Killington Peak via Bucklin Trail (Coolidge State Forest/Green Mountain National Forest)

Killington Peak via Bucklin Trail (Coolidge State Forest/Green Mountain National Forest)

Hike Type: Out-and-Back

Distance: 7.98 miles

Elevation: 2,493 feet

Time: 3 hours, 17 minutes (3 hours moving)
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2025, Vermont 4000 Footers, Long Trail Side to Side

The Hike

I was out in scenic Schenectady, New York for a good friend's wedding and I decided to take the scenic route home and hit Vermont's southernmost 4000-footer, Killington Peak! I made sure to sleep in since I had a hotel room all to myself, and around 10am I packed up and started my journey! The drive was beautiful and I made it to the trailhead just before noon. It was a warm, humid, hazy day in the high 70s, but I didn't care how miserable the air was, because I was about to climb a mountain!! I've loved my summer in New Jersey - I spent plenty of time down the shore, hiking the Tourne, and a couple jaunts to Mt. Tammany and Harriman, but I'd been missing real mountains, especially 4000-footers. There was possible rain in the forecast around 2/3pm, but I wasn't too pressed about it. I got suited up, got catcalled by some crazy squirrels, and I was off!

[12:03pm - Start of Hike on Bucklin Trail]

The plan for the afternoon was an out-and-back on the Bucklin Trail. The Bucklin Trail started off super flat in the woods (I was basically kicking my heels in joy to be on a mountain trail again). There was one fly that was REALLY into my hair, but besides that, bugs were tame. The Catamount Trail joined at 0.1 miles and at 0.2 miles, the trail crossed a bridge over Brewers Brook and passed the trail register (I plead the fifth to whether or not I signed in...). My hamstrings were feeling super tight from my first leg day in a couple months (which was like... five days ago...). I also admired a sign warning the Pico Porcupines, which I thought was fun ("Dog Danger: Pico is overpopulated with prickly porcupines! A local veterinarian reports that he has de-quilled many dogs that were off leash and encountered porcupines on Pico. Apparently the porcupine population has surged. If you aren't sure your dog knows to avoid porcupines and don't want your hike ruined by an encounter, please leash your dog.").

The Bucklin Trail continued to travel flat through the beautiful forest, crossed a blowdown, and soon the Catamount Trail left on the left (hehe). Around 0.5 miles, the sound of Brewers Brook neared again, but the trail made a left turn away from the trailway and onto what felt like a relocated stretch (according to the Long Trail Guide, this relocation was built after Hurricane Irene in 2011). 

[12:27pm - Junction with Old Route]

I originally thought this reroute was new based on how the trail looked, but I soon walked on some rotting boards which said otherwise. I passed a few people (one barefoot) in this stretch as the trail gently meandered up and down. I noticed a dormant wasp nest off in the woods when I hit the 1.0 mile mark - my pace was going well at an easy 20-minute mile. I knew I'd be slowing down soon, though...

Eventually, the Bucklin Trail descended to rejoin the old route at 1.2 miles. A sign indicated that the old route is still passable, but only in winter. The trailbed went back to a wide old road (or railroad?) grade once on the old route and then wiggled through an overgrown, wet area before crossing the brook on a nice bridge. 

The road grade continued after this, still ascending incredibly easy, crossed another bridge at 1.5 miles, and then traversed a wet, rocky stretch of still mostly-flat trail. I maintained my 20-minute mile pace for my second mile, which made me more nervous for the climb to come! I did find myself thinking about how nice of a snowshoe hike this would be, though.

[12:43pm - Irene Falls]

To my delight, there was a surprise signed, eroded spur path to Irene Falls! The falls proper looked to fall from the cliffs above, but most of the that view was obstructed by trees, and the low water levels did not put on much of a show. I explored just a little bit, and did find a smaller cascade with a nice wading pool, too. It would have been nice to dunk my head, but the amount of water bugs effectively deterred me. Plus, the flying insects were alive and well in this area! I got a couple of mosquito bites here, so I took the hint and got right on out of there.

I put some bug spray on since the bugs followed me back to the Bucklin Trail. The easy grades continued just for a little bit longer and then FINALLY (for better or for worse) hit the Green Mountain National Forest land, turned off the old road, and began to climb at 2.2 miles. There were obstructed tree views to Pico and Ram's Head. The grade of the trail wasn't crazy steep, but it was that perfect storm of moderate grade, humid air, and a body that was likely still processing the gallon of wine I drank the previous night, that had my blood pumping!

There was a slight reprieve at a newly-looking-built switchback to bypass an eroded stretch, and then the climbing continued. The forest began to pivot from deciduous to coniferous around 2.9 miles, and I was proud of my ailing body to see my watch tell me my third mile's pace was only 30 minutes. This was followed by another nice walking break and a mid-sized medium recent pile of bear poop. I climbed again through super pretty fern-y woods that looked well-gladed for skiing (which would make sense). Once I neared the Long Trail, a bunch of pretty purple flowers began to pop up (according to Seek, they're Swamp Asters), and soon enough, I made it to the Long Trail!

[1:33pm - Long Trail]

The Swamp Asters continued in abundance once on the Long Trail, which hiked much more ruggedly than the Bucklin Trail. I didn't realize this stretch of the Long Trail was also the Appalachian Trail, which was fun! The trail climbed on the easy side of moderately to the Cooper Lodge, whose perimiter was lined with thick, bright orange ratchet strap-type things. I initially thought they were to mark the closed lodge, but I think they're actually there for back and side-country skiers to mark the point of no return (which was also indicated by a sign: "The mountains will be just as cold and lonely as they were 200 years ago. Point of no return.). 

I did a quick shirt-wring-out and hydration break at the lodge, said hi to some passing hikers, and then continued up past some tent platforms and to the Killington Peak Spur.

[1:41pm - Killington Spur]

This final push was going to short and STEEP. Thankfully, it was the fun kind of steep. The kind of steep where you simply cannot go too fast becuase it's so silly. The trees quickly went from full-grown to scrubby, and the hazy views quickly began to show themselves, especially out towards New York. I then caught a view to Pico, passed some signs for a "J Trail" (one of the trails from the resort), and made it to the top in one piece!

[1:50pm - Killington Peak]

The view was hazy, but lovely, and the weather felt immaculate up top. There were some people on the summit, but it was not too crowded. My real only complaint was that the goldonas were running, so there were some folks who were not sweaty, disgusting, and exhausted, which always feels unfair! The main view was towards Pico and the Adirondacks, but the far views were mostly obscured by the haze. I wandered around the main summit area for a bit and then meandered around the communication tower area just off the summit. There was one spooky fire tower that seemed closed to the public - sad! I eventually made it back to the true summit where I had a sit and snack. The group of backpackers I saw at the lodge made it up about 10 minutes after me, and I learned that they're finishing a multi-day backpacking trip and planned to take the gondola down (which, happy for them, but at that point I'd rather hike down to feel satisfied, but I'm also crazy...). 

[2:04pm - Killington Spur]

Darker clouds began to roll in, so I decided to pack it up and head on down. I was okay with getting caught in the rain, but I wanted to be off the summit before it hit (I also was over three hours from home still). The descent was comically steep and I found myself grateful for my solid sense of balance, becuase I was able to mountain-goat myself down relatively quickly. I passed one guy on the descent and we both lamented about the steepness. He said "I skipped my summit beer today because I knew I'd have to come down this and if I go I want it to be on my own terms" which was very funny!

[2:13pm - Long Trail]

Once back on the Long Trail, I took a quick break at the lodge to tighten my shoes, which were still new and feeling a bit loose after a couple hours of hiking (this might have been a mistake... more on that when I write about Mt. Wolf). My shorts and underwear were SOAKED with sweat, which had me worrying about chafing, but I am happy to report I survived mostly unscathed. I was significantly warmer and more humid once in the woods, which was an expected bummer. My stint on the Long Trail was short-lived, and I was soon back on the Bucklin Trail!

[2:17pm - Bucklin Trail]

The upper stretch of the Bucklin Trail was expectedly rough. I always struggle with which poison to pick - do I go slow and fight gravity, which will be harder on the thighs, or do I let gravity work, which is harder on the feet. I let gravity do it's thing, which had my speed up, but my feet definitely felt it (again, more on that for Mt. Wolf...). I did feel a delightful relief when I hit the old road grade - the feeling of switching which leg muscles are being used feels like shifting gears on a car, I think at least.

[2:44pm - Irene Falls]

Once on the road grade, I soon passed Irene Falls again and continued along, crossing the bridges, wiggling through the wet, overgrown stretch, and then coming to the junction with the old route, which had me dreading the few uphills that were about to come.

[2:58pm - Junction with Old Route]

To nobody's surprise, I was being dramatic and the relocated spur was completely fine. I made my way up and down, back onto the old route, and was overjoyed to see the first big bridge over Brewers Brook and the trail register (still pleading the fifth). I had a little bit of hip pain and overall fatigue at this point, but that was fully expected at this point of the hike, especially since I maintained a faster pace without much of a break... at all.

[3:15pm - End of Hike]

I was soon back at the trailhead, getting catcalled by red squirrels, and all was good! I changed my clothes, drank some water, had a snack, and started my long-but-beautiful drive home. This was Vermont high peak #4, leaving only Camel's Hump left, which I should hopefully be able to hike Labor Day weekend!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Bucklin Trail.

- At terminus, turn right onto Long Trail (southbound).

- After cabin, turn left onto Killington Spur.

- At summit, retrace steps back to car.

Map of Coolidge Range

Photo Album

Skiing Jay Peak (Closing Day)

Skiing Jay Peak

Sunday. May 11th, 2025

Runs: 6

Distance: 4.21 miles

Elevation: 7,546 feet

Max Speed: 16.0 mph

Avg. Speed: 4.9 mph

Moving Time: 48 minutes, 26 seconds

Total Time: 4 hours, 17 minutes, 4 seconds

It's finally time for closing day :-(. I drove up the day before after hiking Gunstock Mountain and we had a slow start to our morning. Emma and Patrol Sarah were procrastinating heading to the mountain, but I wanted to get there to fully enjoy the day. The weather was high 40s-50s and not a cloud in the sky, so a little chilly, but beautiful! I was definitely up in my feelings for this day. One because it was my last day of the season (Jay was the last mountain open in New England/the Northeast), but also becuase my main goal for this ski season was to be able to ski closing day without getting hurt, and maybe even with some confidence. The Snow Report set the tone for the day, I parked in the 242 lot, and then it was time for the fun to begin!

Snow Report

Saturday May 10 at 6:29 PM

The Final Day

Tomorrow is a go. Sunday, May 11th will be our final day of list-served operations for the 2024-25 season. We'll be spinning the Jet Triple from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, providing acess to the Jet trail one last time.

Expect late-season variable conditions with expert terrain only. There will be a little walking required up top, so come prepared with good vibes and realistic expectations.

Lift tickets are $49 for all ages.

The Stateside Baselodge will be open, but all food and beverage outlets, the Gear Shop, and the Rental Shop are closed. Guests can grab food and drink at The Foundry, Provisions, or the Waterpark outlets on Tramside. Full hours can be found at jaypeakresort.com/hours.

