Is Killington, Vermont Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Killington, Vermont, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Killington Town Office, as the town requires short-term rental permits and has specific occupancy limits typically around 10-12 guests maximum. Contact the Vermont Department of Taxes to register for the 9% state rooms and meals tax, and obtain a business license from the town clerk. Find a suitable property within Killington's resort areas like Access Road, Killington Road, or near Pico Mountain, focusing on ski-accessible locations that can command $200-400 per night during peak winter season. Purchase comprehensive furnishings including ski equipment storage, hot tub if possible, fireplace amenities, high-quality linens for 6-10 guests, full kitchen appliances, and mountain-themed decor from local suppliers like Home Depot in Rutland or online retailers. Ensure the property meets Vermont's life safety codes including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress windows. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and local Vermont vacation rental sites, emphasizing proximity to Killington Resort (typically 0.5-3 miles), highlighting amenities like ski storage, hot tubs, and mountain views, with competitive pricing around $150-350 per night depending on season and size. For management, either self-manage or hire local companies like Green Mountain Vacation Rentals or Killington Vacation Rentals, establish relationships with local cleaning services charging $100-200 per turnover, and maintain 24/7 guest communication especially during ski season from December through March when occupancy rates reach 80-90%.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Killington, Vermont, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of Killington Resort and access road (Route 4), prioritizing ski-in/ski-out or shuttle-accessible properties with mountain views. Target 3-6 bedroom properties built after 1980 with modern amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, updated kitchens, and reliable internet, as these command $200-500+ per night during peak ski season (December-March) and $150-300 during summer months. Analyze comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO within a 5-mile radius, examining their occupancy rates, seasonal pricing patterns, and guest reviews to identify gaps in the market. Research competition density using AirDNA and Mashvisor, avoiding oversaturated areas while targeting neighborhoods with fewer than 15 STRs per square mile. Utilize tools like STR Helper for revenue projections, Rabbu for market analysis, and local resources including Killington Chamber of Commerce data, Green Mountain Multiple Listing Service, and Vermont Department of Tourism statistics. Consider properties near additional attractions like Killington Adventure Center, Pico Mountain, and downtown Rutland (20 minutes away) to capture year-round demand, and ensure compliance with Killington's STR regulations which require registration and may have occupancy limits.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Killington, Vermont, you must first contact the Killington Town Office at 2706 River Road or call (802) 422-3241 to request a short-term rental application, as the town requires all properties rented for less than 30 days to obtain a permit. Required documents typically include a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, septic system compliance certificate, water quality test results, fire safety inspection report, and proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage. The application fee is approximately $200-300 with annual renewal fees around $150-200, though you should verify current rates with the town office. Submit your complete application package to the Killington Planning & Zoning Department, and the review process typically takes 4-6 weeks including required inspections by the fire department and health officer. Killington-specific requirements include adherence to the town's noise ordinance, designated parking spaces for guests, proper waste management plan, 24/7 local contact information for emergencies, and compliance with the town's maximum occupancy limits based on bedroom count and septic capacity. Once approved, you must display your permit number in all rental listings and advertisements, maintain current insurance and safety certifications, and renew annually by December 31st to continue operating legally in Killington.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Killington, Vermont, but operate under specific municipal regulations that the town has implemented to balance tourism revenue with residential community concerns. As of 2023, Killington requires STR operators to obtain permits and comply with safety standards, parking requirements, and occupancy limits, with properties typically restricted to no more than 10-12 guests depending on septic capacity and parking availability. The town prohibits STRs in certain residential zones and requires a minimum 7-day rental period in some areas to prevent party houses, while allowing shorter stays in designated tourist accommodation districts near the ski resort. Recent changes around 2021-2022 included stricter enforcement mechanisms, mandatory local contact persons available 24/7, and enhanced penalties for violations including noise complaints and overcrowding. Properties must meet fire safety codes, have adequate waste management systems, and maintain liability insurance, with the town collecting both permit fees and rooms and meals tax on all rentals.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Killington, Vermont are the Killington Village area near the base of the mountain, which offers prime ski-in/ski-out access and attracts heavy winter tourism from December through March, generating peak rental rates of $300-500 per night during holiday periods. The Snowshed Base Lodge vicinity is highly attractive due to its proximity to beginner slopes and the main gondola, drawing families and ski schools year-round, while also benefiting from summer mountain biking and hiking activities. The Access Road corridor (Route 4) provides excellent investment opportunities with easier year-round accessibility and lower property costs, attracting both winter sports enthusiasts and summer tourists visiting nearby Pico Mountain and engaging in outdoor activities like fishing and leaf-peeping in fall. The Rams Head area offers upscale rental potential with its proximity to premium slopes and dining, commanding higher nightly rates from affluent skiers and snowboarders. Additionally, properties near the Killington Golf Course perform well during summer months (May-October) when the area transforms into a hiking, golfing, and wedding destination, with companies like Killington Resort hosting numerous events and festivals that drive consistent occupancy rates of 60-80% during peak seasons.

