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The Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA) named Killington Resort President and CEO Mike Solimano as the recipient of their fourth annual U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy Trailblazer Award. The award recognizes individuals who have made a lasting impact on Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy through leadership in sustainability, community investment, and economic growth.
In his twenty-plus years at Killington, Solimano has overseen the transformation of the resort into a year-round recreation destination that prioritizes a community-first approach. From initiatives like the subscription model Beast 365 Pass to hosting major events like the Stifel Audi FIS Alpine Women’s World Cup generating an estimated $6M in regional visitor spending, Killington has become both a community hub in addition to being a major economic driver. Championing the Vermont State University’s Resort Hospitality Program, which educates the next generation of leaders and managers, Solimano also collaborates with organizations to address local housing shortages and has served on the several boards including Rutland Regional Medical Center, Vermont Ski Areas Association and the Vermont Futures Project.
“What Mike and his team have done at Killington is a great example of how ski areas and surrounding communities mutually benefit from each other’s successes,” said Ski Vermont President Molly Mahar. “The strength of that relationship is a testament to his leadership.”
Solimano remained at the helm as Killington became the largest independent ski resort in the east following its sale to local investors in fall of 2024, signaling his confidence in the resort’s future. Under his guidance, all profits from the resort will be reinvested into infrastructure improvements, including lift upgrades and sustainability projects, and the addition of one-thousand low-energy snow guns across Killington and on sister mountain Pico.
Solimano has also been instrumental in developing plans for Killington Village, a 25-year $3B vision to solidify the resort as a year-round destination. Working in conjunction with the town of Killington and investor-partner Great Gulf, resort leadership finalized development plans for over one thousand acres, including a 45-acre mountain village. Focused on an all-encompassing experience, the plans include 720 ski-in/ski-out condos, dining and retail spaces, year-round activities and infrastructure, luxury townhomes, and designated employee housing.
According to the Killington District plan the project could result in approximately $285 million of growth over the next ten years, generate $4.1 million for the Town’s General Fund and $27.5 million for the Education Fund over the twenty-year retention period.
As Killington moves into its new era of local ownership, Solimano remains committed to working with his team and partners to facilitate its growth and innovation, balancing financial sustainability with enhancing guest experiences. His leadership continues to shape the resort’s legacy as a premier destination in the East.