This winter brought us nearly 500 inches of snow, giving us the longest season in New England and more powder days than we could count. From whiteouts to warmups, glades to groomers, and everything in between, it's been one for the books.

Thanks for riding along with us.

And, just because the lifts stop doesn't mean we're done. Solstice Sessions are coming back June 21st. Yes, snow. Yes, summer. 

See you on the hill for one more lap.

Runs 1-3

Run 1: Jet Triple - The Jet

[0.61 mi; 7:25; 1,207 ft; 13.5 mph max; 5.0 mph avg]

Run 2: Jet Triple - The Jet

[0.57 mi; 5:41; 1,175 ft; 14.0 mph max; 5.7 mph avg]

Run 3: Jet Triple - The Jet

[0.58 mi; 4:55; 1,270 ft; 12.8 mph max; 6.6 mph avg]

I met Emma and Patrol Sarah in the Patrol room, and we walked over to the Jet. The loading area was wild - almost like frozen mud? We popped on our skis and waddled over like we were wearing flippers (I felt like the flipper boys in Mamma Mia) and got on the lift! From up top, the run out was in ROUGH shape, but the middle 2/3s looked great! They didn't want to ski much, but I was really eager to get some runs in. I initially said five runs was my goal, but after seeing it, I lowered it to just two.

The unload was... rough. We made it, though, and popped off our skis right away and Emma started grilling up hot dogs at the patrol shack. It was such a beautiful, bluebird day. There was a cold wind, but the warm sun made up for it. I cracked open a canned vodka mule, and we just enjoyed each other's company, the rotting deck, and the view to Mt. Mansfield. After a while, Emma's dad made it to the mountain, so it was finally time for our first run of the day!

I was admittedly nervous, but excited to see how this would go. We had a steep walk down the initial headwall, carefully got our skis on, and off we went! Sarah immediately boosted my ego when she shouted "LOOK AT YOU SKIING BUMPS!!" Once the grade eased, the slow signs began, and the conditions became interesting. We skied down the slush a bit longer, but decided to pop off our skis and walk at a comically fast-flowing water bar. Some folks were fully sending it all the way down, and I have huge respect for them!

Emma and Patrol Sarah were done after this lap, but I got two more laps with Emma's dad. He and I have been at Jay numerous times this season, but had never skied together before (he also joked that we hadn't hiked together before, either). He is a GOOD skier. He is a FAST skier. Thankfully, he needed (or pretended to need) breaks, so I was able to catch up! It was fun to get some more runs in, but now the issue was I had three runs under my belt, my original goal was five, and I knew I'd be getting at least one more...

Runs 4-5

Run 4: Jet Triple - The Jet

[0.81 mi; 12:34; 1,161 ft; 14.8 mph max; 2.2 mph avg]

Run 5: Jet Triple - The Jet

[0.81 mi; 9:38; 1,257 ft; 12.6 mph max; 4.9 mph avg]

Afterwards, I walked with Emma's dad to the parking lot, as he was calling it a season after those runs. I went to my car to grab another drink, and then continued up back to the top shack. On the ride, my favorite lifty who wears a cowprint Skida hat said hi to me while she was downloading, so I was on cloud 9! Emma and Patrol Sarah had been shoveling snow onto the offload ramp, which was MUCH appreciated (although some folks on various Facebook groups had other sentiments... mostly involving how bad it was up there, which is dumb). I sunbathed for a bit more up top until Emma and Patrol Sarah wanted to head down for a bit to use the bathroom. They downloaded on the Jet, though, so I raced them down (and won, even with walking). This would get me to my five runs, so a win-win! 

We chilled in the patrol room for a little bit before heading back up yet again. Once back up, Emma realized we had more hot dogs, so she got back to her post on the grill! I was feeling good physically and in the terms of "have had two drinks outside in the sun" - so I got another fully solo lap in with a pit-stop at the car to grab my final drink. I caught myself starting to get a little emotional as you could feel the energy on the mountain and how the season was officially ending, but we made a rule "no feelings until I-93," so I pulled it together. I was just really grateful and proud of myself for being able to ski on this day, which was my goal all season.

Run 6

Run 6: Jet Triple - The Jet

[0.83 mi; 9:46; 1,257 ft; 16.0 mph max; 5.0 mph avg]

I was back at the top around 3:30pm, and last chair was at 4:00pm. We chatted a bunch, enjoyed the afternoon and the sun, and cheered on the last chair as it made it's way up. The resort photographer got a group photo of the stragglers, and then everyone got ready for the final run of the season! It was a really fun, fulfilling way to wrap things up. I let the general population go first, as most of them were absolute maniacs, and then I was one of the last civillians to head down before patrol did their final sweep. I paused halfway down just to take in the view for a last time and definitely got a little emotional. Reflecting on the season, my growth, and just enjoying it all on this beautiful day felt really good. I skied down a little further through the mud this run, becuase why not, and then made my way down to the car to meet the patrollers in the patrol room.

OOF. I'm emotional again writing this! I'm just really proud of my season and grateful Emma dragged me into this silly world. Also sad because now it's over until November. Silly! I beat Emma and Patrol Sarah by 15ish minutes, so I helped Patrol Jess do some admin work (she mentioned that Emma and I are basically married and a perk of being a patroller is getting a free spouse pass so I gotta earn my way!). We shared a final beer, chatting with whoever was left, and then the three of us went for "The Last Supper" at the Jay Village Inn. Dinner was lovely, and I got REALLY emotional in the parking lot where we did a classic "well... I guess... bye?" Not to be a broken record, but I was just really grateful for my season, and also for my new friends, like Patrol Sarah! They headed home and I went across the street to the Jay Country Store to say hi to Oreo the cat before my LONG drive home. I made it back around 11:30pm, and I did not regret it at all. It was such a perfect way to end a great season filled with growth, friends, and fun.

Quick post-script: I washed the mud off my boots, poles, and skis the next afternoon and noticed the laminate on my skis is starting to come off! I could repair it with epoxy, pay someone, or cut it off - I went with option #3. I plan to demo some skis next season and maybe get a new pair now that I know how to use them, and then these can become my rock skis.

Appendix: My instagram post...

“so I’ll ski and party until I can’t ski and party no more,” a retrospective in 20 photos (because that’s all I’m allowed) 

annual post about actively mourning ski szn. I’ve only had a few, but this one was by far my favorite.

grateful for friends who help me grow in this silly activity. grateful for jay peak and my indy pass. grateful for silly moments. (grateful for my 2013 crv for keeping Gen and I safe when we flew off a highway, too) 

also separate space for my obligatory shoutout to Emma for teaching me to ski (and arguably more importantly teaching me how to use my ski poles as a tripod) this winter brought me to 19 different mountains, hills, and ski areas, skiing over 420 miles and descending 433k feet. my goal was to improve enough to be able to ski safely and confidently on jay’s closing day - and we did it! it’s been really fun, challenging, and overall, pretty sweet.

Map of Jay Peak

Skiing Jay Peak

Skiing Jay Peak

Saturday, April 26th, 2025

Runs: 13

Distance: 13.15 miles

Elevation: 13,156 feet

Max Speed: 28.4 mph

Avg. Speed: 13.7 mph

Moving Time: 59 minutes, 27 seconds

Total Time: 4 hours, 46 minutes, 28 seconds

Time for another silly day at Jay! It was the day of the Ski Patrol Banquet and weather was looking dismal! I drove seperately from team patrol since we'd be spending the night at the Hotel Jay and I'd be driving home the next morning from the mountain, but we arrived at the same time, and I followed them into the patrol room like a puppy dog looking for it's mom (in this case, my mom is a pass for the day). Patrol went on about how silly conditions were, and more importantly that there was no way back to Tramside from the Flyer, Bonnie, or Tram. The only way to get to and from is via Queens Highway/Perry Merril. It was also supposed to rain for the 69th weekend in a row... classic! Once they went out for trail check I went up to the fully empty Bullwheel to slowly boot up.

Snow Report

April 26th | 7:40am

7/9 spinning today, Village Chair and Stateside carpet are closed. To no one's surpise, the Saturday trent of crappy weather continues. Rainy and windy today, but the forecast looks like winter's going to dig deep for one more last-second half-court short to bring accumulating snow for Sunday. TK's final installment for the 24+25 season has all the details. Our groomers are out there working thei rmagic and keeping what they can together, but it's a race againt the clock (and the weather) for skiable terrain, so come get it while you still can.

A few operations updates to pass along. Beginning Monday, operations will be out of Stateside base only as weather and terrain permit. On Monday, ticket prices will drop to $59 for all ages if purchased onsite, or $49 if purchaed online. Closing day for Rusch Park will also be on Sunday.

Runs 1-2

Run 1: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway

[0.72 mi; 2:31; 525 ft; 27.4 mph max; 17.2 mph avg]

Run 2: Metro Quad - Interstate

[0.60 mi; 2:17; 505 ft; 26.2 mph max; 15.6 mph avg]

My first plan of attack was to get over to Tramside to hit the Tram so I could ski my beloved Vermonter before the season ends. The silliness started by watching patrol knock over a snowmobile, and then the gates at Taxi weren't working because "they plugged it in wrong." Queen's Highway was slushy and fun with just a few death cookies hiding about. The lower stretch was visually dysmal but skied completely fine, with a few new bumps, too!

The Tram wasn't open yet (not even the queue), so I hopped on the Metro for lap #2, which was down Interstate. Interstate mostly had good coverage, except for one bottle neck to make things exciting! Afterwards, the Tram was open, and I was the first (and only) person on!

Runs 3-4

Run 3: Tram - Vermonter - Angel's Wiggle - Paradise Meadows

[1.63 mi; 7:52; 1,808 ft; 27.9 mph max; 12.4 mph avg]

Run 4: Bonaventure Quad - Northway - Angel's Wiggle - Hell's Crossing - Paradise Meadows

[1.44 mi; 5:10; 1,378 ft; 24.6 mph max; 16.8 mph avg]

It was so silly having the Tram all to myself. After a stupidly busy season, I was one of what felt like a dozen skiers on the mountain. It was EXCELLENT. It was WINDY, too. From the top, I walked down to where the snow started and had a great run down Vermonter, which was still a little scrapy. No views, sadly, because the cloud ceiling was low, but I had a good time! My legs were cooking, though. I look forward to one day actually remembering how to ski properly right away instead of taking 3-5 laps to pull it together. From Vermonter, I went down Angel's Wiggle to Paradise Meadows, which was actually in fantastic condition (I remember last year it was NOT in great condition this weekend). 

Run #4 was up the Bonnie and down a similar way, just over to Hell's Crossing, which was in less-than-stellar shape, but still nice. I followed this down to the Jet, which comically still had no line (the lifties were sitting in the shack it was so un-busy.

