JAY PEAK RESORT GUIDE
Images courtesy of Jay Peak & Tim Fater
Jay Peak Resort Overview
Jay Peak, uniquely situated on the Canadian border in the self-named "Jay Cloud," has the highest snowfall in the Northeast and offers stunning views on clear days. With average annual snowfall of ~360 inches, it’s not unusual for most of the mountain to remain open late into April. Jay Peak has two base areas with lodges and skis larger than its stated acreage of 385. With a diversity of natural terrain, exceptional glade skiing and some steeps through the trees, even season shredders will find a challenge. Meanwhile, there are plenty of green trails and families will appreciate the short lifelines and friendly lifties. Jay has invested millions into transforming the mountain from a rustic locale for Canadians to become a full-on family resort destination. Kids will love the indoor waterpark while parents can keep watch from a mezzanine bar that overlooks the lazy river.
Jay Peak remains independent and the best deals tend to be available directly through the resort. Accommodations including lift passes for as many people as fit in the condo or room are the way to go. The resort is also an Indy Pass Partner, offering two days.
Special thanks to Pam Frederick from Tribeca Citizen for the inside scoop on Jay Peak.
Snow Reliability
Snow-Making & Grooming
Ski School
Travel Convenience
Accommodations
Terrain Variety
On Mountain Dining
Extreme / Off-Piste Terrain
Quick Take
Let's Go
Fun for the whole family. The kids can ski and then spend the afternoon in the water park, rock climb or ice skate
Steeps and trees -- together -- abound. Staircase and the Face Chutes rival A-Basin's best woods trails
The mountain skis well until late April
Relatively better value than most resorts of this size with "ski/ride + waterpark" packages and lodging passes that include lift tickets
The Vennedag Mountain Tour is for groups, explore and get some tips; full and half day options
Hesitations
It's a hike. Jay Peak is on the Canadian border, plan for at least a 6-hour drive from New York and 3.5 hours+ from Boston
Beginners are restricted to the lower mountain. The tram will keep you warm on the way up, but there is no easy way down
Nightlife is limited and most places close early
There is nothing closeby, not even off-mountain restaurants or grocery stores. Shop on your way.
Insider Tips
If you want true ski-in, ski-out, ask the reservation specialist for the number of the condo and cross-check it on the map. Some condos have direct access to the tram.
Arrive early. The resort adds an extra lift ticket to the package when staying for three or more nights
The Jet and Flyer chairs service some of the best tree skiing on the mountain; don't get distracted by the tram
The deals become great in late March, along with spring storms and spring bumps. Beware though, Easter weekend is often sold out
The Nordic Center offers 12 miles of groomed trails that sneak through the woods and also have gorgeous views
Trail Map
For an in-depth breakdown of Jay Peak's terrain, head to our Mountain Guide. Top trails and mountain stats included.
Getting To & Around
Jay Peak is remote enough that it is worth driving from just about any Northeast city versus flying to Burlington. Once you are there, a car can be helpful for getting between the two base areas for après ski activities.
Getting To
Closest Major Cities:
Montreal, Canada: Distance ~90 miles North West, Travel Time: ~2 hours
Boston, MA: Distance: ~230 miles South East, Travel Time: ~ 3.5-4 hours drive
Other Nearby Destinations:
Burlington, VT: ~65 miles, ~90 minute drive
Stowe, VT: ~45 miles, ~45 minutes drive=
Neighboring Resorts
Jay Peak is part of the Green Mountains. Jay has several neighbors that make a good day trip or trip combination.
Closest Vermont Neighbors (Less than 2 hrs)
Smugglers' Notch (37 miles, 55 minutes)
Stowe (50 miles, 75 minutes drive)
Burke Mountain (57 miles, 75 minutes drive)
Bolton Valley (65 miles, ~1.5 hours)
Mad River Glen (73 miles, ~1 hour 45 minutes)
Sugarbush (~75 miles, ~1 hour 50 minutes)
Travel by Plane
Closest major commercial airport: YUL (Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport)
~100 miles North West, ~2 hours
Regional airport: BTV (Burlington International Airport, VT)
~67 miles South West, ~15 hours drive
Closest Airport: EFK (Northeast Kingdom International Airport, VT), ~30 minutes from Jay Peak
Jay Peak is private plane accessible
Travel By Bus
There is no bus service to Jay Peak from major cities or airports. However, Jay Peak does provide a free shuttle service between the two bases.
Travel by Car
Having a car is essential to get to Jay Peak. Parking is abundant and free. Jay Peak offers a free shuttle service for travel around the resort area and bases.
