KILLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – What does it have to do with skiing? That’s the question we asked the die-hards on Day One at Killington Resort.

It’s a familiar chant on the first day of ski season. The whoops and screams of getting back into the snow.

“I’m retiring in three weeks. I’m looking forward to skiing 60 times. Being an old man, getting out and getting some exercise,” said Stephen Fisher of Ludlow.

“It makes me look forward to winter. While everyone else complains about the snow, I love it and try to find more of it,” said Rich Sullivan of Connecticut.

New in Killington this year; Skiing and horseback riding start right at the top of the gondola. However, you still have to walk up the catwalk to get the elevator back down.

“The freedom to slide down the hill. Being outside, the weather and the friendliness of all the people here,” said Maura Nee of Massachusetts.

While skiers and cyclists get their legs under them at the top of the mountain, construction continues on the stands, stages and race track on the Superstar Trail. Killington will once again host the fastest women’s World Cup racers on the planet on Thanksgiving weekend. But the talent here is also pretty good.

“I love the adrenaline. You get that feeling with every new race. It’s amazing,” said Rutland Township’s Bode Cerreta.

“I love going fast. And I love jumping,” said Margot Cardiasmenos of Rutland.

A newly graded and paved access road leads to all that man-made snow. Killington is embarking on a major residential and retail development project over the next decade.

But on Day One it’s all about returns.

“It’s everything,” UVM senior Owen Wetzel said. “I will leave here when it is 70 o’clock in June. I will go out on the first day like today.

“That’s why I’m in Vermont. That’s the only thing I’m looking forward to. Skiing makes everyone happy,” said Chris Mulhulland of New Jersey.

We don’t know if Killington will have the longest season in the East this year. The mountain is installing a new lift at Superstar, which is likely to shorten the season.

Thursday was also opening day at Sunday River in Maine.

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