Runs 5-7

Run 5: Jet Triple - The Jet

[0.72 mi; 3:27; 1,168 ft; 24.0 mph max; 12.5 mph avg]

Run 6: Jet Triple - Haynes - Mont l'Entripede

[0.75 mi; 3:38; 1,168 ft; 27.3 mph max; 12.4 mph avg]

Run 7: Jet Triple - Derick Hot Shot - Haynes - Mont l'Entripede

[0.79 mi; 4:59; 1,142 ft; 25.2 mph max; 9.5 mph avg]

Run #5 was down the Jet, which because of the rain, was MUCH scrapier/icier than I had wanted. #IceCoast, I guess... I did make it down fine, and got a PR on Strava, so that counts for something, I guess! My next run was down Haynes and Mont l'Entripede, which was in a similar glacial state with a few bare patches. Run #7 was bold. I had a fantastic time on Derick Hot Shot with Sarah a few weeks ago, and I knew it wouldn't be in as good a shape, but oof. It started with a massive dirt patch and ~6 feet of snow on the edge to wiggle down, and the bumps were only soft for the top 2", the rest of them were completly frozen. Not fair! My skis did pop off after poorly navigating a bump, but I did NOT fall! I quickly bailed and worked my way down Haynes and Mont l'Entripede a second time at the first opportunity. Next season, Derick... Next season...

Runs 8-9

Run 8: Jet Triple - Montrealer - Catwalk - Angel's Wiggle - Paradise Meadows

[1.11 mi; 4:26; 1,135 ft; 28.4 mph max; 15.0 mph avg]

Run 9: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway 

[0.91 mi; 5:48; 538 ft; 27.6 mph max; 9.4 mph avg]

After my next ride up the Jet, I stopped in the patrol shack to dry off and play some Bananagrams with Emma and Patrol Sarah. At this point in the day, it hadn't rained too much, but it was aggressively misty out. Thankfully, I was not cold when outside, and the patrol shack was HOT. I hung up my gear to dry and smoked them in our game. I also called the hotel to ask when the earliest check-in time would be, and got a series of rude responses. I first called the Jay Peak reservations number. I said something along the lines of "Hi! I'm skiing right now and spending the night for the ski patrol banquet. I just wanted to ask if you'd know when the earliest I could check in would be?" and her response was along the lines of "well, check out was 46 minutes ago, so a while." I said "that makes sense! Thank you! Is there a number I can call to contact the front desk directly?" and she said "no" and hung up. Not nice! I know it was a silly question, but come on!

...also there was a number for the front desk. Thankfully, the ski patrol shack has every extension available. I called and was met with a similar level of dismissive sass, but was offered to do a "soft check-in," so when the room was ready we could get right there. I'm not saying we deserved special treatment for ski patrol, but they could have been nicer...

Anyway, after winning Bananagrams and failing at phone calls, I got back to skiing! It was raining a bit more now, and I was pretty soggy after Run #8, which brought me down Montrealer, Angel's Wiggle, and Paradise Meadows (the last of which I Strava PR'd). I went back on the Taxi to Queen's Highway so I could do my soft check-in!

Run 10

Run 10: Tram - Northway - Paradise Meadows

[2.05 mi; 9:34; 1,821 ft; 25.9 mph max; 12.9 mph avg]

The soft check-in was a nicer experience than the phone calls, but he was still annoyed that I was there. When I asked for a second parking pass he said "I guess, why not!" in a very upset tone. Not sure what that was all about... I also had no way to transport the parking passes back to our cars in a dry manner, but I was NOT going to ask the front desk for any more favors. I took the emergency plastic ponco out of my pocket and wrapped up the parking passes before heading to the Tram.

This was going to be another Tram ride for one until two others joined, and then Patroler Jess joined, too! I love Jess. She's one of the lead volunteers and I decided last year that she was one of my best friends (she cheered me on as I cried skiing down Haynes). We chatted the whole ride up which was just a delight. At the top, she went into the patrol shack and I deicided I'd hit the full Northway. It was raining proper now, which was a solid bummer. Emma had also mentioned that there was some walking required for upper Northway... I thought she meant skating. Nope. I skied off the tippy top (ROUGH condition) and had to pop off my skis at the mixing bowl top shack to walk to the Bonnie before continuing my trip down. I followed this group of maybe 20 year olds who were NOT ready for the conditions. The Lower Northway wasn't in too bad of a shape, just a little scrapy, which was welcome after my past experienes. I had another great run off Paradise Meadows, and then back to the Jet to rejoin my patrollers.

Runs 11-13

Run 11: Jet Triple - Montrealer - Northway - Purgatory - Angel's Wiggle - Paradise Meadows

[1.13 mi; 4:21; 1,135 ft; 28.2 mph max; 15.6 mph avg]

Run 12: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway

[0.75 mi; 3:04; 525 ft; 24.9 mph max; 14.7 mph avg]

Run 13: Metro Quad - Perry Merril Ave - Chalet Meadows

[0.54 mi; 2:18; 315 ft; 23.2 mph max; 14.1 mph avg]

Just kidding! I was sopping wet at this point and wanted to start wrapping up my day. I followed Montrealer down to Purgatory, which skied surprisingly well, and then down to Stateside to catch the Taxi for a final Queen's Highway. I was WET wet. My final run for the day was up the Metro and down Perry Merril/Chalet Meadows, since I hadn't skied them yet for the day. Team patrol had wrapped up by this point, so we all changed and met in the patrol room to get the slideshow ready!

We eventually drove over to Tramside and Patrol Sarah was able to check into her room, which had a wonderful balcony overlooking the Tramside area. Our room still wasn't ready... We made some pregame drinks and wandered over to the International Room to help set up, but they had just finished... oops! Emma went to check again and the new person at the front desk said "I'm so sorry I don't know what's taking so long, let me find you a clean room" and we had a room! The room was big with a balcony over the parking lot, it was perfect! We spent the next couple of hours showering, drinking, taking photos, and getting ready for the party!

The banquet was so much fun (80s Prom themed!) and I truly just love celebrating people's achievements, even if I have no idea who they are. Emma pregamed a little too intensely, so I had to give her a "come to Jesus" talk and she went on water for over an hour (I am proud of her!). The night continued, dancing ensued, and really a great time was had by all! Both Emma and Patrol Sarah's dresses ripped throughout the night, which made for a very funny walk back to the room, if you know what I mean.

The next morning was NOT great. I got advil from the CVS vending machine downstairs, Sarah puked a few times, and Emma did not wake up until it was time to leave. We somehow made it down the mountain to the Jay Village Inn for a brunch where we just giggled at how much we were suffering, followed by a longgggg drive home. This was such a fun, silly weekend! Oh, and a fun thing to add, it snowed ALL DAY at Jay once we left. It flurried on our way to the JVI, SNOW snowed during brunch, and it didn't turn to rain until I was almost in New Hampshire - crazy! Silly!

Map of Jay Peak

Skiing Jay Peak

Skiing Jay Peak

Sunday, April 20th, 2025

Runs: 20

Distance: 13.30 miles

Elevation: 12,359 feet

Max Speed: 30.8 mph

Avg. Speed: 12.1 mph

Moving Time: 1 hour, 9 minutes, 50 seconds

Total Time: 4 hours, 55 minutes, 53 seconds

Happy Easter! Emma and I had a lovely night devouring a comical amount of barbeque from Mill River Brewing BBQ and Smokehouse, watched some some RuPaul's Drag Race, and had a delightfully early night to bed. Originally, we were supposed to wake up at some ridiculous hour to get to Jay for a sunrise tram ride, but due to winds and cold, that was cancelled (we were bummed, but NOT bummed to be sleeping in). It was looking like only lower mountain lifts were going to be running and it was WINDY, so I was in no rush. I dropped off the patrollers, found my parking spot, and read some of my book for the first hour of lifts. Sometime around 8:30, I went inside the lodge to get a breakfast sandwich, and was called fabulous for my sparkly crocs, which was a highlight!

Snow Report

April 20th | 8:30am

UPDATE: The Pond Skim is cancelled for today.

Due to high winds, only lower mountain lifts (Metro, Taxi, and carpets) will run.

Happy Easter. Rumor has it the bunny's been here. It's starting out chilly, with highs pushing 40 by noon and partial clearing. We're currently experiencing some pretty strong winds, so be prepared for wind holds today. The recent weather and temperature shifts will likely impact our trail count and conditions, and we'll know more once patrol is able to get out on the hill and take a look this morning. Stay tuned also for an update on lift operations.

Runs 1-2

Run 1: Taxi Quad - Boulevard

[0.45 mi; 1:51; 367 ft; 24.1 mph max; 14.5 mph avg]

Run 2: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway - Perry Merril Ave

[0.4 4mi; 4:33; 364 ft; 22.4 mph max; 5.8 mph avg]

I started to rally just before 9:00am and comically saw Emma and Patrol Sarah riding the Stateside Carpet with coffees in hand. I figured I'd meet them somewhere at some point, but I was in no rush. My thought was I'd just hit every open run they had that day, since only lower mountain was open, anyway! My first run was up the Taxi and down Boulevard, which was in decent shape, with only a few cookies mixed in the slush. Once back on the Taxi I saw a text from the patrollers telling me to come to the patrol room for Easter Brunch, so I put my big morning on pause and had some more food, which was lovely! I got to see some of the patrol friends I made at last year's banquet, which was also fun!

Runs 3-5

Run 3: Taxi Quad - Rusch Park

[0.36 mi; 2:08; 364 ft; 24.2 mph max; 10.2 mph avg]

Run 4:Taxi Quad - Boulevard

[0.33 mi; 1:26; 354 ft; 29.4 mph max; 13.8 mph avg]

Run 5: Stateside Carpet

Eventually, it was time to get skiing again. Team Patrol mentioned to me their goal for the day was to ski every open run, which was super convenient, because that was my goal too! Patroller Kim joined us, we hit the Rusch Park first (which was extra fun for me becuase they have to keep two skis on the ground at all times), and then got another lap on the Boulevard. Run #5 was up the Stateside Carpet and back over to the Taxi, where the patrollers had to go into work mode because I kid sent themselves over a jump and apparently landed in the stratosphere.

Runs 6-7

Run 6: Taxi Quad - Rusch Park

[0.34 mi; 1:51; 364 ft; 20.3 mph max; 11.1 mph avg]

Run 7: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway

[0.71 mi; 3:46; 518 ft; 24.7 mph max; 11.4 mph avg]

We went back into the park and my big job was to stand on top of the jump and hold up my poles so no one sent it over the child. Turns out the child was completely fine, but the mom was in distress. I guess it would be alarming to see your child attempt a self-propelled moon launch... Our patrollers got them on their way and then we got back on the Taxi and took it over to Tramside via Queen's Highway. The snow was holding up well so far!

