JAY PEAK, Vt. – [November 3, 2025] – Snowmaking operations began at Jay Peak this past weekend, signaling the official start of preparations for the 2025-26 winter season. As temperatures continue to drop, snowmaking teams are focused on the Stateside base area where the resort traditionally begins operations.
This season’s snowmaking push follows several key system upgrades designed to improve efficiency and coverage across the mountain. The enhancements allow Jay’s snowmakers to take fuller advantage of every cold snap, ensuring an earlier, more consistent start to the season. (Read more about Jay Peak’s snowmaking upgrades HERE)
Opening for skiing and riding over Thanksgiving weekend has become a long-standing tradition at Jay Peak. With steam curling off the Waterpark roof and skiers making the first turns of the season, the holiday weekend always stretches beyond the plate.
“We’ve built a rhythm around this time of year,” said General Manager Steve Wright. “It’s part of what defines Jay Peak. A little weather, a lot of work, and a lot of people who can’t wait to get back on snow.”
Trail and lift updates will be posted regularly at jaypeakresort.com/SnowReport and through the Jay Peak App.
Day for the Devoted – Friday, November 28
This year marks the fifth annual Day for the Devoted, an opening-day tradition dedicated to the people who keep Jay Peak running and returning every winter. The mountain will open first to employees, season passholders, lodging guests, and sister resort passholders using one of their five reciprocal days.
Guests staying on the resort’s Thanksgiving Weekend Package will be among the first to ski and ride. The package is discounted by nearly 40 percent, includes free lift tickets, and—new this year—free day-of-arrival waterpark access. Packages start at $299 per night for a family of four.
“We’ll let guests do the math, but it’s a deal no matter how you slice it,” Wright said. “It’s one of our favorite weekends of the year because it feels like family, both on the hill and at the table.”
Operations are expected to begin with expert terrain off the Jet Triple Chair at the Stateside base area. Additional terrain will open as conditions allow. No lift tickets will be sold to the general public on Friday, and passholders or lodging guests can head straight to the lifts. The day wraps up with live music in the Bullwheel, complimentary pizza, and board demos from Never Summer Snowboards.
In addition to on-mountain festivities, Jay Peak will distribute 750 free lift tickets to devoted fans who may not have the means to visit regularly but remain an integral part of the Jay Peak community.
Give Back Friday
The Resort also extends its appreciation to those Jay Peak fans unable to visit, through its decade-long Give Back Friday program. Known for flipping the script on Black Friday, the Resort selects 300 lucky guests from its email database to receive fully transferable lift tickets and waterpark passes. Guests who want to be considered for Give Back Friday gifts should sign up for Jay Peak’s email newsletter (unless already subscribed) at jaypeakresort.com/connect.
