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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Killington Peak, VT
Trails
Trails: Highlander ski trail, access roads, Great Eastern ski trail, Launch Pad ski trail, Bear Trax ski trail, Great Northern ski trail, Peak Loop, Superstar Express
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Saturday, June 6, 2020
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Parked at K-1 Lodge. The K-1 Lodge is undergoing major renovation. I saw no mention on Killington's site about not parking there. They may want you to park by Ramshead Express and walk in the extra mile. There was enough of a gap to drive through the cones across the road. Past that, the road straight ahead is closed and the road to the right is open. No one from the construction crew or Killington staff bothered me, but you may want to call ahead to get their expectation for hikers. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow - Drifts, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable) 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: Melt running down from long stretches of snow left on Superstar Quad. Would not recommend descending Superstar Quad. The start of the descent is fine, but it turns into a wet, mucky mess towards the bottom. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: Killington does not mark their "hiking" trails. Generally follow what looks like an access road, but you will have to veer off on Great Eastern to avoid the long route to the top. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: None. 
Bugs
Bugs: None. 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found: Lost my car key on the first ascent and descent. I believe I lost it descending Superstar Quad. I managed to unintentionally exploit a problem with the left chest pocket on the Ultimate Direction Mountain Hydration Vest 4.0 I have owned for over two years. If one is not paying attention, the key can be slipped in behind the pocket in the hollow that exists between the pocket and shoulder strap. I saw it sticking down right when I started, but figured there was a hole in the pocket. I slid it back up. The pressure must have kept it in place all the way up and the slipping and sliding down Superstar Quad dislodged it. Ascended the same route again to try and find it, but did not find it. Skipped the descent of Superstar Quad, because my fiancee had shown up and I did not want to keep her waiting. Found one rightfully perturbed fiancee at my car with the backup key. The key is a Subaru Key from the past five years with lock button, unlock button, trunk opener, and car alarm. Please contact me at my email if you find it. Would be grateful and hoping my good trail karma from finding and returning someone's phone through this site 2 years ago will pay off. 
 
Comments
Comments: Great views from the trails. Nothing from the top both times. Killington has an eeriness when shrouded in clouds. A great view from the northeast to the west exists on a fine day.

Saw lots of eastern cottontails at the top. Apparently it's a prime habitat.

Superstar Quad has lots of snow left. Looks like it could be skied if one was inclined. There was a significant drift or two in the shade ascending. Nothing that impedes upward progress.

First Ascent:
Highlander -> Access Road -> Great Eastern -> Launch Pad -> Bear Trax -> Access Road -> Great Northern -> Peak Loop -> Return Same Way with Diversion to Superstar Express

Second Ascent:
Highlander -> Access Road -> Great Eastern -> Launch Pad -> Bear Trax -> Access Road -> Great Northern -> Peak Loop -> Return Same Way with Diversion to Bear Trax on South Side and Access Road Cut-Across to Great Eastern and Back the Same Way  
Name
Name: Chance Yohman 
E-Mail
E-Mail: chance.yohman@gmail.com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2020-06-07 
Link
Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/3572458859 
Bookmark and Share Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense.

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