The 10 Best Resorts in the East for Overall Satisfaction
These are the Eastern resorts with that certain je ne se quoi that makes skiers want to come back for more.
7. Jay Peak Resort, Vermont
There are still plenty of bark-eating powderhounds who adore Jay Peak. It’s just harder to see them now. For one, they’re in the trees every run—off-piste glades and deep snowpack are still Jay specialties. But today the resort attracts a new crowd, drawn by new, fraud-free owners, family-oriented amenities, including three big hotels, a hockey rink, and a massive waterpark. Today’s visitor is as likely to be in town for a hockey tournament, or just to play in the pool, as to hit the slopes.
Jay deserves to have a cult following just for the poutine at the Tram Haus bar alone. But in fact, Vermont’s northernmost resort earned its hardcore following long before its controversial EB-5 Foreign Investor Act–fueled explosion of slopeside luxury and diversions, which has utterly transformed the place over the past decade.
Long before the high-end hotels and stupendously huge slopeside water park, there was a mountain, a tram, an above-average snowpack, and an unusual policy: If you could see it, you could ski it. That is, the trees weren’t off-limits, as at most resorts back then; if you wanted to ski them—safely and sensibly, of course—no one was going to pull your pass. Real skiers loved it, driving there in droves (and a long drive it remains today) to tear up the glades from Timbuktu to Beyond Beaver Pond and battle the summit headwall. Somehow that vibe endures, despite the masses drawn by Jay’s new amenities.
Bottom line: It’s the trees and great snow that keeps them coming back.
No. 7 in the East: Jay Peak, Vt.
Jay Peak Mountain Stats
| Average Snowfall | Acres | Lifts | Trails |
| 349″ | 385 | 9 | 78 |
Jay Peak Pass Info
Jay Peak is on the Indy Pass. Pass holders get two unrestricted days at the resort.
Trip Planning
From lodging and and dining to off-slope activities and local tips, here are the SKI editors’ picks for what to do in Jay Peak, Vt.
What’s New
New owners! Out of receivership and with the EB-5 scandal in the rearview mirror, Jay Peak is getting its affairs back in order and focusing on some behind-the-scenes maintenance and energy-saving projects under the leadership of Pacific Resorts Group.
In the meantime, with borders open between the U.S. and Canada, the resort is looking forward to welcoming Canadian skiers back to the slopes this winter.
On-Hill Eats
This close to Canada, The Foundry (in the Hotel Jay) knows it needs to get poutine right. It does, and hey, you were out in the cold all day.
Local Tip
It’s 20 minutes to the border, and Quebec’s Eastern Townships are a great place to go if you’re hungry. Their cheeses stand alone, and you can’t get them in the States.
Après Spot
Of all the upgrades, the Tram Bar is still the best: craft brews, killer poutine, and a real Jay sense of place.
Off-the-Map Trail
Green Beret, skier’s left off Vermonter, might be Jay’s best glade. When the tram’s closed, use Bonaventure and hit Vertigo.
Lodging
The oldest of the new hotels, the Tram Haus Lodge, has charisma that appeals to fans of boutique inns.
Family Activity
Jay’s massive Pump House Water Park. Yes, it’s a sign of the apocalypse, but it’s an incredibly fun one.
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Destination Guide: Where to Sleep, Eat, Drink, and Play at Jay Peak
From lodging and dining to nightlife and off-slope adventures, here's the ski traveler's guide to planning a trip to Vermont’s northernmost ski resort.
Jay Peak Joins the Indy Pass
The beloved Vermont ski area is the most notable addition to the pass so far.
Resort Guide 2020 East: Skier's Mountains
Just wanna ski? These are the top 10 ski resorts in the East for hardcore skiers.
The Snow Report Show is Going On Tour!
This summer, you can hang with Halley at ski areas across the country.
Federal Government Charges Jay Peak/Burke Owners with Fraud
EB-5 foreign investor money was misspent, investors were misled by Stenger and Quiros, says SEC. Assets frozen. Court places Vermont resorts in receivership.
Trip Ideas: Jay Peak, Vermont
What’s true is that Jay definitely has some great tree skiing.
Mountains of Money
Jay Peak has long been loved for its above-average snowfall. Now a blizzard of foreign capital has transformed it into a four-season wonderland. And the bottom line? Jobs where they’re needed most.
Resort Guide 2013: #10 Jay Peak
Check out Joe Cutts's author page.
Jay Peak: Expanded
Check out the past, present, and future at Jay Peak Resort. By Becca Fanning
Preserving the Jay Cloud
The development of a new water park will provide jobs and year round business to suffering Vermont towns.
19 New Inches at Jay Peak, Vermont
Thanks to a storm that dropped almost two feet of new snow, Jay Peak, Vermont, reopens today through Sunday. Lift tickets are discounted—and they're throwing in a free lunch. Here are photos of the new snow.
Jay Peak Reopening: 8-15 Inches Forecasted
Another storm is hitting the East Coast, with 8 to 15 inches of snow predicted to nail parts of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Jay Peak Resort is reopening on Thursday for one last weekend. Get there before the snow is gone.
Kingdom’s Finest: Jay Peak
A Jay Peak skier is tough, as impervious to cold as a Spartan to pain. Vermonters want their kids to grow up skiing here because afterwards, any other mountain is cake.
Ski Industry Recognizes Best Marketing, Guest Service Programs
National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) announced the winners of the 2008/09 Marketing and Guest Service Awards.
Best of the East 2009: Jay Peak, Vermont
According to the readers of Skiing Magazine.
Best Resorts for Backcountry Access: 2008-09
Check out SKI Magazine's author page.
Jay Peak Sold to Resort President and Investors
Check out SKI Magazine's author page.
Chasing the Lake Effect
Check out Chris James's author page.
Jay Peak set to offer skiing into May
Check out SKI Magazine's author page.
Pocket Guides
Travel
Bigger Better
Travel East
Jay Peak, Vermont
Inside Line
Face-Off
Features
The Soulful 6
Features
Shooting the Classics
Features
A Moveable Feast
Travel
Could This Be the Year?
Deep thoughts
Could This Be the Year?
Deep thoughts
Riding High
Vibe
Home, James
Vibe
Instant Adventures: New York, NY
Travel East
Looking Back
East
Whose Woods These Are
Features
Warm Hands
Gear
Pictures From Jay Peak
Check out SKI Magazine's author page.