Industry News
Jay Peak is deep in northern Vermont, where a slice of paradise is frozen in traditional ski culture, providing access to some of the best terrain in the East. The infamous “Jay Cloud,” notorious for delivering plenty of snowfall, won’t show itself until you are practically on the resort, where snow banks are twice the size as those just down the road. Jay is cold and windy; the mountain throws out all it can to make you earn those turns, which makes it special. Jay Peak had help from early season snowstorms and started off the 2024-25 season on Friday, November 29, 2024.
In the last 72 hours, the resort has received almost two feet of natural snow, bringing its season total to 195 inches. This snowfall puts Jay Peak in competition with and surpasses all Colorado, California, and most Western ski resorts.
The Northeast continues to receive snowfall from various sources. A combination of lake-effect snow from Lake Ontario, rotating snow over northern and central Vermont and parts of Maine, and an incoming storm system from the Midwest will contribute to additional light to moderate snow accumulation across the region. Jay Peak could receive an additional 6-10 inches of snow in the Northeast on top of its recent snowfall. Other areas in southern Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and southern New York are expected to see lighter accumulations.
Mountain Stats
- Total Terrain: 385 acres, offering a wide variety of slopes.
- Gladed Terrain: Over 100 acres, providing wooded, off-piste skiing.
- Summit Elevation: 3,858 feet, offering impressive views and challenging conditions.
- Base Elevation: 1,815 feet, a significant vertical drop.
- Vertical Drop: 2,153 feet, making it a major destination for thrill-seekers.
- Lifts: 9 lifts total, including a tram and various chair lifts, ensuring efficient access to the terrain.
- Snowfall: The average natural snowfall is 347 inches, ensuring a consistent base for the season.
- Manmade Snow: 80% coverage, helping to supplement natural snow for reliable skiing conditions.
- Season: Mid-November to Mid-May, providing a long skiing season.
- Skiable Terrain: 385+ acres, with 50 miles of trails across various difficulties.
- Trail Breakdown: 81 trails, with 20% for beginners, 40% intermediate, and 40% advanced.
- Longest Trail: Ullr’s Dream, stretching 3 miles, perfect for skiers looking for a long run.
- Parks: 2 terrain parks (Shakedown Progression Park and The Rusch) at Stateside, catering to freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
- Lift Capacity: 12,820 people per hour, making it efficient for managing crowds during peak times.
Jay Peak’s snow accumulations, compared to other ski resorts known for having deep snowpack, are also impressive. Japan has the deepest snowpack, with some resorts having snowpacks over 13 feet. Alyeska Resort, Alaska, has had the most snowfall in North America, with more than 300 inches. Timberline, Oregon, has the deepest base in North America and has had the second most snowfall to date, with 270 inches. Mount Baker, Washington, has 254 inches to date. Mount Hood Meadows, Oregon, has had 248 inches to date. Revelstoke, BC, Canada, has also posted the most snowfall this season, with 244 inches.
Current Mountain Conditions at Jay Peak
- Base Depth: 18 – 40 inches
- Open Trails: 78 / 81
- Open Lifts: 9 / 9
- Terrain Parks: 3 / 3
- Primary Surface: Machine Groomed
- Secondary Surface: Packed Powder
- Groomed: 32 / 81
Looking at future weather patterns, a new blast of Arctic air is coming Saturday night and Sunday for Jay Peak and Northern Vermont. A few more inches of snowfall is expected Saturday night and Sunday. The temperatures on Sunday start in the teens, but by the last chair, it’s probably near or just below 0°F. The wind on Sunday is out of the west and is forecasted to be 20 to 30 mph. Next week, Jay Peak will get hit with arctic air on Monday, with temperatures not even getting to 0°F and wind out of the west at 20 to 40 mph, according to Jay Peak’s Weather Man, Tim Kelley.