Runs 8-10

Run 8: Metro Quad - Harmony Lane

[0.65 mi; 3:02; 528 ft; 29.6 mph max; 12.9 mph avg]

Run 9: Metro Quad - Harmony Lane 

[0.60 mi; 1:47; 528 ft; 30.8 mph max; 20.1 mph avg]

Run 10: Metro Quad - Interstate

[0.69 mi; 3:24; 545 ft; 24.7 mph max; 6.6 mph avg]

We got right in line for the Metro (it was so nice to not have any actual lines anymore, I love late season) and followed Harmony Lane (my first time!). Before we descended, though, the patrollers saw a family trying to go down the closed Deer Run, and they REALLY upset the father of the group when they insisted that it was, in fact, closed. The snow on Harmony Lane was DELIGHTFUL. Best snow of the day! We got a second run in afterwards at the second entrance just to enjoy it some more. The final pit was comically narrow, though - no more than 5 feet of skiiable snow left. Run #10 was down Interstate, past the slowly draining pond skimming pond that would go unused, and right to the bathrooms! The patrollers got a call that the mountain was working on opening up the Bonnie, which was super exciting! They were just grateful they were at the furthest point away from the Bonnie, so they were absolved of doing trail check.

Runs 11-15

Run 11: Tramside Carpet

Run 12: Metro Quad - Perry Merril Ave - Chalet Meadows

[0.56 mi; 2:20; 315 ft; 26.4 mph max; 14.4 mph avg]

Run 13: Queen's Highway - Grammy Jay

[0.79 mi; 3:52; 554 ft; 26.9 mph max; 12.3 mph avg]

Run 14: Village Chair - Chalet Meadows

[0.21 mi; 1:50; 125 ft; 17.3 mph max; 6.9 mph avg]

Run 15: Taxi Quad - Rabbit Trail

[0.38 mi; 1:42; 371 ft; 24.2 mph max; 13.4 mph avg]

We took a nice break where the patrollers had some ramen, I had a Waffle Cabin waffle, and they booked our rooms for next week's banquet (at an insanely cheap price of $60/night). Afterwards, we were going to head back to Stateside, as the only trail we still needed was the recently re-opened Rabbit Trail. We took the Tramside Carpet first, and then the Metro to Perry Merril Ave/Chalet Meadows. Something amazing happened at the Perry Merril/Queen's Highway junction though, a call came on the radio asking patrollers to open the Village Chair! My favorite run is the Grammy Jay, so I was  GOBSMACKED by the timing. The chair proper wasn't running yet, so we went back to the Taxi and took Queen's Highway before I watched them open it!

The thrill of hitting the Grammy Jay as patrol opens it is like none other. I imagine it feels similar to those big powder day rope drops out west, but maybe even better! From there, we rode the Village Chair up to Chalet Meadows (the on-ramp for the chair was in dysmal shape). Run #15 was just me and Patrol Sarah, since Emma had to drop off some signage. Rabbit Trail could best be described as a collection of rotting glaciers, which made a very flat trail almost comically technical (for me), which was fun! I only almost fell into one (1) crevasse. 

Runs 16-20

Run 16: Bonaventure Quad - Northway - Upper Milk Run - Taxi - Lower Can Am - Kangaroo Trail

[1.36 mi; 7:30; 1,421 ft; 26.4 mph max; 10.9 mph avg]

Run 17: Bonaventure Quad - Goat Run - Green Mountain Boys - Perry Merril Ave - Chalet Meadows

[1.31 mi; 6:00; 1,421 ft; 26.5 mph max; 13.1 mph avg]

Run 18: Bonaventure Quad - Northway - Hell's Crossing - Paradise Meadows

[1.32 mi; 4:54; 1,358 ft; 25.9 mph max; 16.2 mph avg]

Run 19: Bonaventure Quad - Goat Run - Lower River Quai - Perry Merril Ave - Chalet Meadows

[1.26 mi; 5:53; 1,417 ft; 28.7 mph max; 12.8 mph avg]

Run 20: Bonaventure Quad - Northway - Upper Milk Run - Taxi - Lower Can Am - Kangaroo Trail - Paradise Meadows

[1.52 mi; 8:53; 1,440 ft; 27.4 mph max; 10.1 mph avg]

We reclaimed Emma and it was time to get on the Bonnie! The wind had significantly died down, and I was excited to get some upper mountain runs in. Run #16 brought us down Northway to Upper Milk Run, where I performed POORLY. In fairness, the bumps were still partially frozen and had dirt patches here and there. We continued onto Taxi and then Lower Can Am, which was in fantastic shape! We snapped back to reality of springtime on Kangaroo Trail, which had some more open crevasses.

Next up was Goat Run, which was in... interesting shape! It looked like blue ice, but it was still carvable, and the entrance to the S-turns was no wider than a groomer, which kept things fun! We hit the upper Green Mountain Boys which was a little bare and bumpy, but overall fun, and then we scootched our way over to Perry Merril, which was just a glacier, to Chalet Meadows.

#18 was down Northway, which was the epitome of "variable conditions," to Hell's Crossing to Paradise Meadows, which was just a nice, easy run. We went back to Goat for #19, where the patrollers had to activate because a guy who didn't really know what he was doing got caught in some slush right at the fast part. Thankfully, two more advanced skiers were helping him out and told him to wear a helmet. We hit Lower River Quai, which was in excellent shape, before another run down Perry Merril and Chalet Meadows.

Patroller Bonne joined us for the final run of the day - another lap down Upper Milk and Lower Can Am. I did MUCH better on Milk, and much worse on Lower Can Am... oh well! It was a fun run and a fun way to end a very silly day.

Afterwards, we planned to have Easter Sunday hot dogs at the car, but someone (me) forgot to bring the propane-to-grill connector device thing, so instead we had a few drinks in our "Even Jesus said Jesus when he saw me ski" hoodies before heading home.

Map of Jay Peak

Skiing Jay Peak

Skiing Jay Peak

Saturday, April 12th, 2025

Runs: 18

Distance: 23.09 miles

Elevation: 21,703 feet

Max Speed: 30.0 mph

Avg. Speed: 14.0 mph

Moving Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes, 59 seconds

Total Time: 5 hours, 18 minutes, 37 seconds

Back up to Jay for another exciting (and wet) day! The weekend started Friday night, where my roommate hosted a Fiddler on the Roof-themed Seder, which was as fun as it sounded! Only issue was the Seder involved a LOT of wine, and in order to make it to Jay in time (by my standards), I had to be up at 3:30am... here we go!

The reason for the early wake-up and having to be at Jay was because Andrew was going to propose to Linnea! I had a long, sleepy drive. I christened the Hooksett bathroom and then got some breakfast (while making friends with the cashier who was surprised I knew the song "I'll Make Love To You" by Boys II Men, which was playing over the loudspeaker, which was also insane). It was raining in Boston, snowing in southern New Hampshire, raining again after Hooksett, and back to snow in Franconia Notch. Finally, the snow turned to rain one last time as I cleared the Whites, and I saw a moose in a drainage pond just before the Vermont border! Once in Vermont, the sun was up and the rain had subsided - it was looking beautiful! I stopped again at the Maplefields in Orleans and continued onto Jay (I forgot how beautiful the drive is from this side of the mountain). Once Jay came into view, I could see the Jay Cloud at work as morning fog began to rise off of the slopes. 

I was in the delightfully empty parking lot a little before 8:00am. I ran into the lodge to use the bathroom one last time and booted up in the car, just to avoid any possible accidental interactions with the soon-to-be-engaged couple (it was a surprise that Sarah and I would be there, I think?). Sarah spent the night in her car at the Echo Lake parking area near Cannon, and she slept until a reasonable hour, so I had some time to ski solo while she drove up and my patrollers patrolled. 

Snow Report

SATURDAY APRIL 12 AT 7:05 AM

We're looking at an indecisive weather pattern that starts off as a rain/snow mix later on this morning before changing to rain for the afternoon, so just like last weekend, early turns are best turns. Fog will likely play havoc with visibility higher up, but the wind is going to stay calm and temps'll hang in the mid-30s. Sunday looks to be drier with a chance of showers, and TK's latest update calls for some accumulating snow in the middle of next week.

All 9 lifts turning on time this morning, soft snow, and 76/81 trails. Jay Peak plays host to the Vertical Challenge finals today with a day full of ski & snowboard races, music, fun, and community on Tramside from 9a-3p. All races will take place on Interstate. Another Temps des Sucres weekend is upon us, so get your maple on from 12-6p today. Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride down to the Clubhouse for sugar-on-snow treats and other maple goodness with local sugarmaker Kane's Sugaring Outfit. The Seth Yacovone Band plays the Tower Bar 4-7p, and, weather permitting, a dazzling fireworks show lights up the sky at 8p on Tramside. 

Runs 1-3

Run 1: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway - Grammy Jay

[0.87 mi; 3:12; 571 ft; 29.3 mph max; 16.3 mph avg]

Run 2: Village Chair - Queen's Highway

[0.47 mi; 1:29; 312 ft; 28.4 mph max; 19.2 mph avg]

Run 3: Metro Quad - Perry Merril Ave - Half Moon - Queen's Highway

[0.72 mi; 3:48; 505 ft; 21.2 mph max; 11.3 mph avg]

It was wet and above freezing, so I assumed there would be slushy trails, but nope! I originally planned to ride Taxi and head over to Tramside to hop on the Tram, but once I realized the snow was still fast I GUNNED it to the Grammy Jay, hoping to beat Emma's PR. I did not get a faster time than she did, but I did beat my own PR by a second, so that's something! Run #2 was up the Village Chair and down Queen's Highway, and when I saw the line for the Tram was a bit longer than desired, I hopped on the Metro to get a run in Half Moon, which was ROUGH. Pretty much frozen over still. The groomed track was okay. I told Emma about my bad time in these woods, and she said she had an even worse time in the Beaver Pond glades, so at least that was validating.

Runs 4-6

Run 4: Flyer Express Quad - Ullr's Dream - Kokomo

[1.84 mi; 5:42; 1,677 ft; 29.8 mph max; 19.3 mph avg]

Run 5: Flyer Express Quad - Northway - JFK - Ullr's Dream - Kokomo

[1.68 mi; 5:51; 1,631 ft; 25.6 mph max; 17.3 mph avg]

Run 6: Flyer Express Quad - Northway - JFK - Ullr's Dream - Kokomo

[1.76 mi; 6:41; 1,686 ft; 23.9 mph max; 15.8 mph avg]

By now it was 8:30, so I got onto the Flyer (also no line!) and had what was the most wonderful run down Ullr's Dream. The snow was immaculate packed powder with ZERO icy patches. Also, hardly anyone had been on it so far! I was in HEAVEN. Kokomo was also in pretty good shape, especially for mid-April! After that wonderful run, I called Emma to ask how she thought JFK would ski, and she gave the green light! She's been advising against JFK all season because it apparently gets notoriously icy, but it skied excellently today with the same snow surface as Ullr's. It was a fun trail! I do get how it could get dicey when icy, though. Run #6 was another lap of JFK, but from the second entrance off the Northway (apparently there are three), which was just as wonderful.

