Mountain Review: Jay Peak, Vermont

[@Jason-vi8ny]

Been to Jay 3 times. Once it was 40 and sloppy. Another time it was -40 with wind chill. The 3rd time was perfect with lots fresh powder. The glades are incredible and plentiful...The wind can be brutal and bitter. Only chairlift ride that ever scared me was when I was riding solo on wind exposed side and got hit with a gust that had me sideways...Jay really is a mixed bag.

[@Henry_Faulkner]

😬 sorry for you man. I would go to Jay just for the terrain.

[@chycoll]

You described weather conditions at every mountain in New Hampshire.

[@trvman1]

With the warm weather the last few years. Most ski resorts are going to be icy. Like he said, even if cold and you aren't there within a couple of days of some good snow, you are going to be skiing on icy conditions. The wind blows the snow off as fast as it falls so often.

[@Jason-vi8ny]

@@trvman1 I should say I don't hate Jay at all. (I've gone 3 times.) It's remote so shorter lift lines. Glade skiing is just elite. The lifts themselves however, were brutal IMO (Outside the tram) and need an upgrade. Start with a bubble on the Flyer Quad if they haven't already

[@12peterroy]

We’ve had the same experience with Sugarbush. Every time we go there’s a wind chill of like -10. The conditions are icy but we still manage to get in 4-5 runs before hitting the main lodge and buying some gear.

[@nathanielbemis2109]

Over 40 years my best days in the East have all been at Jay Peak. I enjoy your rankings. Thanks.

[@5MillCity]

I worked here briefly in college and have skied a few other times. From my experience, your review is spot on (again, like all the others). The French-speaking crowds bring a distinct travel vibe, but Montreal is pretty much your closest nightlife option.🎉

[@counterfit5]

The poutine is great, too

[@theonecalledshane9197]

Did they have employee housing?

[@5MillCity]

@@theonecalledshane9197 Not that I’m aware of.

[@bradleydewey9083]

Nothing compares to a sunny March day at Jay Peak...and nothing compares to a windy January day there either. Hard to even try to count the number of unforgettable glade runs I have enjoyed there...Timbuktu, Valhalla and Kitz Woods on the left, Deliverance and Vertigo in the middle, and Staircase and Beaver Pond on the right. And UN one of the best top to bottom workouts in the East. It was a different vibe before all the base lodge expansions. Miss the good old days.

[@berkshirebikeandboard6020]

which glade runs receive the most blown in snow? I'm skiing there this Sunday.

[@bradleydewey9083]

@@berkshirebikeandboard6020 Beaver Pond glades usually always get/maintain most snow from wind blow. Have fun!

[@bearclaw5115]

Jay Peak receives an average yearly snowfall of 359". Smugglers Notch is close at 322". Most Vermont Ski Resorts are in the 180-250" range. If you can make it happen, Jay Peak is great place for intermediate and advanced skiers particularly if you like to ski the glades. PeakRankings really nailed it with this review. Footage is from a crap day though and there are much nicer glades than shown. Come here on a dump. Lines can be bad on a weekend with fresh snow but it will be worth it!

[@easternyellowjacket276]

No. Jay does not receive an average of 359". That's 30 ft of snow. There is now way Jay gets that much.

[@easternyellowjacket276]

@Ephesians2.8-9 Yes. Did you?

[@richardpare3538]

@@easternyellowjacket276 Yes, it does actually get that much on average.

[@easternyellowjacket276]

@@richardpare3538 I don't believe you. I"ve skied in the east my whole life and out west. There is no way Jay Peak receives an average of 359" of snow. No. Way. One of the biggest marketing lies in human history.

[@matthewseel5961]

@@easternyellowjacket276 I don't know about average.. but its Late February and they have received 252" of snow so far this season. It's not out of the realm of possibility that they will get to 350. 300" a year is probably more likely, still an insane amount for east coast.

