Jay Peak, VT, is the 3rd Snowiest Resort in North America Right Now

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.

• Related: This May Be the Best East Coast Ski Season in Almost 20 Years: It Just Keeps Snowing

In the last five days, the resort has received 29 inches of natural snow, bringing its season total to 331 inches. This snowfall makes Jay Peak the third snowiest resort in North America and surpasses all Colorado, California, Utah, and most Western ski resorts.

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 are also impressive compared to other ski resorts known for having deep snowpacks. Japan has the deepest snowpack, with some resorts having snowpacks over 15 feet. Alyeska Resort, Alaska, has had the most snowfall in North America, with 509 inches. Mount Baker, Washington, has the second-highest snowfall, with 406 inches.

• Base Depth: 36-85 inches
• Open Trails: 81 / 81
• Open Lifts: 4 / 9
• Terrain Parks: 3 / 3
• Primary Surface: Packed Powder
• Secondary Surface: Machine Groomed
• Groomed: 44 / 81

The forecast suggests things are about to ‘get weird‘. According to weatherman Tim Kelley, “Tuesday starts a gradual warm-up, and then we get to the part of the forecast where the word “rain” makes an unwelcome appearance. Yes, the incoming storm will start wet before a proper cold front slaps it back into winter. Expect snow on the backside and then a solid stretch of cold through the weekend, with more of the good stuff likely to follow. So, in summary: yesterday’s snow is still good, today’s conditions might be the best of the week, and the weather ahead is about as stable as a beginner on Upper Can Am. Plan accordingly.”

• Related: SnowBrains Forecast: Up to 2 Feet For the East Coast This Week

Jay Peak is approaching historic snowfall levels this season. The resort has already surpassed the snowfall totals of the 2010/11 and 2014/15 seasons and is now rivaling the legendary winters of 1999/2000 and 1977/78. If the current trend continues, this season could challenge the record-setting winter of 1968/69.