As part of our Celebrity Parents Magazine Takes On series, we visit Jay Peak Resort in Jay, Vermont.
We believe that exploring the world is one of the best ways to learn about life. And what better way to do it than with the people you love the most — your family? So take your tribe on an adventure of a lifetime, whether it’s to a destination on your bucket list or a road trip that allows you to roam. The most important thing is that you wander often — and together.
For a year-round vacation option, nothing beats Jay Peak Resort. Based in Jay, Vermont, Jay Peak offers something for every season as well as every age. During the winter months, Jay Peak is all about the snow and skiing. According to its site, Jay Peak has “the most snow in eastern North America and a liberal in-bounds policy that ensures you can enjoy it.” Which means you’re never going to be skiing over flurries or a 1-inch snowfall. Here, the powder’s plentiful and powerful. There are 79 trails, slopes, and glades for the everyday skier, but if you truly want to enjoy Jay Peak, venture off the beaten path and try out the smaller trails for an exceptional experience.
The great thing about Jay Peak is that you can ski from mid-November to mid-May. With a summit elevation of 3,968 feet and a base elevation of 1,815 feet, it’s pretty spectacular. While the mountain boasts an average natural snowfall of 349 inches, 80% of that is from manmade snow. Its longest trail is the Ullr’s Dream at 3 miles long, and Jay Peak has trails that are 20% novice, 40% intermediate, and 40% advanced. Jay Peak also offers ski and snowboard lessons, and is a great venue for snowboarding, or our fave, fat biking.
But skiing isn’t all that you’ll find at Jay Peak. In fact, it’s the resort’s Pump House that will probably get your little ones pumping. With a water park that rivals any others in the country, the year-round attraction that offers something for everyone. For starters, you can try Big River, which is a lazy river that isn’t so, well, lazy. It has some rapids as well as twists and turns that is truly entertaining. The Mill Pond Kids Play Area is meant for the tiniest guests at the resort, and offers water cannons, a tipping bucket, and other aquatic adventures for your kids. And after a long day on the slopes, a dip in the 100-104 degree hot tub (either indoors or outdoors) is the perfect way to unwind.
Planning on staying inside the resort? Check out one of two arcades for some noisy good fun, or drop the kiddos off at childcare while you score a massage. And when bellies start to rumble, you can always make your way to the Sky Haus Deli, which offers made-to-order salads, authentic hand-carved meat sandwiches, and beer or other assorted drinks. Or watch other skiers go up and down the slopes while you sip a perfectly crafted cup of coffee at the Aroma Coffee Shop. And breakfast, lunch, and dinner are always an option at the Clubhouse Grille, which boasts an amazing menu—and spectacular views, too.
During the summer months, guests can enjoy Jay Peak’s concert series, as well as play games on its athletic fields. Golf is always a great choice, and kids can enjoy week-long camping sessions as part of the Raised Jay camp.
With so much to do, Jay Peak will be your family’s go-to destination, come winter, fall, spring, and summer.