Runs 7-8

Run 7: Flyer Express Quad - Northway - Goat Run - Lower River Quai - Perry Merril Ave - Queen's Highway

[1.73 mi; 6:33; 1,680 ft; 25.9 mph max; 15.8 mph avg]

Run 8: Metro Quad - Subway

[0.37 mi; 3:58; 531 ft; 27.2 mph max; 5.6 mph avg]

Emma and Sarah's sit was at the top of the Metro watching over some vertical challenge race that involved older men in tight one-piece spandex suits... not too sure what was happening there. I was back on the Flyer for Run #7, which doubled as the only run of the day that I shared with a stranger (mostly... more on that later). I also checked a... certain location-based dating app on the lift and noticed my college RA was a half mile away?! I immedaitely texted him a screenshot saying "WHAT IS THIS" - turns out he and some friends got a condo for the weekend. He started skiing last winter, but we have never skied together (I wanted to on this day, but later events would dictate otherwise). Emma also mentioned she had gossip for me, so I followed Northway down to Goat to Lower River Quai, all skied well. Emma was busy patrolling and talking to the racers, so I snapped a picture of her and skied off. Once at the Perry Merril/Queen's Highway junction, she called me and told me to come back to discuss our gossips, so I made a sharp turn and hopped on the Metro.

I popped my skis off and joined her, meeting her friend Bonnie (who REALLY wants a "gay friend," as she kept saying), and then compared our respective gossips. I shared about the RA, and she shared that, without revealing too much, she made a connection last night with someone that was LONG overdue. How exciting! In this time, Sarah was on the Bonnie, so I waited for her. Patrol Sarah eventually joined the pod, my Sarah landed and started chit-chatting, and I went down Subway (a new trail for me) to use the bathroom for my 8th run of the day.

Runs 9-10

Run 9: Flyer Express Quad - Northway - JFK - Ullr's Dream - Kokomo

[1.84 mi; 7:05; 1,673 ft; 23.5 mph max; 15.6 mph avg]

Run 10: Flyer Express Quad - Northway - Purgatory - Hell's Crossing - Sweetheart

[1.90 mi; 11:26; 1,558 ft; 25.2 mph max; 10.0 mph avg]

Sarah joined me after I used the bathroom, and then we were both on the Flyer! I touted about Ullr's and JFK's awesome snow, so we opted to get a lap of JFK in (again, for me). This time, we took the third entrance (which I think exists so folks can get to JFK from the Bonnie). There was an impressive fog at this point, which definitely made things exciting! The trail was a bit scratchier now, too, but still skied well. We followed Ullr's to Kokomo and got back on the Flyer!

I really wanted to get over to the Jet side before the couple arrived (thank goodness 1) we share locations and 2) they like to sleep in). Run #10 was down the Northway to Purgatory - which was a bit like a chute - and then to Hell's Crossing and half of Sweetheart. We did a quick break at the lodge/car. I swapped my Pit Vipers for googgles, put toe warmers on my socks, and grabbed a Naturdays for the lift. The weather was WEIRD. It was starting to snow through the fog, though, which was fun!

Runs 11-13

Run 11: Jet Triple - Derick Hot Shot - The Willard

[0.79 mi; 4:41; 1,211 ft; 20.6 mph max; 10.1 mph avg]

Run 12: Jet Triple - Haynes - Mont l'Entripede

[0.71 mi; 3:41; 1,214 ft; 30.0 mph max; 11.6 mph avg]

Run 13: Jet Triple - Montrealer - Taxi - Queen's Highway

[1.69 mi; 7:06; 1,371 ft; 25.4 mph max; 9.4 mph avg]

We skied over to the Jet and in an act of bravery, I wanted to try Derick Hot Shot for the first time! The fog was THICK - maybe 30 feet of visiblity? I think this actually worked in my favor, though, because I didn't have the impending doom of what's to come to spook me at all. Derick's had some small bumps, but nothing too bad. I took it nice a slow, and actually really enjoyed it! The ONLY issue we had was some guy zooming down that almost killed Sarah. No deaths were recorded, but he did ski over her skis, which wasn't great. We opted to continue onto The Willard, which was similar but less steep, and then had a medium-tough skate back since most of the runout was melted. Another new trail = complete! I really liked this one, too.

Haynes was up next, which skied pretty well, but we kept it on the slow side due to the low visiblity. Mont L'Entripede, though, was EXCELLENT. I was able to get those wide, carving turns, AND I could see where I was going!

At this point, the almost fiancees were officially on Jay Peak property. Sarah and I decided we'd head back to Tramside and check out Poma Line (ANOTHER new trail - I was truly on a roll) while we waited for the green light. We followed Montrealer to Taxi to Queen's Highway, grabbed a pretzle and a cookie (the BEST cookie I've ever had) at the Tramside Cafe, and got back on the Flyer!

Run 14

Run 14: Flyer Express Quad - Northway - Sweetheart

[1.46 mi; 6:42; 1,526 ft; 24.1 mph max; 13.1 mph avg]

While on the Flyer, we got the text that the couple was on their way up the Jet! Sarah and I scratched our plans and ZOOMED over back to the Jet. By zoom, I do mean carefully skied a bit slower than usual because of the visibility. We followed Northway all the way down to Sweetheart and right onto the chair. 

Run 15

Run 15: Jet Triple - Montrealer - Northway - Hell's Crossing - Sweetheart

[1.25 mi; 5:34; 1,214 ft; 22.5 mph max; 13.5 mph avg]

While on the chair, though, Andrew said "It's going to be a little later!" WHAT DOES THAT MEAN. We asked what "a little later" meant, because if it was like 20 minutes, we'd just camp out at the patrol hut, but it was going to be a couple hours, we'd ski some more. NO ONE RESPONDED. I called Emma and she said to just come to the patrol hut. I don't know why no one was texting us, because apparently that call blew our cover! Anyway... Sarah and I popped off our skis, walked onto the back porch, and found Andrew on his knee!! I gasped and dragged Sarah around the corner with me. It was so sweet. And it was snowing again! Tears flowed and then eventually we all cheered and celebrated. I was in charge of photos, Emma put sashes and the works on them, it was lovely! There was also a random man there? Turns out he was Emmas... connection! How fun!

After some standing around, Andrew firmly requested that we ski because that poor boy had some stress to release! My only demand was that we ski sweetheart, since it's LOVE. We got a few more pictures of them at the trail sign, and had a lovely lap.

Runs 16-18

Run 16: Jet Triple - Montrealer - Taxi - Queen's Highway

[1.68 mi; 7:14; 1,355 ft; 24.4 mph max; 13.9 mph avg]

Run 17: Flyer Express Quad - Poma Line - Ullr's Dream - Kokomo

[1.75 mi; 8:20; 1,631 ft; 26.5 mph max; 12.6 mph avg]

Run 18: Metro Quad - Perry Merril Ave - Chalet Meadows

[0.57 mi; 3:13; 358 ft; 23.8 mph max; 10.6 mph avg]

Sarah and I had The Connection ride the Jet up with us, which was just fun for chit-chats. Emma, Patrol Sarah, and The Connection all went back to Stateside to wrap up their skiing, but Sarah, Linnea, Andrew, and I followed Taxi to Queen's Highway, because I was still hellbent on skiing Poma! Back on the Flyer, we ooo'd and ahh'd at the engagement while the precipitation precipitated on us (truly a little bit of everything). Poma was not as bad as the Patrollers had made it sound. It was narrow with bumps, but it was more of a chute than a narrow bump run at this point. I did not ski it well, but I skied it! The rest of Ullr's and Kokomo was lovely, and I got some adorable photos of Linnea and Andrew holding hands on the runout. 

At this point, though, we were SOAKED. Especially my gloves, and pants, and jacket. Fun was waining on my end, which was disappointing, because my body felt good! I called my two more skip the last as we took the Metro over to Perry Merril and Chalet Meadows. Sarah and the Fiancees got another lap in after me, and then we all changed and met Linnea and Andrew's parents in the Bullwheel to celebrate!

The celebration lasted a few hours, the RA came to say hello, and we really had a lovely time just hanging out and gawking over the ring. Eventually, the parents left, and then the happy couple after. Emma's Dad joined us for a bit, and truly the funniest moment of the day happened soon after. Patrol Sarah leaned over to me and loudly said "Oh by the way, if Emma and [REDACTED] keep doing what they're doing, you're welcome to stay with me in my guest room!" I did not react, Emma yelled "THANKS. SARAH." Emma's Dad covered his ears and then went to get a beer. It was EXCELLENT. 

Around 6:00pm it was time to go, as I was HUNGRY. Sarah and I left around the same time, and we thought the Patrollers had left soon after. Sarah and I had a full hour and a half at Emma's house alone before the rest showed up (including The Connection) - which was not happy about only because there was no communication and I was sure they were lost in a ditch somewhere. We watched "Hot Dog... The Movie" again and went to bed soon after. Minus that last snaffu, it was SUCH a wonderful day!

A quick epilogue - Emma's Dad called her the next day and said "Do you have some news to share with me?" to which Emma told him about her recent ADHD diagnosis. He essentailly said "Okay great but do you have anything ELSE to share with me?" to which she firmly said "NOPE." How fun!

Map of Jay Peak

Skiing Jay Peak

Skiing Jay Peak

Saturday, April 5th, 2025

Runs: 12

Distance: 7.53 miles

Elevation: 7,598 feet

Max Speed: 27.7 mph

Avg. Speed: 9.5 mph

Moving Time: 48 minutes, 32 seconds

Total Time: 3 hours, 21 minutes, 19 seconds

It's time for the anniversary of last year's total solar eclipse at Jay Peak! We joked about making it a tradition to have a "be-a-nuissance" day the first weekend of April, and the plans came to be! I drove up after school on Friday night, and although our crew was going to be a bit smaller, it was going to be fun! Emma and I got dinner at Daily Planet in Burlington before heading back to her place to watch RuPaul's Drag Race. Stevens arrived to Emma's around 10:00pm, and then it was bed time! 

Snow Report

April 5th | 6:16am

**COFFEE REPORT**

TK's latest forecast says that morning turns are your best bet before a wintry mix shoves in by lunchtime. Light winds with highs in the mid-30's. Monday and Tuesday are looking like good chances for snowfall, with the possibility for up to a foot by Wednesday morning.

Check back in a little bit for an official report while we get things rolling, gromming's still out doing their thing and patrol will be out shortly to check trails. The freeze/thaw of surfaces might require a little extra TLC and attention this morning, so sit tight and we'll get you out there as soon as we can.

We got up just before 7:00am, got coffee (well, they did, as I still don't drink coffee), picked up Patroller Sarah, and headed up to the mountain. The patrollers were free skiing to celebrate the holiday, but they had to get their stuff from the patrol room. I went to the rental shop with Stevens, and then we all got set up at the car, shared some Irish Breakfast Shots, and experienced our first eclipse of the day (which meant we put donut holes on skewers and held them up to the sun, which was behind a cloud... it was so fun and silly). 

