The bus is free to Killington. And yes, ski gear is allowed — but it can get a little packed on a few of the busses. Definitely the best way up the hill on a busy weekend, parking can be a nightmare.

Like others said, you don’t need a 4WD SUV and most rentals will be on shitty tires. I commute up the mountain in a Prius on snow tires without issue. The pass can get a little icy and the top of the access road gets a bit snowy, but the route is generally clear within a day of a heavy storm.