I have very conflicting feelings about Jay Peak. The powder was unbelievable and nice... while it lasted. We skied on Easter Weekend, Fri-Sun, 2008. It stormed on Friday and dumped 2 feet of fresh pow, however, due to up to 50mph winds all but the bunny hill was closed. We braved the freezing temps and strong wind gusts to ride 2 feet of new pow for just a few runs. Next morning, the info phone line said to expect delays on the lifts, but by 8.00 when we arrived only Stateside chair was running with long lines and all trails to our horror were GROOMED!!! The place was so packed on Saturday that needless to say every wood trail was skied in and out. Tram opened up late in the morning, but with with waiting times of at least 2 hours. On Sunday, finally all the chairs were up and running including their only detachable quad, but most of the powder was gone due to too many skiers and wind exposure.

Re: crowds, except for obnoxious rude Quebecois, most skiers are chill and unpretentious, many were outdoor enthusiasts in their mountaineering clothes (you don't see too many people in $600+ outfits). Rude Canadians, however, almost ruined whole weekend experience and outshadowed locals' chill attitude and friendliness.

In summary, I can't say I don't want to come to this mountain ever again (I would like to try this mountain on a less busier day), but in a snowy season like this year, I would much prefer Stowe since it's 1 hour less driving from NYC, has more terrain to absorb big crowds and has a friendlier staff and clientelle overall...

Far and away the best resort on the east coast. This is the only mountain on the east coast that will let you ski anywhere. With glades galore, sumptuous steeps and a decent verticle, Jay peak has the most challenging and varied terrain you will find in this part of the country. They also recieve more snow on average annuanly than many resorts in the west such as Vail so there usually will be good cover. There isn't much for apres ski, but for those skiing purists Jay peak will be everything you are looking for and more.

There is really only one way to describe Jay Peak accurately, and that is 'Hidden Gem of the Northeast'. As an avid snowboarder and part-time skier, I have toured most of the mountains in the Northeast trying to find the perfect one. Jay Peak is located so far North, that a lot of the big city skiers and boarders (New York and Boston mostly) will not dare to take their SUV's further than a 2 to 3 hour drive. So that covers perk number one; not a huge crowd on any given weekday/weekend.

Perk number two would have to be, hands down, the cost. The first time I went to Jay, I was still in college. Not many mountains will cater to the bankroll of the typical college student, that is, the typical college student who is not funded by mommy and daddy. Although you will find an occasional mountain, and I stress how rare this is, that will offer college discounts, Jay Peak is one of them. They are a mountain that is not caught up in the rising cost of snowmaking, but rather the essentials to an avid skier; good people and good snow at an affordable price.

Perk number three, and by far the most important aspect of this 'Hidden Gem', would have to be the snow. Jay Peak is located far enough North that most of the New England garbage weather that ends up being rain/snow wintry mix will almost always be huge pow pow flaky gold at Jay. Although Jay experiences its fair share of windy days, as most mountains do, Jay has a great safety net for all the powder to blow into; the gorgeous and numerous glades. The glades are everywhere on this mountain, whether you like the open tree skiing or the tight, fast pace, triple black diamonds tree skiing, Jay has it covered. Additionally, the snow is not like any snow in the Northeast. I found it to be very similar to the snow in Utah; dry, light and fluffy.

With a dual-gondola that runs to the to top every 10-15 minutes that holds a capacity close to 30-40 people along with express quads, you will not be doing much waiting around in lines.

And for all of those college students out there reading this review and getting excited, I have one last bit of advice for you; Grandpa Grunts. Located about 20 miles from the base, Grandpa Grunts is an old school community lodge that easily ranks up there for best bang for your buck. For 25 bucks a night, you can get your own room with any type of bed you would like. Heating is great, cleanliness is great, and what tops it off is waking up at 7:30 am to Grandpa cooking up some eggs, waffles, and grits in the community basement/party room which also has a bar, poor table, and kitchen.

So, to sum it all up, Jay Peak is an amazing resort with the BEST snow on the East cost at the cheapest cost. It is worth the extra 2 hour drive to get real snow. All that I ask is that you keep this a secret, because it will not be a 'Hidden Gem' if everyone keeps bragging about it like I have. Enjoy!!!!

As an Austrian native and being a Chef traveling the world I have been skiing all over the world, must say that for the fact that you’re in the North East of the US Jay Peak has for sure the best Snow, and the most Snow which means when it snows the weather can not be good, but as I go to a mountain to ski and Not to hang out meaning a hardcore Skier should be able to take some hardcore conditions, therefore besides Alta, Deer Valley, St Anton, Lech, St Moritz, Kitzbuehel, Marmolata, yes I consider it a great place to ski. If you ski the mountain hard enough you would mean someone is tired, because there is not much to do in the area, so yes leave your laptop at home, forget your TV shows and find Jay Peak and put yourself on a test
Most of all people are down to earth, and if you like the snoopiness stay south of Mt. Mansfield were people come for a fashion show and get wasted and were skiing is not really a priority

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After hearing some good things about Jay and the ample snow and glades I thought I'd give it a try. It was probably the worst Vermont ski weekend I have ever had. Even with 8 inches of fresh snow the wind was so brutal you couldn't find open trails that weren't bulletproof, and the gondola and high speed quad were both closed. Couple that with a temperature of -10 and you have a terrible experience.

One would think that the lodge would be an easy place to enjoy the afternoon, but the Jay Peak lodge reminds me of a Gothic Cathedral. Heavy wooden doors, no ventilation, windows you can't see out of, a fake fireplace, and room for probably no more than 350 people. I much prefer Stowe and Smugglers Notch, both for skiing as well as apres ski and other parts of the overall ski weekend experience.