KILLINGTON, Vt. (August 28, 2002) - Festival goers to Killington's 7th Annual Brew Fest on Saturday, Oct. 12, will find reds, oranges and yellows, scenic mountain vistas, and quite possibly, snow. The first resort in eastern North America to offer skiing and riding for the 41st consecutive season last year, Killington will fire up the most extensive snowmaking system in North America this fall, offering guests a chance at seeing white slithered in with fall foliage colors. The resort plans to open first in the East for the 42nd consecutive year in mid-October.

"Sometimes festival goers and peepers view a sample of white with early season snowfall, which coincides with our change from fall to winter and the opening of the longest ski season in eastern North America," said Gillis Lynn, vice president of marketing and sales. "The dramatic changes are what make the region so unique, and the switch from summer to fall is wonderful to watch."

The 7th Annual Killington Brew Fest is from 1-6 p.m. at Killington Resort. A variety of microbreweries and craft breweries from Vermont and New England will tap their kegs for beer-lovers during this foliage event. Breweries will offer a variety of hand-crafted lagers, ales, porters, pilsners, and stouts for sampling. To complement the variety of brews, local chefs will represent area restaurants with their signature dishes in the "Taste of Killington" from 1-4 p.m.; a cook-off event where Killington visitors are the judges of some of the finest cuisine in the region.

Breweries that have attended past festivals, which have been invited to attend this year's event, include: Boston's Sam Adams; Magic Hat Brewing from Burlington, Vt.; The Rock Art Brewery of Johnson, Vt.; The Trout River Brewery from Eastburg, Vt.; The Long Trail Brewing Company of Bridgewater Corners, Vt.; The Otter Creek Brewery from Middlebury, Vt.; Tunbridge Quality Ales of Tunbridge, Vt.; Kross Brewing Company of Morrisville, Vt.; and Harpoon Ales of Boston, Mass. Last year's cost was $15/person and included admission to the festival, three drink tickets and a souvenir tasting glass. Live music and entertainment will help set the Brew Fest mood. This year's cost is still to be determined. Beer samplers must be at least 21 years old.

The Killington Ski Club will also hold its annual fundraiser ski and snowboard swap sale Oct. 11-13. The ski swap offers an economical way for skiers and riders to find deals on used equipment and clothing. Parents will find ski gear for their growing children.

Killington Brew Fest packages are available from $63 per person and include two nights lodging, admission to the Brew Fest and a roundtrip ride to the top of Killington Peak on the K1 Gondola. The rate is based on four people in two bedroom condominium, with a two night/two day minimum stay. Tax and gratuities are not included. For reservations call 877-4-KTIMES or book online at killingtonresortvillage.com.

In addition, Killington will offer other activities for all ages. The Adventure Center is open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Activities include: K1 Express gondola rides to Killington Peak, the highest gondola-serviced peak in New England; access to 45 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails; an inline skate and skateboard park; Pico Mountain's two alpine slides; The Bungee Thing; and a mini-golf course. An all-day pass is $40/adults and $35/juniors ages 6-12. An all-day pass excluding mountain biking is $30/adults and $25/juniors.

Round-trip fall foliage rides also are available on Killington's second gondola, the Killington Skyeship, from its base on Route 4 to the top of Skye Peak. Hours are from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. An adult round-trip ride is $13, and juniors are $8. A one-way ride is $9/adult and $5/junior. Family round-trips are available for $31. A family is two adults and any number of immediate family members ages 12 and under.

Other foliage packages are available during September and October including the Peep, Eat and Ride Package from $65 per person. The package includes two nights lodging, a roundtrip ride on the 1 -mile K1 Gondola, and dinner at one of 11 participating restaurants. The rate is based on four people in a one bedroom condominium. Tax and gratuities are not included. For reservations call 877-4-KTIMES or book online at killingtonresortvillage.com.

For more information about fall foliage and events, visit the events page at killington.com or call the Killington Events Hotline at 802- 422-1700. Killington Resort is the largest ski and snowboard resort in eastern North America. It offers seven mountains, 200 trails and 87 miles of diverse terrain for all ability levels. It also is the home of 31 lifts, including two, eight-passenger, heated express gondolas, and 12 quad chairlifts including six high-speed express quads. The Resort boasts the longest season in eastern North America, spanning from mid-October until Memorial Day, often times until June. It has been the first resort to open and the last to close in the East for the past 41 consecutive years.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Gear Editor