Photo Credit: Killington Resort
Blog post updated on October 11, 2021
When it was first announced a few years back that Kllington would be hosting the FIS World Cup, I'm not sure that anyone saw this kind of success coming. Why would they? There hadn't been a World Cup ski race prior to 2016 on the east coast in roughly 20+ years. Nonetheless, if anyone would be able to pull this kind of event off in the East, of course it would be "The Beast."
A supremely passionate fan base coupled with Killington's ability to over-deliver on every aspect of this event has made the FIS World Cup into a Thanksgiving weekend staple at Killington. So much so, that the FIS World Cup every year since (excluding 2020 when it was canceled due to the pandemic.
Pretty impressive stuff.
If you've been, you'd completely understand why The Homelight Killington Cup is more than just a ski race but a weekend filled some of the best après ski Killington has to offer.
The Homelight Killington Cup is More Than a Ski Race
What is now dubbed the Homelight Killington Cup, is a weekend-long spectacle of events that goes far beyond the race itself. Don't get me wrong, the athletes are incredible to watch. They are absolute technicians at their craft, slicing down the mountain making turns at speeds average humans would only dream of. The atmosphere for this is straight up electric and carries over to what goes on when the race is over. The après ski race, so to speak.
The après ski at Killington is some of the best in all of Vermont. This year, Killington has literally brought post race entertainment component home. Concerts, movie premiers and parties each day featuring some home grown talent, the Green Mountains have to offer.
Are you headed up to The Beast of the East this weekend for the FIS World Cup? Here are six can't miss Killington après ski events to take in once the racers cross the finish line and the night lights up with all kinds of fun.
1. Recycled Percussion Concert Followed by the Premier of TGR Winterland
Photo Credit: Killington Resort
If you're rolling into town on Friday, like I imagine most are, there are plenty of activities taking place throughout the day. Get there early for the open ceremony, then hang and get your favorite skier's autograph. I suggest taking it easy, you don't want to come out of the gates too hard.
Grab a few beers and wander around the village while you listen to the unique stylings of the New Hampshire based band Recycled Percussion. They'll blow your mind with their banging array of percussion based music.
Then, once finished, head right on over to the Snowshed Base lodge for the premier of Teton Gravity Research's Winterland. The world's best big mountain skiers absolutely rip in TGR's newest winter installment. TGR is known to shred the biggest, gnarliest lines around the world and their new film will put you in the right frame of mind for the rest of the weekend.
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2. DJ Logic Laying the Beats for the Free Grace Potter Concert
Photo Credit: Killington Resort
Throughout the day on Saturday, DJ Logic will be spinning tunes between runs. This should have you more than amped for the race and what's to come. As I mentioned earlier, the après ski at Killington is some of the best.
This year, they literally brought it home with the entertainment. On Saturday, Vermont's own Grace Potter is the first half of the Green State installment to take the stage.
This Mad River Valley born star is back in a big way. With a new album entitled Daylight and an anthology of roots rock music to play, she is guaranteed to deliver the headlining show you are looking for.
3. World Cup Killington Après Ski Party at The Pickle Barrel
Photo Credit: CSG Ltd
The Pickle Barrel is one of the best Killington après ski bars and is known across the United States. Saturday, along with The Kelly Brush Foundation, they are throwing an aprèsski party for a great cause.
If you don't know Kelly Brush's story, you must read it. A freak ski accident cut her career short and left Brush in a wheelchair. Now, the hard charging attitude that she was known for on the slopes has continued to define her life. Living, by example, Brush is empowering those with spinal cord injuries to continue to live an active lifestyle.
Be sure to get out and support her cause at, what is sure to be, a fun and gratifying Killington après ski party.
4. A Movie Premier as Timeless as Winter
Just like the enduring passion of the east coast skier that will be on display at this weekend's race so too will their eternal love of winter. There is no better example of this deep affection than the annual premier of the Warren Miller movie. At this year's Killington FIS Cup, you can experience this first hand.
On Saturday head over to the Snowshed Lodge when the 70th, yes 70th, Warren Miller film, Timeless premiers. Ski industry greats such as Marcus Caston, Amie Engerbretson and even Glen Plake join newbies such as Jackson Hole's Queen of Corbet's, Caite Zelif to travel to far out reaches of the globe to shred. Of course, the voice of winter himself, Jonny Moseley is back narrating, so you know the stoke level will be at an all time high. Don't miss this more than worthy, night cap.
5. Bonus Party Just Added at the Wobbly Barn
No Killington weekend is complete with a trip to the famed Wobbly Barn. It is one of the best Killington après ski bars. In fact, they were recently named as one of USA Today's Top 5 Après Ski Bars. It should come as no surprise that they too will be getting in on the post race party action.
Finish up with that Timeless premier and immediately head down the access road on Saturday night to the Wobbly Barn. There you are sure to find a packed house. So much so that the barn may actually be wobbling when Pulse and DJ Logic take the stage and play until closing.
If you just so happen to skip the movie, you can certainly head over early. The steakhouse opens at 4 and local legend Rick Redington and the Luv start jamming leading you right into the late night shenanigans.
6. Two Times the Twiddle
Photo Credit: Killington Resort
Vermont's own, Twiddle, is the second installment of bands hailing from the Green Mountain State headlining the free concerts in the K-1 Base area. Admittedly, I am not a jam band kind of guy. However, I have seen Twiddle play two winters ago when they headlined the Vermont Open at Stratton, and it's worth it.
The love that the peeps from Vermont give them is unrivaled. Twiddle is good, really good, and fortunately for you, they are playing twice on Sunday. First, check them out for free following Run 1 at the festival village. Then again later when Whistlepig presents the World Cup Finale at The Pickle Barrel.
The best part, aside from the music of course, is that since Whistlepig is the sponsor, you know there will be some tasty whiskey cocktails ready and waiting for you that night. Now that's how you finish an amazing weekend at The Homelight Killington Cup.
Don't Forget Your Après Ski Clothing
When it comes to a good Killington après ski party, you'll want to wear the best après ski clothing. Nothing says a visit to the Wobbly Barn or Pickle Barrel like our If You Don't Après Ski Hoodie. Whether you are hanging out watching the race or getting a few laps in yourself, you must close your day with a little après. When you do our most popular ski hoodie will keep you comfortable and warm.
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