Jay Peak, Vermont -- December 28, 2011
Jay Peak unveiled Vermont's only indoor water park just weeks ago -- And so far, the Pump House has exceeded the resort's expectations.
"During the day, you'll have 200 people in there, but come après ski it bumps up to 600 people. We're learning but it's been overwhelmingly popular," says J.J. Toland with Jay Peak Resort.
During a difficult early season marked by a lack of natural snowfall, the water park has been an attractive alternative.
"What we noticed heading into the season was that even though the trail count was low, with the Pump House and the new hotel, reservations were about 120% of where they were last year," Toland says. "The Pump House was really a game changer in being able to offer people a weather-proof vacation."
"But out here on the slopes, you can't control the weather. It's been a rough start to the season, but some snowfall in the past week has really helped get the season going.
12 to 18 inches of new snow in the last 10 days has allowed Jay Peak to double its open trail count. For skiers and riders visiting for the holiday week, it has made a big difference.
"We were expecting the worst actually," says skier Cindy Biondi. "We tried to come up as far as north possible so we could maybe luck out with some snow and so far we've been pretty lucky."
Although ropes have fallen across the Northeast, snow conditions remain variable. There's some plenty of good snow to be had, but expect some icy and skied off spots as well.
"It's part of being eastern skiers. It makes us pretty hardy. If you can ski in the East, you can ski pretty much anywhere," says skier Dean Corkum.
The skiing faithful know that some epic days to come will be well worth the wait.
"Traditionally, February and March are the best months here anyway. We still have a long way to go, just have to be patient I guess," Corkum says.
They're hoping for some powder days in a new year.
