Life at 4241: Living in the Killington Valley

In this episode I talk with Kyle Kershner, owner/broker of Killington Pico Realty. Kyle walks us through the past and current market conditions in the greater Killington area. 

During this session we chat with apparel company owner, Ryan Orabone of Till I Die. Ryan gives us a glimpse into why he created this lifestyle brand. Ryan has grown the business from simply selling only t-shirts from event to event to hosting company branded driven events as well as being on the cusp of opening his own retail shop here in Killington. Ryan talks about the humble beginnings of the company in 2010, the growth he's seen in the last 10 years and where he hopes to be tomorrow. You can find Till I Die online at www.tillidie.com and in over 25 retail shops in the Northeast.

During this segment we chat with Mary Cohen, Executive Director of the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce about their regional marketing campaign. This effort came about in a way to reverse the trend of population decline regionally and state-wide. From this marketing effort, initiatives such as the Stay-to-Stay and Red Carpet Concierge programs have been created to welcome potential transplants to our area and boast what the Rutland/Killington region has to offer.

In this episode we talk with two experts in the field of downhill ski gear. First, Randy Elles whose family owns First Stop Board Barn.   Randy breaks down what to look for in a good pair of skis for your time on the hill. First Stop has been helping outfit first timers to world class athletes since 1979. They carry thousands of items that are individually tested and carefully curated by staff members, team riders, and loyal customers. Next we chat with Chris "Slado" Slade from Northern Ski Works . Chris walks us through the do's and don't when it comes to finding the right ski boot. With Chris's 38 years of experience, it's easy to see why he is a Master Boot Fitter. Northern Ski Works has locations in both Killington and Ludlow Vermont. They offer world class ski tuning, high quality ski rentals and demos and the best selection of ski apparel in the area. 

In this segment we take a moment to interview local morning radio host Terry Jay (Jarrosak). Terry is a 41 year veteran in broadcast radio. His current position is the Operations Manager with Catamount Radio in Rutland, VT and morning host of Mix 98.1 FM WJJR. Terry tells us about his early days in radio as well as some pivotal events that have shaped his mindset around the importance of local broadcast radio. Terry has some fun stories from back in the day performing as a musician in the Killington area at venues that have long since gone bye. 

Host Mike Coppinger and Killington Resort Mtn. Bike Park Manager Ben Colona explore the Killington Adventure Center. Hear details about the Woodward Wrecktangle, Beast Mountain Coaster, Zip Line, Skye Ropes Course and much much more.  

Join Executive Director Michael Coppinger as he samples wine and discusses the Eighteenth Annual Killington Wine Festival with guests Sharon Mayer, Conference & Wedding Coordinator for Killington/Pico Resort, and Beth Sarandrea, co-owner of Liquid Art Coffehouse and Eatery. Both guests have been integral in planning the Killington Wine Festival for over ten years.  Listen as they go into detail about the weekend-long event, telling stories from the past as well as sharing features about this year's festival.

Rich McCoy, Director of Summer Operations at Killington Resort and Amy Alton, Pro Rider and founder of Divas of Dirt, joined Executive Director Michael Coppinger to discuss the varied ways they reach out to the surprisingly diverse population of bikers out there – from brand new riders who attend Mountain Bike School – to the Divas of Dirt – to Bike Bums that complete weekly time trails then enjoy après at bar.   Up 34,000 visitors from 6 years ago, the Bike Park is the largest growing segment of summer operations at Killington Resort. 

As someone who has been a fixture in Killington for 23 years, DJ Dave Hoffenberg knows how to live loud. With over 2,000 Facebook friends, DJ Dave has his finger on the pulse of the events scene at Killington Resort and the surrounding region. He stands out with his wacky outfits and flamboyant personality. Listen as he talks about his favorite onesie, interviewing acts that come to the area, and what it means to be a Killington local.

Podcaster Mike Coppinger goes into the field at the Second Annual Vermont Brewers Festival held at Killington Resort on March 23, 2019.  This unique outdoor beer festival takes place on snow and hosts over 30 local breweries pouring over 100 craft beers.  Listen as Mike and resident beer expert Sarah Newell review the cast of characters interviewed at the festival.

A school that combines athletics and academics for highly motivated students, the Killington Mountain School is a unique jewel in the crown of Killington mountain sports.  Head of School Tao Smith gives a brief history of the school from its modest beginnings to its current status as a residential education and training facility it is today.  Located at the base of Killington Mountain, this secondary school sends students to compete on national and international levels.  

Interview with Paramount Theatre Programming Director Eric Mallette.  Eric talks about the Theater's history and shares fun stories about performers and other insight to the arts venue. The Paramount boasts a robust season of entertainment with over 150 shows a year. Listen as Mike and Eric talk about what makes this venue so special to our region.

This segment of Life at 4241 gives a brief description of the history of Pico Mountain, located in Killington, Vermont.  This is a unique mountain doing exciting things in the world of ski racing and winter snow sports.   We interview two people that have been instrumental in building Pico's race program, Ben Clark, President of the Pico Ski Education Program and Lori McClallen, Director of the Pico Race Program.  Both grew up skiing and racing on Pico, and they talk about how they are passing their knowledge and love of the sport on to the next generation.  

For our first ever podcast segment we sit down with three Killington residents that each have very different backgrounds, but all share the love of outdoor recreation. All of them began as visitors to the Killington Valley Region of Vermont, but loved it so much they never left.  The first interview is with Summer Reed, Manager of Base Camp Outfitters. Next, we talk with Teresa Hutt a software developer that remote commutes from her home in Killington.  Finally, we chat with Stephen Nisimblat who's family owns the Greenbrier Inn & Gift Shop.