More than half of Jay Peak’s guests last week were from Quebec. Whereas this weekend, more than half of Jay Peak’s guests were Killington Refuges. While not crowded, an empty chair was hard to find despite the Jet Triple running nearly ski on all day. For the second time this season, I saw a family without valid passes trying to sneak onto the lift only to be caught by RFID. And I thought it would have been the college kids getting called out.
Based on what I observed, it seems likely that Jay was operating profitably this weekend. But that is a somewhat dubious argument against Killington. As more ski areas close, it makes it easier for the limited few to make a profit due to attrition from other areas. As opposed to more competition for fewer guests spread around to more areas. But Killington could just as easily have been taking Jay’s customers rather than vice versa. Superstar is a superior late season trail and I would have been at Killington instead of Jay had the so called “Beast” ran their lifts. All that said, I was glad to be skiing lift serviced in May and glad to be doing it at Jay Peak.
Jet and Haynes were open edge to edge except for the Jet run out which was two-thirds covered. Jay could easily go another weekend. But first weekend of May is more than I have right to expect and I am satisfied. Turn earners can expect excellent coverage remaining for next weekend with patch skiing likely until June.
In the Flat Lander All Wheel Drive Series, we have the following example of over reliance on technology when forethought and restraint would have sufficed. Having lived in Massachusetts, Vermont, and now New Hampshire, one thing has always remained constant: vehicles with All Wheel Drive are those most likely to be in the ditch:
With my ankle on the mend, I am anxiously looking forward to my first turns on the Rock Pile this season. Hopefully the weather will cooperate with my next window of opportunity next Sunday.
12 thoughts on “Last Lift Service of the Season at Jay”
Looks great. Glad the ankle is starting to feel better. Can’t wait to see the reports from MTW.
Half of the people from Quebec: not surprised. It’s a easy 90 minutes drive from Montreal (3.5 hrs from Ottawa) and the only real lift served ski option in Eastern Canada. Mont St-Sauveur was open, due I would prefer driving to the 3 hours to Killington in May then the 30 minutes to MSS back in the 80s and 90s.
Killington refugees: I presume they were a few that skied the Loaf also this weekend. Judging by some license plates. I know at least two ex-late season Kmart skiers that made turns their yesterday.
Superstar: nothing in the current Spring setup (MSS, Jay or Loaf) beats that classic Spring skiing trail IMHO.
Stop the press!!!
Jay has just announced that they will reopen next weekend!!!
Indeed! Wild!
But for me, I am done with the lifts. If I can ski Sunday, I am hoping for East Snowfields. I might consider Jay on Sunday if Auto is not yet open.
I’m been pretty busy at work. Is Otto almost ready? Might be skiing non-lift served also, but it’s hard work and a longer drive (on the road, physically and will power).
Check out the blog on their web site. They opened to 4.5/treeline last weekend. With good weather, they were hinting maybe as early as this coming weekend. Definitely by the 20th/21st, good weather permitting.
Looking at my skiing plans for this weekend. I was thinking about heading east toward the end of the river, but the time might be too short for the distance. Rhode blog is saying maybe this weekend.
Hello. I found this website the other day when googleing New England skiing. I go skiing a lot but do not live in that part of the country. My friends say I am nuts for wanting to try my skis out there someday. They say it is a waste of time, but your website and especially the pictures prove otherwise.
Glad to see there is still snow there to cruise down. Where I am at there is definately snow, but it is becoming a giant Slurpee. Plus, all but one resort nearby is closed for summer. Keep the stories and pics coming. Cheers!
River … you could add a question mark to the end of title?
Got to love Jay Peak. They have a $59 dollar ticket this weekend that includes skiing and golf.
Probably a good idea, Harv. Might be back on Sunday for one more spin. Holding out to see what happens with the Auto Road.
Thanks for the comment, Brian! Not knowing where exactly you are from, I can not comment if it would be worth the effort. Depends on what you are looking for. I can cherry pick the best days at the best places so my reports are not representative of typical/average New England skiing, especially not if planning a trip and locking yourself into a date. Glad you enjoy the site, thanks!
I am from Denver. The skiing here is great, but I have a desire to see what else is out there. I like steeps, open bowls, powder, cliffs, trees, bumps, etc. I like to cherry pick as well because I am a powder seeker, and the powder doesn’t always hit the same spots. Keep the pics rolling and have fun. Cheers!