In Killington, Vermont, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including Vermont's statewide 9% rooms and meals tax, which applies to all short-term rentals under 30 days, and Killington's local option tax of 1% on lodging, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to approximately 10%. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system, which remits payments directly to the Vermont Department of Taxes on behalf of hosts for the state portion, while the local 1% tax may require separate registration and remittance to the Town of Killington depending on current agreements between Airbnb and local authorities. Hosts must register for a Vermont business account and rooms and meals tax license through the Vermont Department of Taxes, file returns monthly if gross receipts exceed $1,000 or quarterly if below that threshold, and maintain detailed records of all transactions. Exemptions are limited and generally apply only to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, certain medical-related accommodations, or stays by permanent residents, with most typical vacation rentals being fully subject to both state and local occupancy taxes regardless of rental duration or guest origin.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Killington, Vermont is approximately $650,000-$750,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $500,000-$600,000 for a median-priced ski area property suitable for short-term rental. Furnishing costs range from $25,000-$35,000 to create an attractive, ski-lodge atmosphere with quality furniture, linens, kitchen equipment, and seasonal gear storage. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees include Vermont short-term rental registration ($200), local business permits ($300-$500), and potential zoning compliance costs ($1,000-$2,000). Insurance specifically for short-term rentals costs $3,000-$4,000 annually, significantly higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, heating, water, internet, and cable total $1,500-$2,500. First six months operating costs include utilities ($4,000-$6,000 given Vermont's harsh winters and high heating costs), cleaning services ($3,000-$4,000), maintenance and repairs ($2,000-$3,000), property management software ($300-$600), and marketing expenses ($1,000-$2,000), totaling approximately $10,000-$15,000 for the initial operating period.

Airbnb properties in Killington, Vermont demonstrate strong profitability potential, particularly during peak ski season (December-March) when nightly rates average $200-400 for well-positioned properties near Killington Resort. A typical 3-bedroom ski chalet generates approximately $45,000-65,000 in annual revenue, with expenses including mortgage payments ($2,500-3,500/month), property management fees (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($300-500/month), maintenance ($3,000-5,000/year), and insurance ($2,000-3,500/year), resulting in net profit margins of 25-35% for debt-free properties or 10-20% for leveraged investments. Success factors include proximity to ski lifts (properties within 2 miles command 30-40% premium rates), modern amenities like hot tubs and fireplaces, professional photography, and responsive guest communication. Properties in the Killington Access Road area consistently outperform those in outlying locations, with some hosts reporting occupancy rates of 70-80% during winter months and 40-50% year-round. A case study of a renovated 4-bedroom mountain home purchased for $650,000 in 2019 generated $72,000 in gross revenue in 2022 with $48,000 in expenses, yielding a 24% return on investment, though success heavily depends on effective marketing, seasonal pricing strategies, and maintaining high guest satisfaction scores above 4.8 stars.

Airbnb investments in Killington, Vermont typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the area's strong ski tourism market, with properties near Killington Resort commanding premium rates of $200-400 per night during peak winter season (December-March) and $150-250 during summer months. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with higher-end ski chalets and mountain view properties achieving the upper range, while standard condos and townhomes fall toward the lower end. Most investors reach profitability within 18-24 months, assuming 60-70% occupancy rates throughout the year, with properties typically generating $40,000-80,000 in gross annual revenue depending on size, location proximity to slopes, and amenities. The market benefits from Killington's reputation as the "Beast of the East" and its extended ski season, plus growing summer activities like mountain biking and hiking, though investors should factor in seasonal maintenance costs, property management fees of 15-25%, and Vermont's short-term rental regulations when calculating net returns.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Killington, Vermont. Local real estate agents specializing in vacation rental investments include Pall Spera Company Realtors, Killington Pico Realty, and Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty, who have extensive knowledge of the Killington ski resort area market since the 1980s. National services like Awning, Mashvisor, and AirDNA offer property analysis tools and investment guidance specifically for short-term rental properties, while companies such as RedAwning and Vacasa provide full-service property management for Airbnb investments. Additional local specialists include Green Mountain Realty and Barrett & Valley Associates, both established in the 1990s, who focus on vacation properties in the Killington Valley area. National platforms like Roofstock and BiggerPockets also connect investors with Airbnb-suitable properties and provide market analysis tools, while local property management companies such as Killington Rental Associates and Summit Property Management offer services to help investors maximize their short-term rental returns in this popular Vermont ski destination.