• 1. Where to Stay
• 2. Where to Eat
• 3. What to Do
• 4. Insider’s Tip
• 5. An Oddball Day

From left, ski-in privileges at Jay Peak Resort; the Blue Room at Phineas Swann.    (Photo: Courtesy Jay Peak Resort; Courtesy of Phineas Swann Country Inn)

Situated near the Canadian border, Jay Peak is a little-known skier’s paradise that dumps fresh powder well into spring. To get on the slopes stat, rent a ski-in, ski-out Village Condominium at Jay Peak Resort (from $219 with lift tickets included). These two- to five-bedroom, cedar-sided units have spacious kitchens with dishwashers, dining-room tables that fit ten, gas fireplaces, and bay windows overlooking the slopes. If the kids are coming, inquire about free day care for the littlest ones and free skiing and lodging for kids under 14. There are also free midweek ski and snowboard lessons for adults (non-holidays only).

Ex–New Yorkers Jay Kerch and John Perkins run the Phineas Swann Country Inn (from $189), a well-kept century-old farmhouse located near the foot of Jay Peak. Wake up to a belt-loosening breakfast of omelettes stuffed with Vermont Cheddar cheese, maple-sugar-battered bacon, and strawberry-preserve crêpes—a recipe John picked up in the South of France. Not charmed by the ghost that allegedly tickles feet in the Red Room? Stay in the Blue Room—it boasts a window seat with perfect views of the mountain and a private bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub.

For a break from the mountain, stay at Jay Village Inn (from $60), a 1902 post-and-beam barn updated with a pool table, sauna, wireless Internet, and an enclosed, outdoor hot tub, and it's located just four miles from the mountain. Black Bear Restaurant serves hefty Americana fare on the premises; it gets crowded, so order a spinach-and-ricotta pizza to go and eat in the room.

Published on Mar 5, 2008 as a web exclusive.