[@jonesyisdabest]

I lived on the east coast for 8 years skied probably 15 different resorts did one weekend trip to Jay, My senior year of college. It is by far the best mountain experience of any East Coast resort. It did get super freaking cold the last day but I was with a good group and it was pretty fun despite the frigid conditions, very good snow for the East Coast My favorite run was Valhalla... Lots of great tree runs and good views. Was funny to see some signs in French as well as it's so close to Quebec. Enjoy your time up there when I went the water park had just been completed it was fun but I'm sure it's a lot better now.

[@JohnShields-xx1yk]

Not only great informative commentary but I miss skiing from my youth and you give me a little taste of making the runs.

[@ethanstong1564]

I've been waiting for this one. Can't disagree with the reviews. Jay's good days are amazing but it really is a gamble. When you catch a good powder day it can't be beat in the east.

[@LifeProducersofNewJerseyLLC]

Jay always has the best snow in the east and will often be open when other ski areas are closed. There is nothing up there as far as bars, restaurants, and nightlife, except for what the resort offers. You will see a lot of Canadians up there skiing. I remember the 1979-1980 ski season, which was bad snow, and the closer ski areas of Stowe, Smugglers, Bolton, and Sugarbush, were all closed, Jay was open.

[@mtadams2009]

I have skied Jay and love the place to death and you are correct they do get big snow. This all said if it’s a bad snow year, like this year you are far better off at a place like Killington. Killington just blows way more snow. I have experienced the difference first hand. Take care

[@LifeProducersofNewJerseyLLC]

Not really, Killington only opens the top for spring like skiing and still wants that hefty price ticket. When the wind blows from the north heavy, they will not even open those lifts that service the best snow at the top. One spring I went up to Killington and I wanted to ski, but as usual only the selected top area was open, even though there was plenty of snow that spring. So I was pissed and drove down 100 to Okemo, and the whole mountain was open. My opinion, no offense here, but Killington is for tourists who do not know any better.

[@mtadams2009]

@@LifeProducersofNewJerseyLLC Sorry you had a bad experience but what you are describing is and was an isolated incident. I am a season pass holder at Killington and have been for many years. There are many things people can rip on the K about but they blow snow relentlessly and have replaced nearly every lift on the mountain, added tunnels to eliminate cross trail issues, built two beautiful new lodges and in general just made the place better. Not to hate on Okemo but the place is as bland and flat as a parking lot. That is actually what we call it, the parking lot. Spring sling takes place off the Super Star lift which is located lower on the mountain. They do start the season up high in the old glades chair area and you have to download using the K1. That usually only happens for a very short period of time in early to late November. Killington does have a lot of tourist but don’t kid yourself Killington has a lot of steeps, bumps and glades to keep you busy. I have skied every mountain in Vermont many times and Killington is hands down the best place to ski and hang out. Sadly skiing has gotten insanely expensive unless you purchase a seasons pass, which sucks I will admit. I ski often so it works out good for me. My other favorite mountains would be Sugarbush, Mad River, Stowe and Jay Peak. Take care and let’s hope we get some snow.

[@jonwashington6440]

That was over 30 years, mmm, do you think it could have changed between now & then ?

[@LifeProducersofNewJerseyLLC]

@@jonwashington6440 No, that is the problem. The ski industry has less people now skiing. The mountains have not really changed. You can name just about any mountain in VT and I will show little or no changes from the 70's. I still ski. For Killington, its the big one in the east, so its a tourist trap. Most Killington skiers that I ask cannot attest for skiing other VT ski areas. Here in NJ I will ask people if they ever skied VT and most of the time they will say Killington and not be able to mention another ski area. These other ski areas are gems compared to Killington. Better conditions, lower ticket cost, more of the mountain open (Killington loves to close parts of the mountain), no crowds, better grooming, cheaper base lodge eating, more of a feel of VT, and less corporate.

[@bloomstumpremoval]

Jay is the only place I've seen beginner glades skiing. The lifts, the slopes, the snow quality -- all top notch. Definitely my favorite on the East coast.

[@Jetmech145]

Loved riding Jay when ever i got the chance. Definitely one of the more technical mountains to ride.

