Jay Peak Ski Resort
Jay Peak Ski Resort
4
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4.0
157 reviews
Excellent
80
Very good
43
Average
16
Poor
6
Terrible
12
Florian
New York City, NY373 contributions
Dec 2020
This may be Vermont's northernmost ski resort, but it certainly isn't the best, not by a mile. First, this year shows that its location isn't a guarantee that you'll get any substantial amount of snow or even the most snow of any resort in Vermont. For the whole duration of our stay, we've been skiing on the same one black trail and one blue trail. It's unclear to me whether the resort has limited snowmaking capabilities or is just trying to save money on its customers' backs, but I have a hunch it's the latter. Even with minimal crowds, we end up in long lines at the ski lifts because except for beginners' terrain, there are only one or two lifts running - and very slowly at that. There are many other details that aren't too inconvenient taken individually, but that make the resort annoying when taken all together: you can't pick up your ski lift tickets in advance (even if they were bought online for specific days); the general store is so empty it reminds me of the USSR; you have to climb a hill by foot to get to the ski lift at the Tramside base; the rental skis suck; the resort is really located in the middle of nowhere (the nearby town of Jay has a population of 500). We will not be back.
Written 28 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DickfromSeattle
Seattle, WA201 contributions
Sept 2021
The golf course at Jay Peak is rated (by Golf Digest) as the #2 golf course in Vermont. Apparently, this is the first review of the course. Trip Advisor will not allow a review separate from the resort, but it is a public course and you do not have to stay at the resort to play it. This difficult course has well maintained fairways and tricky greens (Supposedly, everything breaks away from the mountain) Each hole is beautiful but they all start to look the same after a while. Many forced carries and elevation changes. You will lose some golf balls.
Written 2 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Skibumb55
North Andover13 contributions
Feb 2020
Have gone to Jay Peak many times over the last few years during the winter, summer and fall. It has great skiing, only place in NE that you can usually find powder stashes in February and March. Awesome glade skiing for beginners to the expert. Great water park to hit after skiing with a huge bar. Plenty of activities to keep the kids busy, skiing, water park, arcade, climbing walls , movie theatre, indoor rink. Usually stay at Slopeside it’s a great spot to stay on the mountain, especially for skiing. Spring through fall hit Jay to golf on a beautiful and tough mountain course, hike and catch the foliage. Great place for any season.
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boatguy
South Yarmouth, MA272 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
Been skiing 50 years. When I get close to mountain driving in at night and don’t see any groomers on the mountain I’m suspicious.
Sure enough they don’t groom many trails. Probably one cat can do the whole place. I get it, old time NE skiing but way too many ungroomed ( Natural) trails.
They offer groomed flat as a pancake beginner runouts , a few groomed cruisers with too many people even on a weekday and the rest bumps.
Pretty cool as an old school area but I’m back to every other area in the east that offers more terrain.
Without the tram there’s not much vertical.
Sure enough they don’t groom many trails. Probably one cat can do the whole place. I get it, old time NE skiing but way too many ungroomed ( Natural) trails.
They offer groomed flat as a pancake beginner runouts , a few groomed cruisers with too many people even on a weekday and the rest bumps.
Pretty cool as an old school area but I’m back to every other area in the east that offers more terrain.
Without the tram there’s not much vertical.
Written 14 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SkiJayPeak
New York City, NY9 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
I go to jay every year for president week since I was 3 (I learned here) and this year was the best yet. The conditions were awesome and as cold. The arcade was nice and our family friends and their kids came and loved it, this was their first year and they were hooked.
