NJSki;c-65314 wrote
Chuckstah;c-65311 wrote
lotsoskiing;c-65308 wrote
joshua_segal;c-65307 wrote
ADKskier;c-65299 wroteCan someone explain why they wont connect Pico? Is it a bird issue?
There are many stories on this. I don't know which ones are true. Here are some of them:
1. The two mountains are in different watersheds and there need to be plans in place to assure that the quantity of snowmaking water used on each mountain actually drains to the right watershed.
2. A poll of priorities was taken and the inter-connect is low on the list. A lot of people like things as they are, where especially the locals and the Pico condo owners, like the shorter weekend lines at Pico.
3. The inter-connect will not increase net revenue to POWDR. (It's not clear to me how much additional skiing terrain would be added by the interconnect. With the new housing construction, Killington will need much more additional terrain.)

There are more stories and rumors. Perhaps some of you can add them.
Do they operate a shuttle or do they run as essentially 2 areas? I was impressed with Alpine/Palisades Tahoe's interconnect. No added terrain but a really efficient gondola, not a quad that rarely runs (Sugarbush) or long, flat connecting trails (old Crotch and Magic). I can't see how it would help them much, aside from the buzz.
There is a bus between K and Pico, but it is only once an hour. Currently you can ski from Pico to K (Rams Head) on the interconnect trail, when natural snow allows, but not the other way. It's a fun day starting at Pico, and skiing over to K, but you have to time the bus right to get back to your car at the end of the day. Not ideal.

Is it "okay" to ski the interconnect without repercussions, or does the ski patrol frown on this?

It is fine, at least the last time I did it a few years ago. I don't frequent K anymore. It is officially listed as an uphill route, and is often groomed. A lift ticket or uphill pass is required. Here is a Fatmap of the route

https://fatmap.com/discover/route/united-states-of-america/vermont/resort-ski-touring/killington-pico-interconnect/2895692