[@ST19859]

Coming from a west coasters perspective I have to say its a really striking mountain and looks like a lot of fun, I m afraid Id perish on all that ice though

[@clockradio989]

Good idea to get your gear tuned before heading out 😂

[@johngollsneider1078]

We don't call it the ice coast for nothing

[@ST19859]

You guys have my utmost respect. I ve ridden some of the toughest stuff in Tahoe, Mammoth, and Utah but I d probably be relegated to the kiddy runs back there.

[@clockradio989]

@@ST19859 It’s not bad. Some Ice then perfect snow.

[@ST19859]

@@clockradio989 Yea I m exaggerating but its definitely a different beast there, to be fair Nor Cal can get pretty icy between storms too

[@gregtownsend7173]

Corrections: tram haus is not the newest, stateside is There’s a summit lodge at the top of the tram Resiliency could maybe use a point or 2 more; they consistently blow new snow after very windy periods, and direct on-mountain climbing gym, movie theater, water park, skating rink, and arcades make bitterly cold and/or windy days more tolerable for a vacation destination Love your reviews!!! You should def head back when they (hopefully) upgrade the jet triple to a high speed quad and expand the resort northeastward, which is less wind exposed and gets more natural snow than the current resort footprint.

[@clockradio989]

Stateside is actually nice for what it is. Large rooms and nice aesthetic. With the Canadian cash accepted at par one of the best deals I have found.

[@KirbeyAlt]

he said there was a summit lodge

[@lisayist]

I truly enjoy the tree skiing footage.

[@clockradio989]

Love Jay Peak. Something for everyone. Just be ready for the wind on the upper mountain.

[@kobayashimaru8114]

Been to Jay a few times and I always tell people that it's the most consistent powder I've ever seen in the east. My first time there was a powder dump and it was amazing. Definitely can get windy though.

[@trvman1]

Very GOOD video. Just FACTS and no bias which so many people who do these types of videos have.

[@Micheal-Ireland]

This place looks awesome! Thanks for the in depth video!

[@Strahbaerie]

The Snowshoe Pub at the bottom of the mountain is worth a visit, too. ❤️

[@theonlekil]

In terms of beginner access, I was there last week for my first time skiing. We were off the greens and on to blues within the first 4 hours.

[@aaronmcinnes2431]

Been waiting for this one… I’ve been going to Jay Peak with my family for Spring Break for the past couple of years… the conditions usually vary around this time but I’ve never been disappointed skiing here especially so late in the season, it’s definitely one of my favorite mountains I’ve been to

[@wheelinndealin]

I live in western ma and have plenty of choices of ski areas. Jay peak is hands down the best on the east coast, I usually go at east 4 times a year but it’s a long drive, about 4-1/2 hours but 100 percent worth it. Only problem is it’s not really feasible to do a day trip so lodging is required. Luckily I know a couple good places so it makes it easy but the terrain, views, restaurants, and easy parking make it my first choice every single time. I love Jay

[@eamonhamilton3916]

Your reviews are the best

[@JoeHartman80]

Skiied Jay a few years ago. It’s one of the best!

[@unclebilly1353]

I grew up skiing in the east coast. Jay peak was aways my favorite. I live out west now. And we have a lot of great skiing between Utah and Colorado. Jay peak can hold up with a lot of resorts out here. Great skiing resorts.

[@bruceb5481]

If you enjoy trees / glades and moguls no place around here beats Jay, with Stowe a close second. I've logged nearly 160 days at Jay and over 200 at Stowe. And yes, that drop to the right of the tram is gnarly and not recommended without good snow.

[@holymeto9981]

Isn't stowe lacking in glades?

[@ryeetbanana3505]

stowe isnt eve close to jay

[@ericd8739]

Another great video review. I've always been curious about Jay Peak, thanks for doing this.

[@mtadams2009]

Great video and very accurate. The main reason and the only reason I ever go there is for their glades. Their tree skiing is great when it snows. If you go make sure to check the weather. When it’s good it’s great and when it’s bad it’s brutal.

