002021-22 Ticket Price Graph$677.342021-22 Season Pass Price Graph5.7 daysDecember 11March 272021-22 Skier Visit Graph
2020-21$120.002020-21 Ticket Price Graph$673.032020-21 Season Pass Price Graph5.6 daysDecember 19April 42020-21 Skier Visit Graph
2019-20$85.002019-20 Ticket Price Graph$533.932019-20 Season Pass Price Graph6.3 daysDecember 7March 142019-20 Skier Visit Graph
2010s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
2018-19$81.002018-19 Ticket Price Graph$512.532018-19 Season Pass Price Graph6.3 daysDecember 14April 72018-19 Skier Visit Graph
2017-18$79.002017-18 Ticket Price Graph$479.002017-18 Season Pass Price Graph6.1 daysDecember 15April 82017-18 Skier Visit Graph
2016-17$76.002016-17 Ticket Price Graph$479.002016-17 Season Pass Price Graph6.3 daysDecember 10April 92016-17 Skier Visit Graph
2015-16$72.002015-16 Ticket Price Graph$469.002015-16 Season Pass Price Graph6.5 daysJanuary 2March 132015-16 Skier Visit Graph
2014-15$69.002014-15 Ticket Price Graph$449.002014-15 Season Pass Price Graph6.5 daysDecember 13April 52014-15 Skier Visit Graph
2013-14$67.002013-14 Ticket Price Graph$429.002013-14 Season Pass Price Graph6.4 daysDecember 13April 52013-14 Skier Visit Graph
2012-13$67.002012-13 Ticket Price Graph$429.002012-13 Season Pass Price Graph6.4 daysDecember 14April 62012-13 Skier Visit Graph
2011-12$62.002011-12 Ticket Price Graph$429.002011-12 Season Pass Price Graph6.9 daysDecember 17March 182011-12 Skier Visit Graph
2010-11$59.002010-11 Ticket Price Graph$399.002010-11 Season Pass Price Graph6.8 daysDecember 17March 272010-11 Skier Visit Graph
2009-102009-10 Ticket Price Graph2009-10 Season Pass Price GraphDecember 12April 42009-10 Skier Visit Graph
2000s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
2008-09$52.002008-09 Ticket Price Graph$519.002008-09 Season Pass Price Graph10.0 days2008-09 Skier Visit Graph
2007-08$49.002007-08 Ticket Price Graph$499.002007-08 Season Pass Price Graph10.2 days2007-08 Skier Visit Graph
2006-07$49.002006-07 Ticket Price Graph$499.002006-07 Season Pass Price Graph10.2 days2006-07 Skier Visit Graph
2005-06$49.002005-06 Ticket Price Graph$399.002005-06 Season Pass Price Graph8.1 days2005-06 Skier Visit Graph
2004-05$49.002004-05 Ticket Price Graph$449.002004-05 Season Pass Price Graph9.2 daysMarch 272004-05 Skier Visit Graph
2003-04$49.002003-04 Ticket Price Graph$649.002003-04 Season Pass Price Graph13.2 days2003-04 Skier Visit Graph
2002-03$48.002002-03 Ticket Price Graph2002-03 Season Pass Price Graph2002-03 Skier Visit Graph
2001-02$45.002001-02 Ticket Price Graph$549.002001-02 Season Pass Price Graph12.2 days2001-02 Skier Visit Graph
2000-01$45.002000-01 Ticket Price Graph$549.002000-01 Season Pass Price Graph12.2 daysDecember 82000-01 Skier Visit Graph
1999-00$45.001999-00 Ticket Price Graph$549.001999-00 Season Pass Price Graph12.2 days1999-00 Skier Visit Graph
1990s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
1998-99$42.001998-99 Ticket Price Graph$849.001998-99 Season Pass Price Graph20.2 days1998-99 Skier Visit Graph
1997-98$39.001997-98 Ticket Price Graph$849.001997-98 Season Pass Price Graph21.8 days1997-98 Skier Visit Graph
1996-971996-97 Ticket Price Graph1996-97 Season Pass Price GraphDecember 211996-97 Skier Visit Graph
1995-961995-96 Ticket Price Graph1995-96 Season Pass Price GraphNovember 181995-96 Skier Visit Graph
1994-95$41.001994-95 Ticket Price Graph1994-95 Season Pass Price GraphNovember 24April 161994-95 Skier Visit Graph
1993-941993-94 Ticket Price Graph1993-94 Season Pass Price GraphNovember 271993-94 Skier Visit Graph
1992-93$35.001992-93 Ticket Price Graph1992-93 Season Pass Price Graph1992-93 Skier Visit Graph
1991-92$37.001991-92 Ticket Price Graph1991-92 Season Pass Price Graph1991-92 Skier Visit Graph
1990-91$37.001990-91 Ticket Price Graph1990-91 Season Pass Price Graph1990-91 Skier Visit Graph
1989-90$35.001989-90 Ticket Price Graph1989-90 Season Pass Price GraphNovember 221989-90 Skier Visit Graph
1980s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
1988-89$32.001988-89 Ticket Price Graph1988-89 Season Pass Price GraphNovember 241988-89 Skier Visit Graph
1987-88$29.001987-88 Ticket Price Graph1987-88 Season Pass Price Graph154,0001987-88 Skier Visit Graph
1986-87$26.001986-87 Ticket Price Graph1986-87 Season Pass Price Graph1986-87 Skier Visit Graph
1985-86$25.001985-86 Ticket Price Graph1985-86 Season Pass Price Graph1985-86 Skier Visit Graph
1984-85$22.001984-85 Ticket Price Graph$435.001984-85 Season Pass Price Graph19.8 days1984-85 Skier Visit Graph
1983-84$20.001983-84 Ticket Price Graph$395.001983-84 Season Pass Price Graph19.8 days1983-84 Skier Visit Graph
