Jay Peak and Big Jay - 2/23/13

Dates: 2/23/13

Peaks: Jay Peak and Big Jay (36 and 37 of 100)

Trails: Glencliff Trail

Companions: Dorothy

The Hike:

Got up to Jay area late on Friday so we decided to put off skiing until Sunday so we wouldn't be completely wiped out for it. Instead, for Saturday, we decided to hike up the same mountain(s) instead. But before I get to the hike, let me tell you about the awesome place we stayed, in hopes that you will stay there too if you visit the area and plan on spending at least a night not camping outdoors. Dorothy and I stayed at the Mountain View Dairy Bed & Breakfast in Irasburg, VT. http://www.mtnviewbb.com/ I was admittedly a little hesitant in booking it because it doesn't yet have any yelp/tripadvisor reviews, and I was potentially worried about the smell of cows, but when the woman told me over the phone that we could milk a cow if we wanted, that sealed the deal. Best decision of the weekend and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a non-boring lodging experience. The house/rooms were beautiful and cozy, the view was spectacular, the location was easy to access and near the mountains, the prices were competitive/below-average, the hosts were friendly and entertaining, I GOT TO MILK A COW!, I got to drink fresh milk, they make their own maple syrup, the breakfasts were delicious, etc. We did talk a bit about the dire outlook for family farms in Vermont and how they started doing a B&B to help make ends meet, and I am hoping my report will encourage others to go so that their plan works out. And believe me when I tell you, you will be glad that you did.

On to the hike. I didn't have a really good sense of the trails up the peaks, other than knowing that the Long Trail passes over Jay Peak and Big Jay is a quasi-bushwack from there. I read a few blog posts about doing it in the winter, mentioning some issues with spotting the white blazes, so I was a little worried about our chances given all of the recent snow. I also wasn't even 100% on where the trailhead was along 242. I checked with a local rental shop, though, and the guy directed me to the location but warned me to be weary if trail had not been broken yet. He mentioned the alternative would be to hike up the side of a ski run.

Found the trailhead about 1/4 to 1/2 mile west of the Jay Peak Resort entrance and luckily the trail appeared well broken. Snow was still soft enough to require snowshoes though, not surprising given the recent snow the mountain got. We also saw countless backcountry ski tracks coming down out of the woods to the side of the roads, which I found out later is one of the things the mountain is known for. We headed up the trail largely without incident. One notable blowdown about halfway up requiring us to crawl. Came across one Montrealan w/o snowshoes just postholing his way up. Passed a few guys going the other direction. No doggies and it would have been a workout for them if there had been. Temperature was nice - probably mid-to-low 20's with constant snowfall. Snow was about as champagney as it can get in the northeast. Blah blah blah.

Made it to the top in about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Went in to get some cocoa and spike it with some schnapps, and Dorothy opted to stay and relax while I ran to tag Big Jay. Hoped to be able to make the trip in 30 to 45 minutes, though I underestimated what an issue my overheating would be. I passed a few skiers and boarders on my way out along the ridge, as I was moving pretty quickly (i.e. running) for the first 2/3 or so of the way out. Then I hit the uphill to Big Jay and it just wiped me out, brought beads of sweat, etc. Made it to what I am 99% sure was the top, as roughly marked by an old ski patrol sled (tried to confirm with my phone's gps as well). Turned and headed back, this time gassed from the start. Was able to run the downhill parts but just didn't have it in me for running any of the uphill on the return. Ended up making it back in about 50 minutes.

After cleaning up back at the Ski Haus we bundled up (wind and snow were ripping at this point) and walked back down the top portion of the trail which is shared with the ski run. When we reached the actual start of the trail we broke out the obligatory butt sleds and used them where we could the rest of the way down. The snow was absolutely perfect for it. Packed enough to allow them to work and not scrape off much snow, but soft enough to cushion our butts. No incidents other than a few enjoyable coasts off the trail into a bank of refreshing snow. Made it down in about an hour and 15 or 30.

Great hike. Pretty sure it was my first non-Whites NE 100 highest, though I have to confirm this after checking pictures from a hike we did last year in the Green Mountains way further south. Not that anything could ever replace the whites, but it was nice to get a change of scenery and explore a part of the Long Trail that I've read so much about.

Gear Recommendations: Snowshoes necessary - micros/crampons unnecessary - poles ok for balance but not necessary - temp at the time wasn't too bad but wind is biting on the summit

What I Didn't Bring But Wish I Did: more cash for the top

What I Brought But Didn't Need: heavy long underwear bottoms

Lesson Learned: put on my neck warmer