[@grownjohnboy]

I skied here 40 years ago. The only run open was the front of the Chalet run and it was a rink. It was hard to see all of the closed runs then but I made friends easily and the smell of what I was smoking was a good conversation starter. I have a dim memory of a Barn like bar with large wooden beams and a rock,n,roll band and a huge iron stove. I suspect Ul has bequeathed a good bounty this year. Best Wishes from Deep in the Boreal Forest near Lake Abitibi.

[@jeremylando40]

My all time favorite place to ski

[@RT-tn4ry]

One year I skied there and they got 500 inches of snow. We skied every Friday that year, it was the best year of my life skiing until I moved to Denver retired !

[@daneg]

I've been to Jay Peak a couple times in my youth (90s). Unfortunately, it wasn't the greatest weather. I prefer mogul runs, but nothing about it was much fun. I think the wind/cold was a downer. It was like skiing the north face of a mountain. agree on the glades experience. I'm really enjoying these vids on the northeast. thanks.

[@hesgabe]

The glades at Jay Peak are just exquisite, Mount Sutton a bit further north in Quebec is still my favourite though

[@JollyLamaCom]

Jay Peak is awesome. Loved it and cannot wait to get back to VT.

[@Peter-zg3em]

i don't think jay is underrated as much as it is 3-4 hours away from civilization and cold as hell. skied some very deep, very cold storms up there. most of our party was not fit for the cold. it is staggeringly cold and wintry up there. truly an alpine climate. just dress well and enjoy the dry snow.

[@unclebilly1353]

I visited this place in 83. For the same reason why you would visited today. Not crowded and great snow. If you can't get what you're looking for there head north four hours or so. Mt trublunt another great mountain.

[@gregl1927]

The best place in the east if you like trees! The trails are just access points to the trees

[@anthonybuttazzoni2286]

If you time this mountain with storm cycles(which are plentiful), It could give any resort on the west coast a run for their money. Riding untouched powder 3 days after a storm, no lifts lines, reasonable prices.

[@collinparsons3363]

I've done 5 days at Jay Peak. I agree with much of this review. It can be the most westernlike skiing in the east on its best days, but can also be absolutely horrendous on its worst days. Unfortunately, they have some of the most inconsistent conditions and operations of any resort I've been to. Not only do they get a lot of wind, but they are also very quick to close all the upper lifts, even on days when other resorts would keep their lifts open. My most recent day there in April 2019, there was some ice on the tram and flyer lifts and they didn't even try to clean the ice off and open them, so it was painfully slow fixed grips all day. I will certainly never book a trip in advance, and I will likely not return until they replace the Bonaventure lift. Not only is it slow but it stops a lot too. If they replace Bonaventure, upgrade their snowmaking, and become more aggressive at running their lifts in higher winds, then it will mitigate many of their issues.

[@snafoo131]

Jay peak is the closest to out west conditions you can get in the east coast us. Those top tram runs are the closest to western glade runs you can get. Snow conditions on average will beat out the rest of the east coast... just for most its an extra 1-2hr drive. Absolutely fantastic mountain. Miss it on the regular!

[@ryeetbanana3505]

went to alta, it was amazing. Went to jay two weeks later, it was more amazing.

[@PhineasSwann]

Great review. Only complaint about your reviews is they tend to ignore some of the nightlife and lodging options just off-property. The town of Montgomery (7mi, 10km away) offers some award-winning lodging options, and the apres-ski restaurants and bars are not massive, but they're colorful and authentic, giving guests a real taste of true Vermont.

[@harrydarling1]

Correct......they are GREAT

[@guy2843]

I was waiting for this

[@nacho-man1063]

You are the G.O.A.t!!! Always amazing reviews..,, Can you review Le Massif Quebec Canada.

[@PeakRankings]

We'll try to get to the Canadian East Coast this winter! All depends on the conditions

[@counterfit5]

@@PeakRankings so that means no NH reports this season? 🙁

[@PeakRankings]

@@counterfit5 we're also aiming to hit those, although can't guarantee at this point in time.

[@michaelfriedman2221]

Solid video. Nice job with eliminating the up-talking voice cadence from your earlier videos.

