Featured Image: Killington: GEPA pictures
Killington’s New Era: Local Leadership with a Vision for Growth
Killington Resort, the largest ski destination in the Northeast, is embarking on a new chapter under local ownership. A group of local investors, led by longtime Killington homeowners Phill Gross and Michael Ferri, has acquired Killington and neighboring Pico Mountain. Gross and Ferri bring a shared passion for the mountain and a commitment to community-driven improvements. Under their leadership, the group plans to reinvest all profits into the resort.
The new ownership team, alongside resort President and CEO Mike Solimano, aims to build on Killington’s reputation as a world-class destination by committing $30 million to infrastructure improvements over the next two seasons. This investment will prioritize snowmaking upgrades and modernized lifts and enhance the guest experience. “This is an opportunity to take Killington to the next level,” Solimano said. “We’re focused on creating the best possible experience for our guests while investing in the long-term sustainability of the resort.”
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Why Gross and Ferri Bought Killington
When the opportunity to purchase Killington arose, Phill Gross didn’t hesitate to take action. Having long been passionate about the resort and its community, he saw local ownership as a way to ensure Killington’s future was rooted in reinvestment and community engagement. “We wanted to make sure the profits stayed local and benefited the mountain directly,” Gross explained.
Gross’s first call was to Michael Ferri, a fellow Killington homeowner and lifelong skier with a deep connection to the area. Convincing Ferri to join the effort turned out to be surprisingly easy. “I thought I’d have to pitch him on the idea, but Michael jumped in right away,” Gross said. “He saw it as an incredible opportunity to do something meaningful for the resort and the community.”
Together, the two quickly built a team of investors who shared their vision for Killington. The group emphasizes long-term growth through local management, ensuring that improvements directly benefit the resort and the surrounding region.
Mike Solimano: Leading with Vision and Experience
Under Mike Solimano’s leadership, Killington has solidified its reputation as one of the East Coast’s premier ski destinations. With years of experience at the resort, Solimano understands the intricacies of running a large-scale operation while balancing community needs and long-term goals.
“The strength of Killington lies in its ability to adapt and innovate,” Solimano explained. “We’re not just running a mountain; we’re creating a destination that benefits everyone—from the athletes training on our slopes to the families spending weekends here.”
Solimano also emphasized the benefits of Killington’s independence under the new ownership. “We now have the flexibility to make decisions that are best for the mountain and our community without needing approval from a distant corporate office,” he said. This autonomy allows Killington to act quickly and efficiently, whether preparing for a World Cup event or investing in new infrastructure.
Phill Gross: Leading With Passion for Youth Development
Phill Gross, a key figure in the new ownership, is driven by a deep commitment to youth development in winter sports. His involvement with organizations like the Share Winter Foundation, Youth Enrichment Services, and Winter4Kids reflects his belief in making skiing accessible to children from all backgrounds.
“I see winter sports as a confidence-building experience for kids, especially those from underserved communities,” Gross explained. He calls them “first-generation skiers,” emphasizing programs that introduce skiing to children who might not otherwise have the opportunity. “Everyone deserves the chance to experience the joy of skiing,” he added.
Gross’s vision ensures that ski racing remains accessible for future generations. Through his leadership and philanthropy, he has supported infrastructure improvements and access programs that benefit thousands of young athletes. “We’re not just supporting skiing as a sport,” Gross said. “We’re giving kids a chance to experience something life changing.”
Michael Ferri: A Lifelong Connection to Killington
Michael Ferri’s journey with Killington began in 1970 when his parents purchased a condo at the resort. Since then, Killington has become a central part of his life—as a skier, homeowner, and parent of three graduates from Killington Mountain School (KMS). Ferri’s deep ties to the mountain and the local community have shaped his passion for ensuring Killington’s continued success.
Ferri sees a unique synergy between Killington Resort and Killington Mountain School (KMS). As a longtime KMS board member, he understands the mutual benefits of this relationship. “Every ski academy relies on the mountain’s support, and KMS is no exception,” Ferri said. “For the mountain, KMS and the Killington Ski Club bring families to the area who might not otherwise be here. These families not only ski but also buy homes, spend money locally, and bring friends who do the same.”
Ferri emphasized that these families become part of the Killington community, creating a cycle of engagement and investment that strengthens both the academy and the resort.
The World Cup: A Showcase of Killington’s Potential and a Force for Good
Killington’s annual FIS World Cup event is more than just a celebration of elite competition—it’s a cornerstone of the resort’s identity and a unique initiative with a meaningful impact. Drawing over 30,000 spectators each year, the event shines a spotlight on Killington as a world-class ski destination. “In the recent past, it has been the only women’s World Cup event in the U.S., and it showcases Killington as the best mountain in the East,” Gross said.
However, its more profound purpose is what sets the event apart. Through the Killington World Cup Foundation (KWCF), all net revenues from the race are directed to charitable causes, making it the only World Cup with this distinction. The KWCF raises over $600,000 annually, with its most significant sources of revenue coming from VIP ticket packages and a portion of every general admission and VIP ticket sold.
“The World Cup allows us to give back to the community while showcasing our world-class mountain,” Solimano said. “It’s a unique event that brings the ski world together while making a real difference locally.”
Since its inception, the KWCF has granted over $1.5 million to grassroots ski programs, infrastructure upgrades, and community development projects across New England. Beneficiaries include the Green Mountain Academy, Pico Ski Club, and Cochran’s Ski Area. Additionally, KWCF supports winter sports access programs such as Youth Enrichment Services in Boston, reaching over 45,000 children across 12 Northeast states.
“These grants make a real difference,” Gross explained. “We’re not just showcasing world-class athletes—we’re building the foundation for the next generation of skiers.”
The Benefits and Challenges of Hosting the World Cup
Hosting the World Cup offers Killington significant benefits, but it’s not without challenges. The event boosts Killington’s visibility on a global stage, attracts tens of thousands of visitors, and provides an economic lift to local businesses. “It’s a win for Killington and for Vermont,” Gross said.
Preparing Superstar Trail for the event requires months of planning and effort to deliver perfect snow conditions in November. “The team has to deliver incredible conditions, which takes extraordinary expertise,” Solimano said. Despite the challenges, the event highlights the strength of Killington’s operations and its ability to host elite-level competitions.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Growth
Killington’s future is bright under the leadership of Gross, Ferri and Solimano. Investments in infrastructure, strong partnerships with grassroots programs, and a continued focus on hosting world-class events will solidify its role as the premier ski destination in the Northeast.
“This isn’t just about running a resort; it’s about creating something that benefits the community and inspires future generations,” Gross said.
Solimano echoed that sentiment: “We’re building more than a resort; we’re building a community. We aim to make Killington a destination where everyone—from athletes to families—feels at home.”
About the Author: Peter Lange
