THE LAST DAY OF THE SKI SEASON IN THE EASTern U.S.
The SNIRT path back to the Jet Triple.
The main snow area on Jet today seen from the lift.
Walking was required from the lift to the snow.
Well folks, this is it. We’ve reached the end of the road. Mother Nature brought heavy rain to Vermont this week and put an end to the ski season in the eastern U.S. Killington closed yesterday and today was Jay Peak’s last day. I’ve been sick for the last week so I skipped Killington yesterday, but I decided I finally felt well enough to make it to Jay Peak for their closing day. I skied at Jay both Saturday and Sunday last weekend and coverage was honestly still pretty good considering it was early May. This week’s rain really ate away at the base on Jet, which was the only run open at Jay today. Nevertheless, it was still a fun closing day at Jay Peak with a great atmosphere to cap off a legendary ski season in the east.
I got to the mountain around 10:30 AM and met up with Ryan from Vermont, who I skied with early in the season at Whiteface Mountain in New York. As I mentioned, Jay only had Jet open and it was in variable shape. The top was completely melted out and walking was required from the lift to the snow surface. It wasn’t a long walk, but it was a walk nonetheless.
People walking to the snow from the top of the Jet Triple.
There was plenty of snow in the middle part of Jet.
Where the SNIRT started on Jet.
The very bottom of Jet seen from the lift.
It was a cool day so the snow itself was actually kind of firm in spots and soft in others. There were bumps, but they weren’t too big. As you approached the bottom of Jet, the snow surface got narrow and it turned to SNIRT and then eventually to SMUD. As the day progressed, the SNIRT AND SMUD got even more sloppy. You could almost could ski right up to the lift, but the SMUD always brought me to a full stop before I could get there.
Haynes seen from the bottom of the run.
Ryan from Vermont and I ventured over to Hayne’s a time or two for a couple of trips down the remaining snow on that run. The snow sections weren’t connected at all, but Ryan was able to ski through most of the grassy areas, while I mostly walked through the grassy areas, although I did make it through one section on skis. There was still a decent amount of snow on the run and we found it to be buttery. It was definitely the best snow we skied today.
Today was day 83 for me on the ski season. While it’s possible I may run up to Quebec next weekend to ski, I currently have no plans to do so, which means today was likely my last day. This ski season began for me nearly seven months ago on October 14. I can’t believe it’s already over! It always goes by so fast. In the coming days, I plan to write a look-back at my ski season so be on the lookout for that.
Never Quit Skiing,
Lincoln