Jay Peak Advice

[Mikec13]

I am off to Jay Peak for a day trip next week! I would appreciate any thoughts as to where the best runs are...It will be my first time and I am curious as to where the best places to go are and what are the runs that shouldn't be missed....any and all comments are appreciated!

 

[thetrailboss]

Well, what do you like to ski and when will you be going?

Just be ABSOLUTELY SURE that the area is not closed due to wind...often you don't know until you pull in, which :x

Hey, if that doesn't work out, head to Burke! :beer:

 

[GrizzlyFD]

Wind is a big issue, even though they have been getting snow pretty consistently over the past few days, and they are expecting more this week through Christmas. Lift closures are a big hassle, as well as wind scorn trails (unless you know how to avoid these area)... You are also passing a lot of other resorts on the way up there.

What do you like to ski? If your looking for some tree action, there won't be a ski area with more open glades, even though most stuff off of the ridge won't be open...

 

[riverc0il]

definitely look to the trees.

 

[thetrailboss]

Also, pick your days carefully and ski early. The place gets skied off so early. Lots of Quebecois traffic...and the ski as they drive :roll:

 

[NHpowderhound]

Have a backup plan when skiing Jay. Like everyone has said so far,Jay's weather is unpredictable and it can be ferocious. Burke or Owls Head are options if Jay is on wind hold.
What kind of trails to recomend would depend on ability level. I think a couple everyone should do are Vermonter and Ullr's Dream. Both are blues and can be skied by most upper level novices but is still interesting for higher ability levels.
Expect Northway and Upper&Lower Goat to be a skating rink. Avoid this area after lunch as it is almoost certain to be scrapped down to blue ice. If you do find yourself there then ski the edges of the trail where there may be some mounds of snow left.
Jay has glades for all ability levels. I reccomend Bushwhacker as an entry level glade or even a warmup for higher abilities. I still enjoy that glade when the top is on hold.
Final piece of advice is do the speed limit if you are in North Troy crossing the border. The cops are relentless and have a perfect speed trap set up :evil: .
Have fun and give us a report!
((*
*))NHPH

 

[Mikec13]

Thanks...the back up plan is a good idea and the trail advice is exactly what I was looking for...there are a few VT mtns that I have not skied that I would like to try Jay and Burke are both on the list

I was hoping to try the glades at Jay...the group that is going are all strong skiers...We will be coming from Warren VT so I am guessing it should take 90 minutes...Thanks again for the info

 

[thetrailboss]

Well, if you do end up at Burke and want a tour, let me know via PM.

My suggestions: start at Stateside early. Hit Jet for some nice warm up steeps and then go nuts...hit the glades over there and then jump the the GMF and hit the glades on that side. I'm not sure if the summit stuff will be going...it never has been when I've been there :-? But if it is, hit that too.

Travel time...may be pushing 2 hours from the MRV. Man, leaving the MRV? Whoa...the skiing has been awesome at SB I've heard. Lots of snow. If you really want the Jay experience, go midweek when NOBODY is there. The place will be mobbed next week. Burke = no crowds, but keep it a secret :wink:

 

[Mikec13]

Thanks Boss...I will be up in MRV most weekends this winter (and all of next week)and I have always wanted to explore a few other mountains...Will Jay be VERY crowded Christmas week? Does the place handle crowds well or am I better off to hit Burke next week and save Jay for a non holoday weekend?

 

[thetrailboss]

Thanks Boss...I will be up in MRV most weekends this winter (and all of next week)and I have always wanted to explore a few other mountains...Will Jay be VERY crowded Christmas week? Does the place handle crowds well or am I better off to hit Burke next week and save Jay for a non holoday weekend?

Well, if we get more snow, then Burke will be less crowded and have its glades open. Much less crowded. Jay, on the other hand, has its glades open. In my experience, the place is packed on the trails and lifts and the glades are not so bad. Let's put it this way: if given the choice between the two, driving aside, I'd go with Burke. Stay tuned to their report and you can always PM later this week when I'm up there for an update.

 

[thetrailboss]

I won't lie though...right now Jay has more variety open than Burke and Burke's glades are not open. It will depend on what snow we get and how much the Ski Patrol wants to open. The Burke snow report seems to be indicating that the management is, in quoting "Braveheart," "Steady, steady, hold, hold...NOW!" when it comes to opening the glades. I will say that they have been doing a lot of snowmaking and opening things very quickly.

 

[riverc0il]

i would go jay over burke right now if price and crowds don't matter. jay has a sick amount of snow and their glades were fully skiable 10 days ago. i can only imagine how they look right now! burke glades are closed and probably justifiably so at the moment. though it has been snowing four days weithout end now. still, no reason to pass up jay.

 

[NHpowderhound]

Da Dip
Put your hand upon my hip. When I Dip you Dip we Dip! :wink:
((*
*))NHPH