JAY PEAK SIGNPOSTS
rugged and rural.
And yet, Jay presents with all the creature comforts a guest could want: a variety of dining choices you can never fully lap in one visit, a top-notch ski and ride school, lodging for every kind of want (from basic hotel to lovely base area suites to condos and more), super cool apres offerings (live music, a movie theatre, an indoor ropes course area and more) and of course, their wildly popular and unique slopeside waterpark, The Pump House. It’s relevant and really fun.
And then there’s the spirit behind it. Jay, as a business, employer, steward of the community and of the land, has always held itself to a higher benevolence. During the pandemic, (triple difficult, perhaps, for Jay since Vermont pretty much closed borders and many of their guests are from Canada, which truly locked down), they pivoted to become a source of fresh, hot gourmet meals for staff and community in need. And even after, on this day I’m visiting, their President and CEO hasn’t just welcomed an American Cancer Society event to take place on the hill; he’s right in the middle of it participating.
That kind of karma spills in the right direction – particularly because they do good simply because they like to do good.
This week, in the winter of rough conditions, it has spilled in the form of lots and lots of fresh snow. My first day it’s still falling and so, most trails are ungroomed. It’s deep and fun – Jay’s pitch makes cutting your way down this semi-heavier eastern powder easier. I ski top to bottom many times, barely waiting in a line this mid winter Sunday.
With all nine lifts running – along with the way the mountain spreads itself out – it’s easy to find quick lines and fresh runs all day long.
The next day is a gift: bluebird skies and weather just cold enough to keep the snow fresh. The downside: there’s a stiff breeze (OK, it feels like a hurricane sometimes) and so, only the lower mountain lifts are running.
I realize, quickly, this does not make a Jay ski day any less fun. The cold breeze out of the northwest has done something magical: sucked much of the moisture out of that formerly heavy snow. Groomers have worked all night too, and so, once I take a few turns down into the woodsy Jay terrain, the wind cuts down and I’m left with two choices: beautiful powder or perfect corduroy. It’s wonderful and I manage to rack up a whole bunch of vertical by day’s end (along with a google tan. For the win!)
Apres has so many choices: One day I choose the massive and super cool water park, another I hang at the Tower Bar at the base, where the poutine is just right and the beer is cold and local. There’s also the bright and lively Bullwheel Bar at the Stateside base with its live music and colorful décor, and of course, Alice’s Table for a top-notch meal.
Something to make everyone happy, indeed.
While Jay Peak is now owned by a group, that group is all about the unique voice and vibe of each of its resorts. News broke while I was there that calmed all:
Jay will remain on the popular Indy Ski Pass (www.indyskipass.com) next season despite its new ownership.
So, too, will it remain the special place it is. Benevolent and beautiful; rugged and yet reasonable; family friendly and yet fabulous for all. The Jay way is here to stay.