Destination Guide: Where to Sleep, Eat, Drink, and Play at Jay Peak

From the 2021 Resort Guide: No. 11 in the East, Jay Peak, Vt.

Through it all, the mountain hasn’t changed. A lot of the same rippers still ski it hard, cherishing Jay for its billy-goat terrain and legendary snowfall. The Headwall chutes are still some of the sickest in the East, the wind still blows free refills into Beaver Pond glades, and the big red Tram still spins when it isn’t too windy. Otherwise, Jay has been a scene of incessant turmoil and high legal drama. While the Feds try to prove that Jay’s former owners bilked investors out of millions, the resort languishes in receivership, courting buyers and just waiting to bust out of legal limbo. Whoever buys it gets a beauty. 

Related: Jay Peak Joins the Indy Pass

For all the money that allegedly went missing, it’s obvious that plenty was spent transforming Jay. Three sleek hotels, massive waterpark, condos, hockey rink … the change from sleepy shut up-and-ski outpost for tree-skiing hippies to lavish Montreal-facing resort was astonishing. Readers still regard it as the surest bet for powder in the East, thanks to its topographical advantage (No. 1, Snow), and as one of the toughest tests (No. 3, Challenge). Sometimes the old Jay vibe beats out loud: “Jay has the overall vibe of a chill, laid-back, deadhead resort, and it’s in the middle of nowhere,” says one reader. But another sums up the new Jay: “Beautiful Vermont resort with a rural flavor but 21st-century amenities; nice French-Canadian flavor.”

Jay Peak Stats

• Skiable acres: 385
• Summit Elevation: 3,968 feet
• Vertical Drop: 2,153 feet
• Lifts: 9
• Trails: 78
• Annual snowfall: 349 inches

Where to Stay at Jay Peak

Hotel Jay

Located just steps from the tram and other base area lifts, the Hotel Jay is the place for families at Jay Peak. Hotel Jay is home to numerous restaurants and coffee shops as well as the giant Pump House Waterpark.

Tram House Lodge

Tram House Lodge, located just at the base of the slopes, gives visitors a genuine taste of Vermont. Locally made fixtures adorn the walls, there’s locally made Johnson Woolen Mill Blankets to keep guests warm, and the place just exudes coziness. The Tram House Lodge provides easy access to the Tower Bar as well as other restaurants and a spa located just downstairs.

Jay Peak Resort Condos

The resort operates several condo complexes, some ski-in/ski-out, and all with roomy accommodations with fully stocked kitchens. The condos range in size from one to five bedrooms, and come with free lift tickets when booked for a minimum of two nights on a Ski/Ride Vacation package. The Timberline Condominiums are the resort’s newest development and comprise one- to three-bedroom units with kitchens, washer/dryers, and upscale finishes.

Where to Eat at Jay Peak

• Miso Hungry: Need a change of pace from the average vacation dining experience? Located in a renovated Jay Peak tram car, Miso Hungry serves authentic Japanese dishes. Loaded with vegetarian and vegan options, Miso Hungry is a great spot to get a break from the  burger-and-fries scene.
• Jay Village Inn: Located just down the road from Jay Peak, the Jay Village Inn offers a cozy atmosphere to linger while enjoying some down-home American bar food.
• Mountain Dick’s Pizza: Need a quick bite after a day on the hill? Mountain Dick’s Pizza has fast service and reasonable prices on the best pizza in town. A great spot for families and those looking for something quick.
• High Country Deli at Jay Country Store: The High Country Deli at Jay Country store has everything you need for a day on the hill. A great place to stop for breakfast, the deli also serves tasty hand-crafted sandwiches that make an easy to-go option for lunch on the hill.

Where to Après at Jay Peak

• The Bullwheel Bar: Located in the Stateside base lodge, the Bullwheel offers prime views of the mountain, perfect for après-ski people watching. The front end of the first-ever Jay Peak shuttle sets the tone here, making the Bullwheel the ideal casual hangout for getting together with friends or meeting new people.
• Tower Bar: Located in the Tram Haus, the Tower Bar is a great place to stop and enjoy some drinks and good conversation. Old chairlift towers and sheave wheels from the retired Green Mountain Chair were utilized to create the four main seating fixtures in the bar, creating the perfect ski-bar ambiance.
• The Drink: The Drink at Jay Peak is the spot to catch the game, with five TVs including a giant 16-foot screen. The Drink is located above the Pump House Waterpark, so have a frozen drink, watch some surfers on the artificial waves, and enjoy a bit of summer all winter long.
• The Belfry: In a restored schoolhouse in nearby Montgomery, The Belfry is one of the most popular bars in the Jay area. With great drinks and food to match, The Belfry is where the locals hang out.

Must-Do Activities at Jay Peak

• Pump House Waterpark: Take a break from the winter adventures and step into the Pump House. Located in the Hotel Jay just at the base of the resort, the Pump House has water slides, rock climbing walls, and an artificial wave pool for the surfers.
• Dog Sledding: For something a little out of the ordinary, check out Montgomery Adventures Touring Company, which offers trips through the Vermont woods on hand-crafted dog sleds. Learn to mush and command the dogs, too.
• Fat Biking: Over 20 miles of groomed winter trails are open for fat biking, with rolling hills, steep pitches, and even some winding singletrack. Jay Peak is home to a full-service winter time bike shop with rentals, repairs and info for anyone interested in trying out a fat bike.