Written 28 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
adam r
Brooklyn, NY230 contributions
Skied Jay a few weeks ago. I asked the girl at the bottom of the lift how to get to the lodge on the other side of the mountain where I was meeting some people who were on my trip. She told me to use a specific trail and assured me it was open. It was the middle of a major snow storm. We followed her instructions and there was nobody around and me and the 2 people I was with felt list. My friend took off his skis to walk through the trees to ask for help as we saw a lift at a distance. All of a sudden a groomer starts coning towards me. I moved all the way to the side w my skis do he can pass. He came right at me and I had no where to go but back and fell down a ditch. The guy got out of the groomer and started yelling at me. He would not tell us how to get back to the open trails. He was just cursing and yelling at us to get outta here. I sprained my back and could not ski the next 2 days which I had already paid for let alone not be able to work for about 2 weeks. Spoke to mountain to complain and nobody would come down to speak to me in person. When I got back to motel I write an email and had a dialogue w a guy named Stranger who assured me he would get to the bottom of it and kept lying to me as he said he would get back to me. He kept stringing me along. Wouldn't even give me my money back for the days of skiing I missed. I begged Stranger to give me the name of the employee so I can go after him legally and my request was just ignored. Some customer service! This mountain will be hearing more of me!
Written 9 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vanessa-Turista
Caledonia, Canada135 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
We were at Jay Peaks doing the Christmas holidays for some downhill skiing and snowboarding. There are many runs and not a lot of wait times on the lifts, if you are a beginner, there are no transition runs... you go from the Magic carpet to very steep green runs. For this reason, and also because of some icy conditions under the snow, I had a fall. I have to compliment how great the paramedics were! From meeting me on the Mountain to assessing my condition and safely bringing me down to the clinic, Gordon and other staff handled the situation so well and were so kind and reassuring. I just wish the resort would add flatter green runs, so beginners could get more confident before going down steep hills. I saw other beginners who also got hurt on the same spot I did.
The rest of my family are more experienced skiers and snowboarders and they also said that a lot of the runs were hard on the niece and steep…
The rest of my family are more experienced skiers and snowboarders and they also said that a lot of the runs were hard on the niece and steep…
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John H
Wells, ME54 contributions
Jay is both one of the best and worst hills in the east, it all depends on your abilities, priorities and luck.
If you are a very good skier-boarder there is a lot to like here, huge glades of varying pitch and tree density, tiny scary chutes, the face and lots of steep challenging runs like Green Beret and Upper Quai. Also the size of the mountain, so many glades and limited lift capacity keep all the black diamond stuff uncrowded even on holidays.
If you are an intermediate skier there are not many good runs and most are non fall line that tend to run sideways. Because of this ice is a common problem by lunchtime even on good days, too many skiers find themselves on the same runs and sideways runs and wind leaves the runs bare in no time.
For beginner or families there are lots of beginner runs conveniently located in front of the hotels but the ski school is poorly run and disorganized.
You can't talk about Jay without talking about the weather. It is probably the most unreliable place around. They get piles of snow most years but also lots of rain throughout the whole ski season. Wind is also a common problem often leading to lift closures and bitter cold beyond what the thermostat would lead you to believe. It can be 30 and feel like 0!
Lifts have always been an issue. For a place that bills itself to be all about the mountain they seem to spend all the money everywhere but on the mountain!!!!
They have been spending 10's of millions for years building fancy hotels, golf courses, condos by the ton, parking structures, the huge water park and a hockey arena. The lift situation is very problematic:
Only the tram goes to the top and it has no capacity and seems to shut down every time the wind picks up (which is often!) or the cables ice up. When it is running the wait can reach an hour. If you hit a rare blue ski day it's worth one ride up just for the view though, spectacular.
The bulk of the mountain is served by only three chairs (not counting a few kiddie lifts along the bottom) and two are ancient non detachables that are slow and breakdown often and stop steadily due to beginner skiers falling while getting off and on fast moving chairs.
The third is a newer detachable called The Flyer but everyone calls it The Freezer for darn good reason. It's fast, has no shields and was placed in a wind tunnel area. Like the tram it is closed by wind very often and it also frequently closes due to cold. Dress accordingly, it can be brutal.
