Skiing

The Jay Peak Experience

By Ethan Binns

February 7, 2008

5 minutes to read

This past weekend the S.G. targeted Jay Peak, VT as a destination. It was a long weekend—for me—having Monday off as a vacation day. Unfortunately, the celebration I was planning did not happen.

The word was that if any ski area in New England were to see a decent amount of snow from the powerful system that moved through the region last Friday it would be the Eastern capital of all things snow.

News Flash: Jay Peak is gearing up to receive 1-2 feet of powder this weekend. The storm should really get going Saturday night and rage into Sunday. Check their website for updates.

a shot of the only tram in VT on Monday in the sun

Snowflakes did in fact fall up there on Friday. However so did sleet and freezing rain. Reports were that the slopes were a disaster on Saturday. By noon, all the upper mountain lifts were on hold from high winds. This was not a problem limited to Jay Peak; much of New England suffered the same.
the warning sign form the Ski Patrol at the top of the Jet triple on Sunday

That brings me to this question.
What is one to do up at Jay Peak if the skiing is not good?
Many folks will quickly tell you there is nothing at all going on up there. Do not listen to those people. Granted things at Jay are vastly different (and pure Vermont in my opinion) then what you will find at most other ski mountains. Nevertheless, that does not mean they are bad.
Your best bet though is to head up there with a group of friends and create your own fun. If on a solo mission, I can understand why people could become frustrated.
Here is a list of off the slopes things the S.G. and friends do up at Jay Peak, VT to pass some time while waiting for conditions to improve and in the evening when the lifts are closed.
Go to the Belfry. This restaurant/bar is a necessary visit if you are up in that neck of the woods.
Located in Montgomery, VT it is about a 7 mile or 15 minute ride form the mountains base area west on route 242. The food there is outrageously delicious. The atmosphere is exceptional. No televisions, music plays in the background that is barely audible over the buzz of the friendly crowd. The staff is fantastic. If you happen to get there on a not so busy night (midweek) make sure to chat them up for some great local tales. There is a website listed, but it does not seem to work…just make sure you get to this place for a dinner one night when you visit Jay Peak.
the woods on the Flyer side had about 3 or 4 inches of fresh snow in them on Monday which made them good, but not great. Looking into the Beaver Pond Glade

Sledding, that is correct, sledding. I have a system down that I am almost unwilling to share, because it really is that good.
The sledding I have done at Jay Peak is by far the best I have ever personally experienced. Here is what you do, if you are staying with the mountain on one of their properties then you can borrow sleds from the day care for a $5 deposit per. Return them and get your money back. While you have then simply find a snow covered hill (easy order up at Jay) and use them.
The sleds are the long, thin red plastic ones that are Very FAST!
Here is the expert move, not recommended for the faint of heart. The new village condominiums have a trail system and chairlift, allowing ski in and out access. The trail under the chairlift is a green circle that is almost always groomed out. You can easily access the trail by simply walking onto it form the parking lots of the condo units highest on the hill. Designate a driver for the first run, and then each subsequent run the loser of the race gets the privilege of taking the wheel a playing chauffer to their friends.
Everyone else gets a ride back up to the top and the run for the roses is on for another round of high speed, high danger, excitement. This can only be done under the cover of darkness when the chairlift is closed. Do this sledding at your own risk and with others, kind of like tree skiing.
It is Amazing how fast you get moving and how close to the snow surface you are. Lying on ones back coffin style seems to be the fastest method that still allows some sort of control. It is really a ton of fun, go sled!
the sledding run

Head into Montgomery Center and pay the Snow Shoe a visit.
This local watering hole is nothing fancy, but everything fun. They have all sorts of bar games and a friendly owner/staff. We learned about the new VT law there which limits the size of pitcher to 32 ounces. They are pretty small and look rather funny. There is also a supermarket across the rode form the bar, so you can stock up on things you may need for the duration of your stay. Next to the supermarket is a ski/board store if you need a tune up or some new gear.
trails were groomed to perfection on Monday and soaked with sunshine, at least in the morning

In the center of Jay try the Jay Village Inn and Restaurant. This is a good spot to grab a bite for lunch or dinner, catch a game, play some pool, and make some new friends.
I highly recommend checking out a book of historic Vermont trivia, which is found at the end of the bar for some good times with your group. This is also an affordable place to spend a few nights if you are looking for some off mountain lodging.
the Jay Cloud was moving in Monday afternoon as I was departing the area

Back to skiing…
Sunday – the weather had improved enough to make the mountain a reality. By no means was it to be a super sonic Jay Peak powder day. It was cold and windy. The grooming machines had been out and did their job. The tram and flyer quad were both on wind hold. The tram did eventually opened in the afternoon, but the line was a little long for my tastes. This meant that the Jet triple and Bonaventure quad would serve as the primary lifts. It was fun, skiing always is. It was also necessary to pass some time and energy before kick-off.
looking up the Bonaventure quad liftline on Sunday

Monday – the morning turned out to be an absolute gem. The sunshine came out in a major way. Temperatures warmed into the mid 30’s. The winds died off.
The upper mountain lifts opened and trails were groomed to perfection. Visibility was unlimited and there was virtually no one either in the lift lines or on the trails. It was grand, one of those days that keep you coming back for more.
the snow, sun, and trees on Monday

All in, by the time I climbed into the vehicle and started the 4-hour trip home on Monday afternoon I had a smile on my face. Amazing what only a few great hours of skiing can do for someone who is a little bumming. Jay Peak, VT made everything all right. Get up there this winter and check it out for yourself.
Think Snow – make the move to Jay Peak to find it.
photos ~ S.G.
the rear-view mirror on the way home…