Tucked into Vermont's Northeast Kingdom near the Canadian border, Jay Peak is famous for its big snow totals and some of the best glade skiing in the East. This weekend trip from New York City heads north in a heated coach in the early hours of Friday morning, leaving riders free to rest up for three days on the mountain. A trip leader is with the group throughout the weekend, right through to the ride home on Sunday evening.

The gift comes in two versions. The Lodge & Bus package includes round trip travel and two nights at a hotel right next to the lifts, while the Roundtrip Bus Only package covers the journey for riders arranging their own place to stay. Lift tickets are not included in either package, so riders will need their own lift pass or ticket. Days are best spent exploring the tree runs and chasing fresh snow, and when the light fades, the resort's indoor waterpark and a plate of classic poutine are popular ways to wind down.

Any restrictions to participate?

• Age: All ages are welcome. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Guests aged 16 to 17 need a waiver signed by a parent or guardian, who must also give the trip leader a printed copy of their government issued ID before the trip.
• Experience level: All levels are welcome. Lessons are not included.

Who can you accommodate for?

• Children: All participants must pay to participate, children included.
• Pets: Sorry, no pets allowed. Certified service dogs are permitted on the bus.

What to expect on the day of the experience?

• Duration: 3 days and 2 nights. The bus departs New York City early Friday morning and returns to the original pickup point on Sunday evening.
• What's included:
  • Round trip coach transportation from New York City
  • A trip leader for the duration of the trip
  • Two nights at The Stateside Hotel and Baselodge, 219 Jay Peak Rd, Jay, VT, next to the lifts (Lodge & Bus package only)
• Who will be present: A trip leader will be with the group throughout the trip, and other guests will be joining on the bus.
• Photo/video: Photos and video are welcome; flash photography is not permitted.
• Specific rules to follow:
  • All guests must sign a waiver before boarding the bus
  • Smoking of any kind is not permitted on the bus
  • Guests must be at all bus meeting points on time, as the bus departs as scheduled

How to prepare?

• Weather dependency: This trip runs in winter conditions. As long as the roads are open, the bus will be running, though travel may take longer in snowy weather.
• Arrival: Plan to arrive at the pickup location 15 minutes before departure. Pickup times may shift slightly due to weather or traffic.
  • Downtown Brooklyn: 578 Atlantic Ave, departs 2:25 AM
  • Union Square: Paragon Sports, 857 Broadway, departs 3:00 AM
  • Upper West Side: 2101 Broadway, departs 3:20 AM
  • Return: On Sunday, meet at the resort by 4:30 PM at the meeting point confirmed by the trip leader. The bus departs at 5:00 PM.
• Parking: Not needed, as round trip coach transportation is included.
• What to wear: Warm, layered winter clothing and ski or snowboard outerwear, including a jacket, pants, gloves and goggles. Clothing and accessories are not available to rent at the mountain.
• What to bring:
  • Valid ID
  • Skis or a snowboard, boots and a helmet (rentals are not included in this package)
  • Waterproof boots, sunscreen and swimwear for the hotel's spa or hot tub
  • Snacks, water and any personal essentials. Guests can bring their own food and drinks on the bus; no food or drinks are sold on board
  • Alcohol is allowed on the bus; please be considerate of other guests
  • Skis, poles, snowboards and boots go in the luggage bays below the bus
• Restrooms/lockers/changing rooms: Restrooms and lockers are available at the resort.

Anything else I should know before going on this experience?

• Lift tickets are not included in either package, so guests need their own pass or ticket for the mountain.
• The Roundtrip Bus Only package does not include lodging, so guests need to arrange their own accommodation.
• Lodging is based on double occupancy, so guests share a room with one other guest. Roommate preferences can be noted when booking.
• Meals are not included.
• Access to the resort's indoor waterpark is not included.
• A detailed itinerary is sent closer to the trip date.
• The bus may make a brief stop on the way to Vermont and typically makes up to two stops on the way back. It cannot drop off or pick up guests anywhere other than the listed locations.

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 14 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for any other experience in our marketplace, free of charge, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference.

No refunds are allowed once the experience is booked, but you can reschedule up to 14 days before your trip, for another available trip date this season or next. To reschedule, use the link in the booking confirmation email or contact the experience provider directly. No-shows, missed buses or rescheduling less than 14 days in advance means losing the value of your experience.