Eight-Year-Old Snowboard Sensation Harley Ruffle Completes Sixth 100-Day Season at Killington

KILLINGTON, Vermont — Riders and outdoor enthusiasts at Killington Mountain celebrated the final moments of an exceptionally lengthy winter sports season on Monday, capping off a remarkable run on the snow. While the resort was initially projected to cease operations over the weekend, late-season conditions allowed for one final bonus day on the slopes, and hundreds of local skiers and snowboarders scrambled to take advantage of it.

Among the most dedicated riders wrapping up the extended season was eight-year-old local snowboarding phenom Harley Ruffle. With the mountain's closing on Monday, the young rider officially completed his sixth consecutive season hitting the "100-day club," an astonishing feat for any winter athlete. This winter, Harley blew past his baseline milestone, logging more than 150 days on his snowboard.

"I'm very happy," Harley shared. "It is insane. Like 150 days on a snowboard in a row is unfathomable."

His mother, Jill Ruffle, noted that Harley's incredible commitment stems purely from an organic passion for the mountain. She explained that he rode every single day regardless of whether it was freezing cold, sleeting, or raining, hitting the snow simply out of a deep love for the sport.

Harley refines his skills by training directly with coaches from the Killington Mountain School as well as the local crew at Darkside Snowboards, constantly expanding his technical repertoire and mastering complex tricks every year. His mother added that seeing his reaction when a new trick finally "clicks" after months of piece-by-piece practice is the most rewarding aspect of his journey.

"It is so exciting," Harley described. "It's like the feeling of getting a new house or moving into somewhere new. It's so insane, like you can't believe that it's real."

Despite his young age, Harley is already giving back to the local riding community that raised him. At the end of his long training days, he frequently stops by Killington's magic carpet learning area to offer encouragement and free pointers to beginners and younger children just finding their footing on a board. Harley admitted he never imagined he would be capable of teaching others at this point in his life.

While the winter snow has finally melted, Harley has no plans to stay indoors. He intends to spend his summer months golfing and mountain biking at Killington, noting that biking has quickly become his second favorite sport. Still, he emphasized that he is already eagerly counting down the days until the lifts start spinning for next winter.

Explore NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the valley.