Runs 1-2

Run 1: Jet Triple - Haynes - Mont l'Entripede

[0.71 mi; 3:20; 1204 ft; 27.4 mph max; 12.7 mph avg]

Run 2: Jet Triple - Montrealer - Cat Walk - Angel's Wiggle - Taxi - Lower Milk Run - Kangaroo Trail

[0.77 mi; 5:24; 1168 ft; 27.7 mph max; 11.8 mph avg]

There was finally a normal amount of people at the mountain (versus the insane crowds we've seen all season) and the only big event was a school's (possibly an international or foreign school based on all the English accents) vacation to learn how to ski. Emma, Patrol Sarah, and I dropped Stevens off at the magic carpet while we got  a couple laps on the Jet (I have to do my daily steeps). Haynes skied okay, a little hard, but okay. I didn't need to go back. Funny enough, this was my Strava PR for Haynes, since I haven't been able to ski it top-to-bottom yet this season!

Run #2 was down Montrealer over to Cat Walk and eventually to Lower Milk Run, which I'd never done in full before. It was fine - a little crusty, a little bumpy, a little dirty, but no problem overall. Once we were back at the Stateside base we found Stevens and Team Snowboard (Snowboard Emma and Elizabeth) chit-chatting, and it was time for the Taxi!

Runs 3-6

Run 3: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway - Grammy Jay

[0.77 mi; 4:03; 558 ft; 21.0 mph max; 11.4 mph avg]

Run 4: Village Chair - Queen's Highway

[0.45 mi; 2:41; 322 ft; 26.6 mph max; 10.1 mph avg]

Run 5: Tramside Carpet

Run 6: Tramside Carpet

Team Snowboard was parked on Tramside and no desire to head over that way due to wind and the fact that both the Flyer and the Tram were down, so we parted ways soon after coming together for a bit. Emma, Patrol Sarah, Stevens, and I all shared a chair on the Taxi, and Emma whipped out some Naturday's for us to drink from her jacket pocket - how fun! We brought Stevens down Queen's Highway and then to the Grammy Jay. He survived the "headwall!" He did say it was "scary as sh*t," but he killed it. He survived getting off the Village Chair at full speed and then made it over to the Tramside base!

Emma and Patrol Sarah had to run into customer service so Sarah could drop off some papers, so Stevens and I went over to the Tramside Carpet for a couple of runs. He was flirting with linking turns and making parallel turns while I was still trying to figure out how to ski backwards. We went in to use the bathroom afterwards and saw a text saying that the patrollers dropped their skis off for a free sharpening and are getting coffee (**eyeroll**). We eventually met back up and headed back to find the snowboarders!

Runs 7-8

Run 7: Metro Quad - Perry Merril Ave - Shakedown

[0.61 mi; 5:27; 354 ft; 20.2 mph max; 6.7 mph avg]

Run 8: Bonaventure Quad - Northway - Angel's Wiggle - Hell's Crossing - Paradise Meadows

[1.29 mi; 8:24; 1,391 ft; 23.9 mph max; 9.2 mph avg]

We made it back to Stateside via Perry Merry Ave and Shakedown (TikTok told me I need to work on my "pops" when I jump... tbd on that). I did hit a couple of boxes, but did not pop when I finished them... sad. We did a quick pit stop at the car for another breakfast shot and the second eclipse of the day, now featuring team snowboard! We played "Total Eclipse of the Heart" while holding up our donut holes, and afterwards a man came up to us and said "wow thank you for the free entertainment, I have never met meatball worshipers before!" - which was WILD. 

Stevens was feeling good and was ready for a challenge, so we headed over to the Bonnie for his first upper mountain run! We had another Naturdays on the way up. It was WINDY up top - even the recycling bin had been knocked over! Emma coached him down the Northway, and he killed it! He fell once in the middle of the run and came to a stop at the "SLOW" gate, but I do think he would have stopped on his own if he didn't see the gate as a safe hammock that he could run into at a gentle speed. We got him back up and Emma coached him through the two headwalls at Angel's Wiggle before a solid finish down Hell's Cross and Paradise Meadows. Feeling ballsy, I even dipped into the easy, flat part of Hell's Woods like a daredevil! At this point, some frozen precipitation began to fall and it was PAINFUL.

Runs 9-10

Run 9: Bonaventure Quad - Goat Run - Lower River Quai - Perry Merril Ave - Half Moon - Queen's Highway

[1.33 mi; 9:24; 1,503 ft; 26.7 mph max; 9.8 mph avg]

Run 10: Metro Quad - Perry Merril Ave - Chalet Meadows

[0.53 mi; 3:13; 322 ft; 21.3 mph max; 9.8 mph avg]

Stevens was satisfied with his one upper mountain run, but I was itching for one more. Stevens and Emma went off to the Taxi while Patrol Sarah, Team Snowboard, and I hopped back on the Bonnie (apparently in good time, as it went down for the day soon after!). We decided to hit up Goat Run, which... wasn't in GREAT shape. At least the upper stretch. More or less a glacier with some edgeable patches. Thankfully, the S-Turns were in good shape, and I proposed we go down Lower River Quai and hit one of the moons. Lower River Quai was LOVELY and Half Moon was just a treat! I hadn't gone off-trail in these woods before, so that was fun, too! We did a QUICK pee stop at the Tramside lodge and then hopped on the Metro, which had a comically long line due to the school group. We followed Perry Merril to the junction with Chalet Meadows, where we ran into Emma and Stevens! We all followed Chalet Meadows back to the Taxi for a few more runs.

Runs 11-12

Run 11: Taxi Quad - Rusch Park

[0.32 mi; 2:26; 354 ft; 29.8 mph max; 7.9 mph avg]

Run 12: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway - Doe Woods - Boulevard

[0.46 mi; 4:01; 407 ft; 21.8 mph max; 6.9 mph avg]

My heart wanted to keep the day going, but I was getting HUNGRY, and the painful precipitation was starting to pivot over to rain. We called a "three more skip the last." Run #11 was down the park, which was MUCH more built up than before! I went over a box right at the start, but got scared and slowed down a ton. Got over it fine, but tipped forward at the end (instead of popping!) and dug a ski into the snow and went SPLAT. Elizabeth said she was actually worried about the fall because of how my leg twisted, but I felt completely fine (and am still fine a few days later, so seems like I'm in the clear!). I tried to go over one of the jumps, but it was VERY high and I got scared again. Next time!

Our final run was another delight. We sent Stevens down Boulevard and the rest of us went into Doe Woods, which was surprisingly in fantastic shape. Only issue was that I stayed in too long and got stuck on the wrong side of water pipes, so I had to pop my skis off, step over, and click back in... silly. Afterwards, we caught Stevens and enacted operation: Tramside! 

Since it was raining and we had our hearts set on hot dogs, the patrollers went to the patrol room to change, Stevens dropped off his rentals, we all took a bathroom break, and then we drove from the Stateside lot to the Tramside Lot, which has a little mini-garage under the main lot. We set up camp there for an hour or so, folding table and mini grill and all. This was my first time using this grill, so there was a small learning curve (like letting it burn off all the plastic residue), but the mission was successful! We had one more total eclipse (note for next year: more munchkins) and eventually decided to part ways. Team Snowboard went into the water park while the rest of us started the trek home, stopping for snacks at Maplefields. Emma and I introduced Stevens to GNAR and Hot Dog... the Movie! as any good ski friends would, and it was a delightfully early bed time for all!

I don't usually drink while skiing because it's dangerous as hell and I just don't really care to, but it is still fun to have a ragamuffin day once a year!

Map of Jay Peak

Skiing Saskadena 6

Skiing Saskadena 6

Sunday March 16th, 2025

Runs: 23

Distance: 12.92 miles

Elevation: 14,045 feet

Max Speed: 27.4 mph

Avg. Speed: 12.4 mph

Moving Time: 1 hour, 4 minutes, 34 seconds

Total Time: 5 hours, 11 minutes, 56 seconds

I fear I might actually be sick... AGAIN! I thought I was suffering from seasonal allergies the past couple of days, but I slept quite horribly last night and woke up feeling like one giant booger. Boo. That being said, I wasn't in too bad of shape to ski! I was up at 7am and was soon on my way to Saskadena 6, running about an hour ahead of Sarah and Mom and about two hours ahead of Linnea and Andrew. My drive was boring and I wasn't feeling great, but I woke up near the end when I hit a brutally muddy road - it's definitely spring! I had to say a few Hail Mary's on this road before eventually making it onto pavement and to Saskadena 6! There were maybe 20 other cars there and basically nobody on the lift - nice! It was warm in the low 50s. I booted up inside, redeemed my Indy, and figured I'd just ski until I wasn't having any fun any more!

Conditions

Sunday, March 16th, 8:40am

New Snow 24 hours: 0"

Season Snowfall total: 87"

Primary Surface: Corn Snow

Good morning from Saskadena Six! We're not expecting the sunshine we saw yesterday but the snow is soft to start the day and the skiing and riding today will be super fun! Things are starting to get a little thina cross the hill so keep an eye out for areas of thin cover and wet spots, especially at the base. The bottom of Lasky's might have a bit of a natural pond skim by the day's end. The skiing is great nonetheless and we'll have 15 trails to start the day serviced by Chair One and the Snow Day conveyor lift which turns 9am-4pm. See you on the hill!

This is our last week of regular 5-day operations. Next week, we'll plan to open Friday-Sunday, March 21st - 23rd. Out annual Passholder Apprecaition Day is March 23rd and will feature a S6 Passholder BBQ 11:30am-2pm and live music from local favorite, The Gully Boys, 2pm-5pm! The mountain will still be open to non-passholders so be sure to mark your calendars. Any additional operating days past the 23rd will be evaluated pending conditions.

As a reminder, Chair Two is not in operation this year. We are working with an engineering team to evaulate all possible options for future replacement. All Chair Two terrain will be accesible, conditions pending, via either Gully or Duane's Drop.

Runs 1-7

Run 1: Chair 1 - Easy Mile

[0.90 mi 3:29; 617 ft; 23.4 mph max; 15.4 mph avg]

Run 2: Chair 1 - Bunny's Boulevard - Skyline

[0.60 mi; 2:09; 591 ft; 23.1 mph max; 16.7 mph avg]

Run 3: Chair 1 - Skyline

[0.58 mi; 2:19; 591 ft; 24.7 mph max; 14.9 mph avg]

Run 4: Chair 1 - Mid Face - The Face

[0.38 mi; 1:52; 620 ft; 26.9 mph max; 12.3 mph avg]

Run 5: Chair 1 - Road Way - The Face

[0.47 mi; 2:10; 614 ft; 25.3 mph max; 13.1 mph avg]

Run 6: Chair 1 - Road Way - Duane's Drop - Lasky Lot

[0.53 mi; 2:23; 617 ft; 24.7 mph max; 13.4 mph avg]

Run 7: Chair 1 - Road way - Duane's Drop - Backdoor - Bee Line - Chimney

[0.58 mi; 2:23; 617 ft; 24.2 mph max; 11.1 mph avg]

The first batch of runs were my solo runs. My goal was to ski the map from viewer's right to left, starting to ones I was familiar with and then going into new territory. Run #1 was down the Easy Mile, which was a classic run of "do I actually know how to ski?" I've found that starting with easy greens almost confuses my legs more than starting with a trail with steeper pitch, maybe because I don't need to ski with better technique to get down safely? Run #2 was down Bunny's Boulevard which was fun! A nice pitch and a nice width. Run #3 was down Skyline, which was a bit icy and visually very ditry, but still skied well overall. The trails weren't overly soft (yet), so I was starting to feel pretty good!

