Jay Peak Skiing & Snowboarding Resort Guide
Jay Peak boasts the largest average annual snowfall on the East Coast, and some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Vermont. With 385 acres of terrain, and 100+ gladed acres, Jay Peak may not be huge, but the vertical drop is sizable at 2,153’ and the trees are fun. Located in the far northern tip of Vermont, just below the Canadian border, crowds tend to favor closer and more developed ski and snowboard resorts like Killington, which means less people to share the powder with. Recent developments have added more lodging and amenities as well.
Jay Peak has some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Vermont, with steeps, great trees, and plenty of powder. There are two main parts of the mountain, Tramside and Stateside, each with their own base area. For advanced skiers and snowboarders the Jay Peak Aerial Tram is an awesome place to start. While lift lines aren’t a huge problem here, make sure to show up nice and early on a powder day. From the top of the tram, drop into the Face Chutes, which the Tram passes directly over. The steep open face with lots of drops is pretty unique on the East Coast. From the bottom of the chutes, head towards the top on the Bonaventure Quad to find some of the best trees on the mountain, Vertigo and Deliverance are great. Later in the day, lapping here on the Bonaventure, or Bonnie, chair, and the Jet Triple are fun, and avoid the Tram Line.
Intermediate skiers and snowboarders can still ride from the top of the Tram, sticking skier’s right on Vermonter, or skier’s left on Northway. Following Northway all the way to the Stateside base is a nice long run, with access to more intermediate terrain off of the Bonaventure Quad.
While powder the powder skiing and snowboarding are the forte at Jay Peak, beginners are have a lot of great options, too. Near both base areas there are multiple options to choose from. The Taxi Quad and Metro Quad are great option for fast laps. The Village Double Chair offers beginners their own space to ride and learn.
Jay Peak is located in far northern Vermont, outside of the town of Jay, in the “Northeast Kingdom” region. Driving, Jay Peak is 90 minutes from Burlington, 120 minutes from Montreal, Quebec Canada, and four hours from Boston. There are bus services available from each of these cities, and their airports.
Travel Resources:
Getting to Jay Peak
Buses and Shuttles
Jay Peak is located in far northern Vermont, outside of the town of Jay, in the “Northeast Kingdom” region. Driving, Jay Peak is 90 minutes from Burlington, 120 minutes from Montreal, Quebec Canada, and four hours from Boston. There are bus services available from each of these cities, and their airports.
Getting to Jay Peak
Buses and Shuttles
Jay Peak has some great lodging options, of which, nearly all of them are ski-in-ski-out. Both the Tramside and Stateside base areas have lodging, too. There are a lot of suite style rooms, condos, and the Stateside Hotel. The Tram Haus is the most upscale option.
Jay Peak Lodging Overview
Our Snowboards for Jay Peak
Local Food Picks
On the mountain, and in the day lodges, there are plenty of cafe and cafeterias to keep skiers and snowboarders fueled up and ready to shred the powder. Provisions, located Tramside, is a nice spot to grab a breakfast sandwich on the way to the mountain. After a long day on the slopes, the Bullwheel Bar, located in the Stateside Lodge, is the place to be. Grab a local IPA and some Cabin Fever, the area’s favorite maple whiskey.Jay Peak Dining Overview
Our Favorite Skis For Jay Peak
Where to Find Lift Tickets to Jay Peak?
Jay Peak ski and snowboard lift tickets are modestly priced, and about average for Vermont. Juniors, seniors, and toddlers are all eligible for discount Jay Peak lift tickets. Other skiers and snowboarders can save a bit of money by buying lift tickets online or purchasing one of the “ski and stay” lodging and lift ticket deals that Jay Peak offers throughout the winter.Jay Peak Conditions & Weather Information
An average of 377” of snow fall at Jay Peak ever winter. This is more than many ski and snowboard resorts out west, and is the most on the East Coast. Additionally, 80% of the skiable terrain is covered by snowmaking. This means that Jay Peak has plenty of snow, even in a bad year for natural snow. When a nor’easter storm sets its sights on Vermont, up to two or three feet of snow can fall in one storm, the perfect time to head to the Face Chutes!Jay Peak Ski Report
Jay Peak delivers some of the best powder skiing and snowboarding in Vermont, with awesome steeps, and fun trees. The biggest average annual snowfall in the region, and a somewhat secluded location really give Jay Peak the leg up, offering fun skiing and snowboarding, with fewer crowds than southern Vermont resorts. The lodging options at the two base areas make it possible to hang out and wait for a storm, too.