Grooming is only done properly on a limited amount of runs so be ready for rocks, grass, dirt and wood at all times.
A few annoyances I must add include;
When a lift closes temporarily for weather it seems to never reopen after 11 (employees sent home to save $'s ?)
Very long lines on the big holiday weekends and the staff varies from great talented, committed and friendly to rude incompetent people who seem to hate their job and the skiers. (Perhaps a touch of hillbilly inbreeding ;-)
My review must sound negative but we love the place! When it's good it's great! Super challenging runs where banged up skis and ice coated faces are a badge of honor.
If you are a very good skier-boarder there is a lot to like here, huge glades of varying pitch and tree density, tiny scary chutes, the face and lots of steep challenging runs like Green Beret and Upper Quai. Also the size of the mountain, so many glades and limited lift capacity keep all the black diamond stuff uncrowded even on holidays.
If you are an intermediate skier there are not many good runs and most are non fall line that tend to run sideways. Because of this ice is a common problem by lunchtime even on good days, too many skiers find themselves on the same runs and sideways runs and wind leaves the runs bare in no time.
For beginner or families there are lots of beginner runs conveniently located in front of the hotels but the ski school is poorly run and disorganized.
You can't talk about Jay without talking about the weather. It is probably the most unreliable place around. They get piles of snow most years but also lots of rain throughout the whole ski season. Wind is also a common problem often leading to lift closures and bitter cold beyond what the thermostat would lead you to believe. It can be 30 and feel like 0!
Lifts have always been an issue. For a place that bills itself to be all about the mountain they seem to spend all the money everywhere but on the mountain!!!!
They have been spending 10's of millions for years building fancy hotels, golf courses, condos by the ton, parking structures, the huge water park and a hockey arena. The lift situation is very problematic:
Only the tram goes to the top and it has no capacity and seems to shut down every time the wind picks up (which is often!) or the cables ice up. When it is running the wait can reach an hour. If you hit a rare blue ski day it's worth one ride up just for the view though, spectacular.
The bulk of the mountain is served by only three chairs (not counting a few kiddie lifts along the bottom) and two are ancient non detachables that are slow and breakdown often and stop steadily due to beginner skiers falling while getting off and on fast moving chairs.
The third is a newer detachable called The Flyer but everyone calls it The Freezer for darn good reason. It's fast, has no shields and was placed in a wind tunnel area. Like the tram it is closed by wind very often and it also frequently closes due to cold. Dress accordingly, it can be brutal.
Grooming is only done properly on a limited amount of runs so be ready for rocks, grass, dirt and wood at all times.
A few annoyances I must add include;
When a lift closes temporarily for weather it seems to never reopen after 11 (employees sent home to save $'s ?)
Very long lines on the big holiday weekends and the staff varies from great talented, committed and friendly to rude incompetent people who seem to hate their job and the skiers. (Perhaps a touch of hillbilly inbreeding ;-)
My review must sound negative but we love the place! When it's good it's great! Super challenging runs where banged up skis and ice coated faces are a badge of honor.
Written 10 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
adam r
Brooklyn, NY230 contributions
Feb 2015 • Friends
I was in a blizzard at Jay peak and went down the wrong trail. The trail groomer almost ran me over by driving right at me to exhibit dominance and I fell back and sprained my back. The owner/manager Mr. Stanger refused to provide me with the guys name and they were not very nice to me. i ruined a whole weekend of skiing. You would think they would have offered me at least 2 lift tickets since i could not ski the next day.
Ski at your own risk here! They totally strung me along by telling me they will get to the bottom of it and eventually ignored me. worst Customer service Ever!
Ski at your own risk here! They totally strung me along by telling me they will get to the bottom of it and eventually ignored me. worst Customer service Ever!
Written 9 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amhdxb2015
Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates54 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Nice setting in Vermont, close to the Canadian border.
The resort is well equipped and well maintained.
Artificial snow is produced to compensate for the lack of snowfall.