Run #4 was new to me and was down the DOUBLE BLACK DIAMOND "Mid Face" - which actually had a decent pitch, but only for a short section. Snow was soft on Mid Face and just a touch firmer on The Face below. On a nice snow day this would be fun to zoom down, but I was taking it slow because soft snow scares me! I followed Road Way to The Face for Run #5 which was easier, but Mid Face to The Face was more satisfying since it was a straight shot. The view down to the base area was cool from up here, since it felt like it was straight down. The view from the whole ski area was neat - we weren't on top of some massive peak with expansive views, but we were nestled into some rolling hills in all directions.

Continuing to work my way over, Run #6 was down Road Way to Duane's Drop and then to Lasky Lot. Duane's Drop had the softest snow of the day and a steeper headwall than other trails (sans Mid Face), which made for some brain/leg skiing. Lasky Lot was a nice narrower cruiser that spat out at a massive slush patch right near the base area. My final solo run was back to Duane's Drop and through the park fence to Backdoor and then down Bee Line and Chimney, more fun, relatively easy trails (also with no park features). 

After that run it was a little after 10:30 (Sarah and Mom's ETA) and I had to pee, so I figured I'd hop inside to use the bathroom and check Sarah's location, and before I had a chance to I found them getting set up! I hung out with them while they booted up and then we were back out!

Runs 8-11

Run 8: Chair 1 - Road Way - Duane's Drop - Backdoor - Milky Way

[0.69 mi; 3:50; 604 ft; 24.2 mph max; 10.8 mph avg]

Run 9: Chair 1 - Road Way - Duane's Drop - Backdoor - Double Dip 

[0.58 mi; 3:30; 614 ft; 23.6 mph max; 10.0 mph avg]

Run 10: Chair 1 - Road Way - Duane's Drop - Backdoor - Bee Line

[0.55 mi; 2:37; 600 ft; 27.4 mph max; 12.6 mph avg]

Run 11: Chair 1 - Road Way - Duane's Drop - Lasky Lot

[0.52 mi; 2:21; 620 ft; 27.3 mph max; 13.4 mph avg]

Back on the non-exitent lift line, Sarah, Mom, and I were heading back up. I told them about my adventure so far and we decided to start on looker's left of the mountain and work our way right this time, which would start their map tracing but also finish mine - yay! Run #8 for me was down back through Backdoor and around Milky Way, which was their park run. It had three jumps, a narrow box, and a rail. The jumps were super fun and the other two features were easily avoidable - truly a perfect park run! Only down side was there was a medium-long skate back to the chair, since Chair Two was down for the season.

Run #9 was through Backdoor into Double Dip, which was a fun "natural" lift line run. The snow was soft, so even though it looked rough, it skied well. #10 was through Backdoor yet again and all the way down Bee Line, which had a bit of fresh corduroy near the end that actually felt amazing under my skis. I thought this completed my map - yay! Run #11 was back down Lasky Lot, and then we found Linnea and Andrew!

Runs 12-15

Run 12: Chair 1 - Road Way - The Face

[0.44 mi; 2:30; 614 ft; 25.0 mph max; 10.6 mph avg]

Run 13: Chair 1 - Mid Face - The Face

[0.36 mi; 1:47; 620 ft; 24.9 mph max; 12.2 mph avg]

Run 14: Chair 1 - Mid Face - The Face - Showboat - The Face

[0.39 mi; 2:55; 584 ft; 21.5 mph max; 8.0 mph avg]

Run 15: Chair 1 - Mid Face - The Face - Showboat

[0.41 mi; 3:44; 636 ft; 14.7 mph max; 6.6 mph avg]

Now the gang was fully together (minus Emma, who was TOO COOL FOR US/had a massage booked and Gen who was recovering from a two-week-long business trip to Florida), we were continuing our trip across the map. Run #12 was back down Road Way to The Face and #13 was Mid Face to The Face, both were soft and I skied them better than before! One trail that I had missed before was Showboat - a rotting natural trail that was partially open. All of my friends are better and braver than me, so I rallied! Run #14 was just a preview and some practicing hitting the rotting moguls, accepting ice as a friend, and avoiding patches of grass until we got back on The Face near the end. Linnea also FaceTimed her mom for some GNAR points, which was fun and silly. Run #15 followed Showboat all the way down. I felt good about how I skied the mid-section, but my pole got stuck in a mogul near the beginning of the bottom, so I had to do some side-stepping up to get it. The very end was mostly grass with just a little bit of snow left, but the crew said I did a good job!

Runs 16-19

Run 16: Chair 1 - Skyline

[0.59 mi; 2:22; 610 ft; 26.9 mph max; 14.9 mph avg]

Run 17: Chair 1 - Bunny's Boulevard - Skyline

[0.58 mi; 2:32; 607 ft; 24.1 mph max; 13.7 mph avg]

Run 18: Chair 1 - Easy Mile

[0.85 mi; 3:35; 610 ft; 23.7 mph max; 14.2 mph avg]

Run 19: Chair 1 - Road Way - Duane's Drop - Backdoor - Milky Way

[0.64 mi; 4:36; 623 ft; 23.8 mph max; 8.3 mph avg]

Run #16 brought us back down Skyline, was skied super well now that it was a bit softer. Andrew skipped this one because he was being nice and getting Linnea's other skis from the car. Once he was back, I decided to get CRAZY and ride up with Linnea and Andrew for Run #17, and nearly immediately got a nose bleed (thankfully it was a short and small one), and then got hit by the chair on my way off. I learned my lesson to never break up with Sarah and Mom again! We followed Bunny's Boulevard Down and then back up and down Easy Mile after. Now it was around 1:00pm and we were all a bit hungry, so we hit Milky Way again and got some food! Andrew and I got cheeseburgers from the cafeteria, while the other three brought their own foods. I got a lovely hard cider from the bar, and we all had about 1,000 french fries between the five of us (they were insanely good, especially for lodge fries). 

Runs 20-23

Run 20: Chair 1 - Bunny's Boulevard - Skyline

[0.59 mi; 2:20; 604 ft; 25.8 mph max; 15.1 mph avg]

Run 21: Chair 1 - Skyline

[0.57 mi; 2:06; 600 ft; 22.3 mph max; 16.3 mph avg]

Run 22: Chair 1 - Road Way - Duane's Drop - Lasky Lot

[0.48 mi; 2:50; 607 ft; 27.0 mph max; 10.2 mph avg]

Run 23: Chair 1 - Road Way - Duane's Drop - Backdoor - Milky Way

[0.63 mi; 3:26; 614 ft; 25.6 mph max; 11.0 mph avg]

Energy was waining after lunch but we rallied for a few more. Personally, I rallied for no reason other than I had done 19 run and wanted to hit at least 20. We hit Bunny's again for #20 and then Skyline for #21 since Andrew missed Skyline the last time. We brought Linnea and Andrew over to Lasky's Lot for #22, which did have a bit of a pond at the bottom, and then we split up for the final run - Sarah, Andrew, and I went back to Milky Way to hit the jumps again (Sarah and I hit the jumps to get a little air and go "woo," while Andrew was hitting 360s) while Mom and Linnea went around Easy Mile. Sarah and Mom did go for one final last run afterwards for a "mother daughter moment," but my legs were cooked and I was NOT skiing well at this point, so it was time to wrap up!

I was TIRED at this point. Two days of spring skiing plus very little sleep to whatever mystery illness I was dealing with had me BEAT. We did rally for a very G-rated apres in the adorable lodge. I had a lemonade, Andrew had a coke, and Sarah, Linnea, and Mom all had shirley temples. The drive home was long and slow, but it was SUCH fun weekend! I definitely felt like garbage the next day, but now, writing this on Tuesday, I'm starting to feel better and eager for what weather this upcoming weekend brings!

Map of Saskadena 6 (2024-2025)

Skiing Jay Peak

Skiing Jay Peak

Saturday March 15th, 2025

Runs: 15

Distance: 18.45 miles

Elevation: 19,131 feet

Max Speed: 30.2 mph

Avg. Speed: 11.8 mph

Moving Time: 1 hour, 34 minutes, 19 seconds

Total Time: 7 hours, 21 minutes, 3 seconds

Time for another weekend skiing with friends (which has become the name of our shared iCloud album)! I drove up after school, sat through an hour of traffic in Concord, and eventually landed at Emma's house, where we watched Ski School to prep (pretty dumb, not horrible though) while enjoying our Stone's Throw Pizza! Tragically, my spring allergies had officially landed so I was having a rough time breathing, especially with the dog, but it was a fun night in. We were up early the next day to get to Jay Peak for Emma's patrol shift. We saw the sunrise from the parking lot, I got my pass from Emma (thank you!), and I was suited in time to get the first chair on the Taxi Quad! Sarah and her mom were about an hour behind me, as were Linnea and Andrew. I was looking forward to a could of quiet runs before the fun really took off! It was a warm day, too. I left the lodge with googles, mittens, and a puffy, and immediately turned around to take all three of those off (first Pip Viper day of the season!). 

Snow Report

March 15th 7:21am

Number of sad faces seen yesterday: probably zero. 

Number of sad faces expected today: even more zero.

Highs will top out around 50, with a few clouds and more breezy than yesterday. Tomorrow brings an abrupt shift in the weather pattern (which is a nicer way of saying that it's going to rain) that will last into Monday morning, so come get that corn hot from the pot. 9/9 lifts spinning to 72 trails; upper mountain rolls 8:30a-4p, lower 8a-4p. 

Weekend happenings? We got 'em. The IFSA Big Mountain Extreme throws it down on Saturday and Sunday, which will close Middle and Lower Exhibition. A Saturday guided snowshoe tour on our beautifully groomed Nordic trails is the perfect way to enjoy this spring day. When you're ready to throw off that final layer and roll up the pantlegs, rock out to Tim Comings at the Tower Bar 4-7p, House Rockers at the Bullwheel Bar 4-7p, and the Wendell Hughes Duo 5-8p at the Clubhouse Grille. Music bumping, firepits blazing, lawn chairs warm from the sun, and peak spring conditions? Snag those tickets online now and get out to the party sooner.

Runs 1-4

Run 1: Taxi Quad - Queen's Highway

[0.74 mi; 2:49; 522 ft; 30.2 mph max; 15.7 mph avg]

Run 2: Tram - Vermonter - Northway - Purgatory - Hell's Crossing - Sweetheart

[1.61 mi; 6:46; 1,831 ft; 23.7 mph max; 14.3 mph avg]

Run 3: Jet Triple - Jet

[0.67 mi; 2:33; 1,122 ft; 26.5 mph max; 15.8 mph avg]

Run 4: Jet Triple - Haynes - Lower Jet

[0.72 mi; 3:23; 1,125 ft; 26.5 mph max; 12.8 mph avg]

I made my way up the hill to the singles line for the Taxi, which was still getting set up at 7:58am. Two guys who were first in line invited me to join them to get in front of some rowdy kids. The head lifty was my arch nemesis, which the guys next to me also despised. They referred to him in some colorful terms, which brought me immense joy! He said he was waiting for the green light from patrol to open the lift, but I knew that wasn't true because Emma already said lower mountian was cleared. ANYWAY. The first run of the day was also the fastest run of the day - a classic trip down Queen's Highway and into the line for the tram!

