JAY Vt. (WCAX) – The Thanksgiving storm blanketed many parts of our region in snow, helping some resorts like Jay Peak over the starting line to welcome in guests.
On Thanksgiving weekend, the snow guns were firing, plus Mother Nature dumped several inches of fresh powder meaning that the 2024 ski and ride season is officially underway at Jay.
Skiers and snowboarders geared up and strapped in for their first powdery turns of the season.
“As a kid, that excitement when there’s fresh snow, it’s like Christmas morning. I had trouble sleeping with all of this fresh snow,” said Kevin Szych of Montgomery.
Lifts at Jay Peak started spinning Friday after several resorts pushed back their opening dates because of warmer weather.
One of the northernmost resorts in Vermont, Jay receives steady traffic from the U.S. and from Quebec. Those who made the trek said it’s worth it.
“It means happiness, it means authentic happiness, smiles on everyone’s faces,” said Oaty O’Brien, who drove seven hours from New Jersey.
While some Vermonters are digesting and giving thanks for friends, family and food, the ski and ride community is thankful for up to 8 inches of fresh snow, giving resort officials the green light to open.
“The whole state of Vermont benefited from that and it sort of amplified what we had on the ground,” said Steve Wright, the general manager of Jay Peak.
With its conference center, water park and other amenities, Jay Peak is a major economic driver for Orleans County.
Resort officials acknowledge inflation and affordability challenges could put a damper on Vermonters’ and visitors’ ability to hit the trails, so they’ve frozen prices on season passes and lift tickets.
“So far it’s been met with strong appeal. We’ve seen a 25% increase in season pass-holders and a 20% increase in our M4 Club Card holders,” Wright said.
Jay Peak is the second resort to open this year behind Killington and is normally the second to last to close.
They are expecting about 1,000 visitors this weekend ahead of what they hope is a long, wintry season.
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