Do not miss the water park, especially after a long day on the slopes.
As a family, 6 adults and 4 kids, we had rented an individual chalet (3floors, 5 BR) with the possibility of ski out/ ski in, which was very convenient.
It is not cheap, but reasonably priced.
Definitely to be repeated.
The resort is well equipped and well maintained.
Artificial snow is produced to compensate for the lack of snowfall.
Do not miss the water park, especially after a long day on the slopes.
As a family, 6 adults and 4 kids, we had rented an individual chalet (3floors, 5 BR) with the possibility of ski out/ ski in, which was very convenient.
It is not cheap, but reasonably priced.
Definitely to be repeated.
Written 30 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
frances
Weston, Florida
We are planning to go to visit Jay Peak on March 24 - March 28.... I read that it’s not good for beginners... can someone provide me with more info? We will be skiing with our 2 daughters 11 and 13
Written 18 January 2020
Looking to rent a condo in Jay for our holidays. Last year we rented Slopeside and it was perfect as it was ski-in/ski-out and walking distance to the Pumphouse. We need three bedrooms this year, wondering if Trailside is ski-in/ski-out at all or if we are better going with Village Condos for the ski-in/ski-out even if we have to drive to the pumphouse...
Written 22 December 2018
Most of the resorts in Vermont and Eastern Townships are closed.
We have reservations for this weekend (April 9t weekend)
Im Wondering if someone who went recently could tell me what conditions are like
Thank You
Written 4 April 2016
I was at Jay Peak about 1 1/2 weeks ago. Conditions then were marginal. Lots of ice because of alternate thawing/freezing as well as some rain thrown in (Jay Peak will never mention the word "ice" in their conditions reports!!). The snow making and groomed trails were fairly good, but very hard surfaces. The available terrain now is limited to those trails. The temps have been above freezing since then so lots of snow has melted. Jay Peak has no live cameras available (so you can't see what it is really like). If temps are well above freezing this weekend, the surfaces will soften and the main trails with snow making and grooming will probably be OK, but the available terrain will be limited. Many trails are already closed because of bare ground and rocks. If the temps are forecast to be below freezing, I wouldn't bother unless you don't mind lots of ice.
Written 7 April 2016
Who has stayed in what types of slopeside condos at Jay Peak? What can you recommend (or not recommend)? Specific condos and condo numbers are helpful.
Written 20 November 2015
We are looking to fly up north around April 4-9. I know nothing about skiing up north so am I being naive to think the further north we go, the more snow & chance of more lifts still open?? I'm trying to keep us within 2 hours of major airports (flying with 3 little boys - you can imagine the travel days up & back will not be my fave part of the trip! ;) ).
My husband & I have skied before - but still consider ourselves beginner intermediates since we don't do it often at all. Our boys will be learning for the first time - ages 4, 6 & 9.
From the reviews, it seems Jay Peak may be out of our comfort zone with mostly challenging runs?
Though other reviews have me thinking this would be a perfect place to go -- hello indoor water park in case of rainy weather!
Any advice will be much appreciated!
We are honestly open to anywhere in New England at this point, even looking into Mont Tremblant as an option since transportation is just 30 minutes fr the airport.
Thank you!!!
Written 20 January 2015
You are correct in that Jay is a challenging mountain but the lower half of the mountain is good for beginners. Just don't be tempted to take the tram to the top. You might think about ski lessons for the kids so they have a good experience. The major plus with Jay for your family is the indoor swimming park--the kids will love it. Most of the resorts in southern VT closed due to lack of snow but the northern areas remain open. Check the Jay web page, as well as others ski areas, for their snow report; these are pretty accurate. The closest airport to Jay is Burlington, which gives you about a 45 min drive to Jay. Next year think about Mt. Snow, a very friendly novice/intermediate area; about 1 1/2 hrs from Albany airport' 2 hrs from Hartford, and 3 from Boston.
Written 5 April 2016
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