Jay Peak is where the East Coast goes when it wants to feel like the West. Sitting on Vermont’s northern border, Jay catches more snow than any resort in the East—and keeps it fresh longer. Known for deep glades, friendly locals, and a gritty independent spirit, Jay Peak is less about polish and more about passion. Powder days here don’t just happen—they’re a way of life.

Quick Stats

• Location: Jay, Vermont
• Elevation: 1,815 ft base / 3,968 ft summit
• Vertical Drop: 2,153 ft
• Skiable Terrain: 385 acres (plus over 100 acres of renowned glades)
• Annual Snowfall: ~359 inches (the most in the East)
• Number of Runs: 81
• Lifts: 9 (including Vermont’s only aerial tramway)
• Vibe Check: Laid-back, powder-obsessed, and proudly independent

The Vibe

Jay Peak is raw, real, and ridiculously snowy. There’s no pretense—just passionate skiers and riders who know they’ve struck gold this far north. The mountain’s terrain is a perfect mix of steep lines, natural features, and legendary glades that make even seasoned Western skiers grin. Off the hill, the vibe stays easygoing: beers with friends, local music, and laughter echoing through the snowbanks. Jay Peak is proof that great skiing isn’t about luxury—it’s about soul.

Must-Ride Runs

🟢 Greens

• Rabbit – wide, easy slope ideal for first-timers.
• Deer Run – gentle cruise with great views of the Green Mountains.

🟦 Blues

• Northway – long, winding trail that showcases Jay’s best views.
• Vermont Trail – classic cruiser with plenty of flow.
• Interstate – mellow, scenic, and great for linking turns.

♦︎ Blacks

• Can-Am – iconic fall-line run that defines Jay’s big-mountain energy.
• Green Beret – steep, technical chute that rewards confident skiers.
• Deliverance Glade – deep powder, tight trees, and that signature Jay magic.

Après + Town Stays

Jay Peak’s après scene is simple but satisfying—good beer, hearty food, and no shortage of friendly faces.

• The Bullwheel Bar – classic tram-base hangout for pints and stories after the last run.
• Alice’s Table – elevated dining with Vermont ingredients and mountain views.
• The Foundry Pub & Grille – relaxed, cozy, and great for groups and families.
• The Clubhouse Grille – casual local spot for wings, burgers, and beer.
• Prohibition Pig (Waterbury) – worth the detour for legendary barbecue and craft beer.
• Jay Peak Resort Hotel Jay – slope-side lodging with full amenities.
• Tram Haus Lodge – stylish, comfortable, and steps from the tram.

Travel Tips

Fly into Burlington International Airport (BTV)—about 1 hour and 45 minutes from the resort—or drive up from Montreal in under two hours. Because of its location near the Canadian border, Jay gets hit with lake-effect storms that other resorts miss. Bring a 4WD vehicle if visiting midwinter; roads can be slick. Don’t miss the Pump House Indoor Waterpark—a perfect après-ski option for families. February and early March are peak powder months.

Fun Facts

• Jay Peak holds the record for the most annual snowfall in the East—over 350 inches.
• The resort is home to Vermont’s only aerial tramway.
• It’s one of the few major ski resorts that remains independently owned and operated.
• Jay’s glade skiing is widely considered the best in the East.
• The Pump House Indoor Waterpark has a surf wave and 65-foot slide tower.

Why It Made Our Top 50 List

Jay Peak made the list because it’s the heart and soul of East Coast powder skiing. It’s not fancy, but it’s as real as it gets—endless snow, passionate people, and terrain that surprises even the pros. Jay proves that skiing isn’t about the scene—it’s about the snow.