[@TaTopePia]

Great review, as always. Thorough and fair. Any plans on hitting the New Hampshire resorts? Surprised you haven't done Bretton Woods, Sunapee, or Cannon, to name a few off the top of my head. As a native New Hampshire-ite, the exclusion is insulting! 😉 Would be a tall order, but a cool project would be to cover mountains/areas that aren't resort-level, but are the local, independent mountains that are short and sweet (I realize that there are probably hundreds of these!). My favorite places have always been the smaller gems that barely show up on Google searches - even after ~25 years of boarding, I'll never forget one of my favorite times was on a single-run poma-lift hill in a back neighborhood in NH. Perfectly groomed, constant snowfall, at night, for only $7

[@jakebutler291]

Jay is so frustrating to me...like the terrain and glades are AMAZING but the conditions have just been awful in my experience for the most part. If the tram were a gondola, and the bonaventure and jet lifts were high speed, that would definitely improve access!

[@oxman1834]

I learned to snowboard at Jay!! Back in 2001!!

[@wendelynanderson9517]

I remember skiing Jay Peak in the early 70’s

[@86BMB]

Have been driving up to Jay peak from Baltimore MD for 6 years to start our Vermont ski week. By far best Glades in Vermont

[@clockradio989]

My kids absolutely love the blue glade trails.

[@RobbisTV]

I wish they would open a lift access Downhill bike park, it would be a HUGE hit at Jay Peak. Especially those coming from Canada like you said. ;)

[@BoltsBerner]

Jay is the way!

[@wheelinndealin]

Everyone complains about how Jay is cold and the lift is windy. Like come on folks we are skiing dress for the elements😂

[@stvbrsn]

You neglected to mention one of Jay’s best features. On-mountain poutine!

[@phopk1ns]

Love how the best mountain in the northeast still sounds like your running forks across a plate

[@groyper6567]

It’s important to understand the conditions night before for the snowmaking

[@rhinonight5499]

Good to know considering I'm coming In a couple of weeks

[@theroadnottakentravel]

Do you plan on a whiteface resort review video? It’s one of my favourite resorts in the east!

[@PeakRankings]

Probably not this season, but potentially next once they put in the new high-speed quad!

[@theroadnottakentravel]

@@PeakRankings Is the lift upgrade confirmed, I don’t see a recent update? I think a lift from bear den to the mid mountain lodge is a waste for whiteface, who should focus on upgrading their upper mountain fixed grip lifts

[@PeakRankings]

@@theroadnottakentravel upgrade is still on the roadmap according to Liftblog, but not 100% confirmed.

[@8KTraveler]

You should review Burke in VT!

[@josephhertzberg2734]

I have to say, Mont Orford had great quality snow, a little further and smaller, but excellent East Coast snow

[@drakepayung7204]

I miss the Eagel bar. Lots of fun.

[@counterfit5]

My one trip ot Jay Peak came at the end of a week of 50+. Not even their snowfall could salvage that 🙁

[@RT-tn4ry]

Love this place , been a hundred times.

[@vernonsanders371]

Visited Jay peak back in the late 90s cool place

[@brianmathew09]

your research is on point..nice work

[@nwsportstilidie]

Jay Peak plus Montreal trip...sold!

[@ThirdEyePerspective1111]

Been enjoying your videos, thank you! Do you plan on reviewing Stowe and Stratton at some point?

[@PeakRankings]

Yep!

[@Island_Line_Rail_Productions]

Us locals call the Flyer the "Freezer" for a reason......Its COLD when the wind blows

[@Floydie88]

Haven't been in probably 20 years or so now? But my last visit it was -60 with the windchill at the top of the mountain 🥶

[@ethanhcomposer]

this looks like an amazing resort, just a bit far from where I live by road

[@randomsockpuppet]

On its best day it’s the best skiing the east has to offer. In its worst it’s downright depressing but that’s par for the course in the east

[@Myinstafyp]

Great video

[@Mark5ive5]

I love this mountain but sadly I have experienced poor customer service there over the years, especially with the onsite lodging.