I was SO CLOSE to getting on the first tram too, but I was two people too late! I did let a father and his kid ahead of me, which would have solidified me on, but I guess I'm just such a nice person... I rode the second tram up for the day, which was a windy ride! At one point, I was nervous we were going to swing into the tower. From the top, I had a nice ride down Vermonter. I didn't ski my best on this run, but it was fun to finally get back to the tippy top! From Vermonter, I continued onto Northway and then down Purgatory, which I hadn't skied yet this season. Next was Hell's Crossing and then a DELIGHTFUL jaunt down Sweetheart to the Jet. 

By now, both sets of friends were in the lodge, so I decided I'd just lap the Jet Triple while I waited for them. I skied right on for Run #3 and went right on down the Jet, which had it's best conditions all season (at least for me!). I also set a Strava PR - how fun! Next up was Haynes, but Mont l'Entripede was closed for a race (I was bummed). I cut across to Lower Jet and had officially remembered how to ski! I waited at the bottom now for Linnea and Andrew and Sarah and Mom, and we were reunited once again!

Runs 5-7

Run 5: Jet Triple - Montrealer - Taxi - Bonaventure Glade - Lower Milk Run - Kangaroo Trail

[1.29 mi; 8:07; 1,145 ft; 28.4 mph max; 9.5 mph avg]

Run 6: Bonaventure Quad - Goat Run - Buck Woods - Queen's Highway - Grammy Jay

[1.57 mi; 9:19; 1,542 ft; 23.3 mph max; 10.1 mph avg]

Run 7: Village Chair - Queen's Highway

[0.17 mi; 1:18; 289 ft; 19.4 mph max; 8.0 mph avg]

I rode up the Jet again with Sarah and Mom, but Mom went off with some extended family while Sarah, Linnea, Andrew, and I went down Montrealer (not before taking a pole picture, though!). We hopped onto the Taxi and then jumped into the Bonaventure Glade, which I was nervous about, but it was delightfully soft and forgiving - I think these are my favorite glades on the mountain so far! I was feeling more confident, still not looking good, but feeling better about my tree skiing! Bonnie Glades spat us out onto Lower Milk Run and Kangaroo Trail, bringing us to the Bonnie.

Run #6 was up the Bonnie, which was incurring a solid line at this point of the morning. We planned to meet Emma and Patrol Sarah up top, but they used their patrol perks of skipping the line and got too far ahead of us, so we went off without them. We followed Goat Run into Buck Woods, which was a little steeper than Bonnie Glades, but still not too bad. Once back on the outside, we followed Queen's Highway and then I introduced Sarah to my favorite run, Grammy Jay! She crushed the headwall.

Run #7 was a gentle ride up the Village Chair and then we followed Queen's Highway over to the very busy Tramside base area and hopped in the impressively long line for the Flyer. I was surprised the crowds were still heavy in mid-March, but I guess it makes since considering how much snow Jay has gotten plus how much press that snow brought!

Runs 8-10

Run 8: Flyer Express Quad - Wedelmaster - Ullr's Dream - Kokomo - Ullr's Dream

[1.88 mi; 7:38; 1,621 ft; 25.2 mph max; 14.7 mph avg]

Run 9: Flyer Express Quad - Northway - Hell's Crossing - Sweetheart

[1.57 mi; 7:38; 1,440 ft; 24.0 mph max; 12.3 mph avg]

Run 10: Jet Triple - Montrealer - Northway - Hell's Crossing - Hell's Woods - Hell's Crossing - Paradise Meadows

[1.17 mi; 8:48; 1,145 ft; 25.4 mph max; 8.0 mph avg]

Onto the Flyer for only my second time this season, I had one goal: find Wedelmaster! I'm at the point where I'm trying to scope out any greens or blues that I have never skied on the mountain (blacks will become a later problem). Turns out it was super easy to find and a super easy trail, just a little confusing where it criss-crosses with JFK. It had a really nice flat section that was a little narrower through some trees, and then it spat out halfway down the Ullr's headwall. The advanced team went into the Beaver Pond/Andre's Paradise glades while I continued down to my beloved Kokomo, which was comically slow in the warm conditions.

Run #9 was back up the Flyer, but the goal was to get down to the Jet to meet Emma, who had her sit shift on that side. We followed Northway for a bit, which was slow and had a head wind, which slowed things down to a comical stroll. We continued onto Hell's Crossing (advanced team went into Hell's Woods) and then to beloved Sweetheart to get to the insanely long line for the Jet.

Since the Jet is a triple, we had to split up. Sarah and I were on one chair and Linnea/Andrew in another. To make things fun, we picked different lanes to wait in, and somehow Sarah and I won that race by a long-shot. By the time she and I got off the lift, Linnea and Andrew just got on! We watched Emma and Patrol Sarah play Banagrams while yelling at people for clogging up the unloading zone, and then we got a friendship photo on the back porch of the patrol shack.

Once we got our photo, us non-patrollers went down Montrealer to Hell's Crossing, and I bravely went into Hell's Woods, which was a bit steeper than Bonaventure Woods, but nothing too crazy. We continued down Hell's Crossing to Paradise Meadows to the most important destination of the day - the rice ball shack! Sarah went inside to join her family for lunch while Linnea, Andrew, and I got our rice balls. It was still super busy so we ate outside, making sure to hydrate because we were WARM now. I shamelessly made a seat out of snow that actually felt great to sit in (also fun to note that I had my old, orange snow pants on so I could wear St. Patrick's Day colors with my green Burgeon fleece, but the old snowpants simply are not water resistant anymore, so I had a soaked bum). Eventually, Emma and Patrol Sarah finished their shift and we hung out with them for a few minutes while they got their respective rice balls before heading back to the Bonnie. I had planned to hang with team patrol to help decorate for the St. Patrick's Day party, but I wanted to keep skiing.

Runs 11-13

Run 11: Bonaventure Quad - Goat Run - Buckaroo Bonzai - Taxi - Queen's Highway 

[1.40 mi; 8:41; 1,490 ft; 24.0 mph max; 9.7 mph avg]

Run 12: Flyer Express Quad - Ullr's Dream - Kokomo - Ullr's Dream

[1.77 mi; 7:52; 1,611 ft; 25.6 mph max; 13.5 mph avg]

Run 13: Flyer Express Quad - Alligator Alley - Green Mountain Boys - Deer Run

[1.48 mi; 7:16; 1,594 ft; 25.0 mph max; 12.2 mph avg]

Run #11 wasn't my best, but I made it down unscathed! Sarah was skiing wtih her family now, so the rest of us took the Bonnie up and continued onto Goat Run, which was in a WILD condition. There were so many people skiing of all different abilities, especially at the S curves. We then went into Buckaroo Bonzai - some more glades - that humbled me! At one point, I made a turn and wanted to stop above a tree, but only one foot went above, so the ski popped off and I slightly launched myself into the unknown, but then somehow spectacularly landed on my bottom on what I can best describe as a slush-couch. It was actually a lovely fall! Only issue was that when I went to get my skis back on, the brakes didn't go down, so one ski slid a solid 20 feet away from me downhill. I had to buttslide down, holding a ski and poles, to the other ski, and then maneuver myself back into them. Thankfully, or rudely, Linnea got a video! Once the skis were back on we exited the woods and made our way back to the Flyer.

Linnea requested a full Ullr's run, which I happily obliged! It was actually in pretty good shape with a few deeper corn pockets. Kokomo was super slow but still lovely.

Run #13 was per my request - I wanted to ski some more trails I had never skied before, so we decided to hit Alligator Alley to Green Mountain Boys. Alligator Alley was more fun than I thought it would be, only requiring a little bit of skating at the end. Poor Andrew got stuck behind a Telemark skier for the second run in a row, which was a little funny... The upper part of Green Mountain Boys was fun with some manageable bumps. The lower part was the same, but steeper with smaller bumps (I kind of wish they were bigger!). From there, Linnea hit Harmony Lane while Andrew and I went down Deer Run - lovely!

Runs 14-15

Run 14: Flyer Express Quad - Northway - Upper Milk Run - Taxi - Bonaventure Glade - Lower Milk Run - Kangaroo Trail

[1.35 mi; 9:25; 1,404 ft; 24.6 mph max; 8.6 mph avg]

Run 15: Bonaventure Quad - Goat Run - Lower River Quai - Perry Merril Ave - Shakedown

[1.04 mi; 5:23: 1,247; 28.7 mph max; 11.6 mph avg]

At this point it was around 3:20, so we knew we needed to head back to Stateside. The three of us went up the Flyer to Northway and then onto Upper Milk Run, who's bumps were MUCH bigger than last time! I was a bit overwhelemed and did not ski as well as I had planned to (a classic tale). We then followed Taxi into the Bonnie Glades, where I was still not sking as well as I had planned to (I guess it WAS the end of the day...). Thankfully, I CRUSHED it on the last bit of Kangaroo Run!

Our last run was back up the Bonnie at 3:45. Linnea and Andrew both wanted to hit Can Am, which I told them I support them but not for me on this day! I do think it's within my skillset now (they agreed, too), but I simply did not need to flirt with death on my last run of a beautiful, warm day! Instead, we went back over to Goat, which was in even wildier shape than before, and zoomed down Lower River Quai to the Shakedown Park. Linnea got an insane video of my hitting a box at 0.3mph and screaming in fear of my life. Classic!

The Bullwheel was PACKED at 4:00pm, so grabbed my stuff and changed at Emma's car. Plus, we all planned to apres in the parking lot to enjoy the weather and get away from the crowds. As I carried my stuff down the stairs, some woman walked directly into my skis, and was NOT pleased with me when I checked if she was okay (I was walking straight, it was fully on her). I got changed, Linnea moved her truck right neaby, and we had a LOVELY apres! Eventually, Emma and Patrol Sarah stopped by for a drink and some yapping before I followed them into the patrol room to say hi to some patrollers that I had met at last year's banquet (and decided we were best friends). Emma forced me to do a shot ski Irish Car Bomb (didn't take much forcing) and we hung out for about an hour before heading to Howie's for an apres apres drink. I had a lovely Shirley Temple while the patrollers kept the good times rolling (I figured I'd be the one driving home anyway). 

After the long drive back to Fairfax, we dropped Patrol Sarah off and Emma and I enjoyed our leftover pizza and Drag Race before bed. I wanted to go to Waterville Valley the next day, but the forecast vetoed that plan. Sarah and Mom planned to hit Saskadena 6, which I wasn't over excited about, but I am easily peer pressured into skiing with friends (it took zero peer-pressuring). 

Map of Jay Peak (2023-2024)