The weather on the west side of the mountains (Rutland) can be quite different from the east side (Killington). Route 4 is the main artery between the two, and is usually well maintained, but it is a mountain pass so it can get… interesting. It’s not the Rockies or the Alps where its jungle on onside and tundra on the other separated by several 8000 foot tall hills, but it is something to be aware of. If you just look at the forecast for Rutland, you have an excellent chance of being surprised when you get up to Killington.

“Have it and not need it” isn’t a horrible plan, and there’s bound to be someone at your hotel who has cats and would buy a box of litter for 1/2 price. Do you need to buy blankets, collapsible shovels, road flares, cases of water, freeze dried food and flashlights? Not unless you plan on exploring fire and logging roads.