[@ryan1043]

wind is insane location sucks ass food is weak but omg when the jay cloud blesses the slopes with pow its amazing

[@cliffordsawyer2994]

I currently work here i love it

[@Sam-sn2cn]

Jay Peak is almost like a little pocket of the west hiding in the east, especially those upper mountain lines off the tram.

[@erics802]

As a vermonter I recommend Shugarbush in Warren

[@patrickcoyne1292]

not part of epic, or ikon is a win. such a great resort. the bed and breakfast in town is great phineas swan. check it out. worth the money.

[@stephendulli6252]

Jay Peak is the very best skiing experience in the State of Vermont. Maybe the best in New England, but not for beginners.

[@SportNut1]

A 9 for challenge, so same difficulty rating as Whistler and Jackson Hole? Or just a 9 for the east?

[@jh9992]

Man, you could have filmed on a better snow condition day! 😄

[@gladiator_2581]

Had a hockey tournament there was going to go skiing but my tournament schedule made it practically impossible to ski there so I couldn’t ski there 😢

[@wacs44]

My fav ❤

[@tylerperozzi5015]

I have been to three resorts so far. Breck, Telluride, and Park city. Where would you recommend me to go next?

[@PeakRankings]

We’d recommend you go to peakrankings.com.

[@tylerperozzi5015]

Thank you!! I’ll check it out.

[@future.1093]

with about an hour and a half car ride to get there from where i live, its worth it time to time

[@eedom69]

They don't get as much snow as they say and neither do there closest competitors.

[@a.team_adventures]

I love jay ❤️❤️❤️❤️ best in the east no doubt

[@michaeltravers3095]

Are you going to do reviews of the ski mountains in NH?

[@PeakRankings]

Depending on the conditions, our aim is to break into the region this winter.

[@johndriscoll213]

@@PeakRankings Cannon first!

[@alexioshjkl6170]

id love to see how cannon would stack up against jay

[@johnsmeith3913]

Once they replace those long cold Fixed grips and get more than 1 detachable lift, this place will be truly great

[@clockradio989]

We found the the main detachable lift more than lap-able with varied terrain. Loved that there was never really a line even on busy Saturday when wait for the tram was over an hour. Jet chair unfortunately is badly in need of replacement.

[@johnsmeith3913]

@@clockradio989 I agree with you, the Flyer is great when it’s not on wind hold and has enough capacity for that side of the mountain. It’s the rest of the lifts with exception to the beginner lift below the tram

[@pjmarone]

Can you do the other Aspen Mountains?

[@grantjones2863]

when are you going to get to more montana and northern rocky resorts? Whitefish?

[@PeakRankings]

Don't be surprised to see Whitefish make some sort of an appearance in one of our next videos.

[@benjaminruhl8355]

Can you do a series on New Hampshire resorts

[@stewartwilbanks4294]

Great mountain

[@adrienguinebertiere]

Hopefully they get a new lift in that’s fast and protected from the wind!

[@counterfit5]

Probably could replace the Quad with a bubble 6 pack

[@johndriscoll213]

Nope. Don't want any uppie shit at Jay. It's fine how it is.

[@chasekelly1621]

Are you guys going to do Schweitzer Idaho!

[@PeakRankings]

We're going tomorrow! We'll have a written review up within the next few months, and should the conditions be clear enough, we'll have a video review in the pipeline as well.

[@patrickcoyne1292]

no mid mountain lodges. 😂 what do you need a mid mountain lodge for, they don’t have enough vertical for that to be an issue.

[@johndriscoll213]

It's like, 2000 vert. Perfect number to do in one go.

[@BerndtNorten]

There’s no logical place at Jay for such a thing. It’s a small hill, with few runs under the tram. The Jet triple area is out of the way and for experts only. The criticism is meaningless. The main cafeteria is rarely crowded. There’s no need for more facilities.

[@patrickcoyne1292]

the dude that runs the bonnie lift, is a legend. also they didn’t subscribe the you have to be vaccinated nonsense so it’s a great place.

[@BlightBlaze583]

Do Cannon next!!

[@chair_2929]

Please do steamboat Springs colorado