{"id":4113,"date":"2014-12-07T03:18:22","date_gmt":"2014-12-07T03:18:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ultimatesk2stg.wpengine.com\/ski-resorts\/usa\/jay-peak"},"modified":"2026-03-13T15:02:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T15:02:22","slug":"jay-peak","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ultimate-ski.com\/ski-resorts\/usa\/jay-peak\/","title":{"rendered":"Jay Peak"},"content":{"rendered":"

Who says you need to head to the Rockies to find powder? Jay Peak has been the secret of \u201cIce Coast\u201d powderhounds secret since it\u2019s opening in 1957. Situated at the northern edge of Vermont\u2019s famed Long Trail, and close to the United States border with the Canadian province of Quebec, Jay Peak offers anyone who makes the trek to their slopes a true wilderness experience spread over 385 acres and 78 trails. With something for expert skiers and beginners alike, Jay brings a true resort destination to one of the remote areas of the Northeast.<\/p>\n

Situated near the northern terminus of Vermont\u2019s Green Mountains, Jay Peak (affectionately known as \u201cJay\u201d to those who frequent its slopes) opened in 1957 and never looked back. Now offering year-round activities, the resort is a favorite among locals in its remote Northern Frontier region of Vermont, as well as with skiers from nearby Quebec who cross the border to get their turns. With a laid back attitude and frequent harsh winter conditions, Jay lies too far from the hubbub of the big cities to the south, and locals couldn\u2019t enjoy their short lift lines more.<\/p>\n

With an average annual snowfall of 370 inches, Jay receives the most snowfall of any East Coast ski resort. As the first mountain winter storms hit when crossing the plains of Ontario, the resort is truly geographically blessed and typically receives significantly more snow than other Vermont ski areas every time a storm crosses the state. Skiers beware, however, with the abundant snowfall comes extreme cold and high winds, known locally as the \u201cMontreal Express.\u201d It is not uncommon for the summit to dip into the double-digits below zero during the throes of winter. Still, the storms that linger for days, known as the \u201cJay Cloud,\u201d often deposit a plethora of a commodity not typically found in the old growth Eastern US forests: powder snow.<\/p>\n

While Jay remains an eastern mecca for powder skiing, especially for tree skiers, the resort truly brings something to the table for everyone. Recent expansions have the resort well positioned for years of success, despite its remote location. With Vermont\u2019s only indoor waterpark, an ice-skating rink, and miles of summer hiking trails, many families head to Jay and to enjoy the numerous off-slope activities never hit the slopes at all. Also noteworthy, due to the resort\u2019s high amount of average snowfall, Jay is normally open far later than other resorts on the East Coast, and brings excellent corn snow skiing well into the spring months.<\/p>\n

Jay Peak Pros & Cons<\/h2>\n

+ Typically highest average annual snowfall east of the Rockies
\n+ Tree skiing paradise with easy backcountry access
\n+ Relatively inexpensive lift tickets
\n+ Laid-back atmosphere and lack of crowds
\n– Remote Area make resort difficult to get to
\n– Limited Apr\u00e9s Ski options<\/p>\n

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Ultimate-Ski Guide to Jay Peak<\/h3>\n