1982-83$19.001982-83 Ticket Price Graph$365.001982-83 Season Pass Price Graph19.2 days1982-83 Skier Visit Graph
1981-821981-82 Ticket Price Graph1981-82 Season Pass Price GraphNovember 261981-82 Skier Visit Graph
1980-81$17.001980-81 Ticket Price Graph1980-81 Season Pass Price Graph1980-81 Skier Visit Graph
1979-80$15.001979-80 Ticket Price Graph1979-80 Season Pass Price Graph1979-80 Skier Visit Graph
1970s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
1978-79$13.001978-79 Ticket Price Graph1978-79 Season Pass Price GraphNovember 231978-79 Skier Visit Graph
1977-781977-78 Ticket Price Graph1977-78 Season Pass Price GraphNovember 241977-78 Skier Visit Graph
1976-77$12.001976-77 Ticket Price Graph1976-77 Season Pass Price GraphNovember 251976-77 Skier Visit Graph
1975-76$11.001975-76 Ticket Price Graph1975-76 Season Pass Price GraphNovember 271975-76 Skier Visit Graph
1974-75$11.001974-75 Ticket Price Graph1974-75 Season Pass Price GraphDecember 71974-75 Skier Visit Graph
1973-74$9.001973-74 Ticket Price Graph1973-74 Season Pass Price Graph1973-74 Skier Visit Graph
1972-73$9.001972-73 Ticket Price Graph1972-73 Season Pass Price Graph1972-73 Skier Visit Graph
1971-72$9.001971-72 Ticket Price Graph$180.001971-72 Season Pass Price Graph20.0 days1971-72 Skier Visit Graph
1970-71$9.001970-71 Ticket Price Graph$150.001970-71 Season Pass Price Graph16.7 days1970-71 Skier Visit Graph
1969-70$8.501969-70 Ticket Price Graph$125.001969-70 Season Pass Price Graph14.7 days1969-70 Skier Visit Graph
1960s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
1968-69$7.001968-69 Ticket Price Graph$110.001968-69 Season Pass Price Graph15.7 days1968-69 Skier Visit Graph
1967-68$6.501967-68 Ticket Price Graph1967-68 Season Pass Price Graph1967-68 Skier Visit Graph
1966-67$6.001966-67 Ticket Price Graph1966-67 Season Pass Price Graph1966-67 Skier Visit Graph
1964-65$5.501964-65 Ticket Price Graph1964-65 Season Pass Price Graph1964-65 Skier Visit Graph
1963-64$5.501963-64 Ticket Price Graph1963-64 Season Pass Price Graph1963-64 Skier Visit Graph
1962-63$5.501962-63 Ticket Price Graph1962-63 Season Pass Price Graph1962-63 Skier Visit Graph
1961-62$4.501961-62 Ticket Price Graph1961-62 Season Pass Price GraphDecember 20March 301961-62 Skier Visit Graph
1960-61$4.501960-61 Ticket Price Graph1960-61 Season Pass Price Graph1960-61 Skier Visit Graph
1959-60$4.001959-60 Ticket Price Graph1959-60 Season Pass Price Graph1959-60 Skier Visit Graph
1950s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
1958-591958-59 Ticket Price Graph1958-59 Season Pass Price GraphApril 51958-59 Skier Visit Graph
1940s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
1946-47$3.501946-47 Ticket Price Graph$50.001946-47 Season Pass Price Graph14.3 days1946-47 Skier Visit Graph
1943-441943-44 Ticket Price Graph1943-44 Season Pass Price GraphNovember 261943-44 Skier Visit Graph
1940-411940-41 Ticket Price Graph1940-41 Season Pass Price GraphApril 15102,6071940-41 Skier Visit Graph
1939-40$1.001939-40 Ticket Price Graph1939-40 Season Pass Price Graph1939-40 Skier Visit Graph
1930s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
1938-39$1.001938-39 Ticket Price Graph1938-39 Season Pass Price Graph1938-39 Skier Visit Graph
1937-381937-38 Ticket Price Graph1937-38 Season Pass Price GraphNovember 251937-38 Skier Visit Graph


Visitor Memories
"I remember as a teenager trying to ski back to our lodge from Pico and missing the turn off, when the lifts had just stopped. We had to climb up a rock wall to cut over, only to find 2 alpine slides separating us from the trail to the lodge. So, we climbed in and out of 2 Alpine slides and made it back with some great stories. ...So many fun memories of growing up skiing at Pico in the mid 70's and 80's."
Kelly Ann Anthony, Mar. 18, 2018
"I worked at Pico in the winter of 1962 when it was a small but fun mountain to ski and enjoy the sport. I remember announcing skiing conditions each week over the radio to NYC and the surrounding area. I loved the experience!"
Joyce Davis-Siegel, Mar. 22, 2017
"MY DAD WAS ON THE SKI PATROL FOR PICO IN THE 70'S AND WE GO EVERY WEEKEND SKIING AS A FAMILY AS HE WORKED THE MOUNTAIN WITH THE OTHER SKI PATROLERS. PLEASENT MEMORIES OF THE DAYS. "
RALPH MUSCATELLO JR., Dec. 7, 2016
"Our family would ski at Pico every weekend. My dad would make a big jug of hot chocolate and leave it on the deck for everyone to enjoy. We affectionately refer to it as 'Bob's Hot Chocolate'."
Margaret (Hackett) Ettori, Oct. 14, 2015
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External Links
  • Pico - official site
  • Pico Peak - FranklinSites.com Hiking Guide
  • Last updated: September 9, 2018

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