SASS Global Jay Vermont - Vermont

The Northeast Kingdom, which covers the northernmost swath of Vermont bordering Canada, is well known for freakishly snowy winters that produce 2-3 to three times as much snow as the rest of the East Coast, even outweighing many West Coast resorts with anywhere from 250-400 inches of snow from October to May. The Jay Range is one of the first to experience weather coming off the St. Lawrence River, producing the “Jay Cloud” effect, which combined with an open backcountry policy and legendary tree skiing makes Jay the default stomping grounds for serious East Coast freeriders.

Now the area is home to one of the East Coast’s only full-fledged backcountry operations, Lodge Theory, which was recently featured in Powder Magazine. Started by Kevin Joudrey and with the help of countless powder-hungry shredheads, Lodge Theory consists of three remote backcountry cabins sitting under Little Bear Mountain at the foot of Gravity Bowl. Tour options range from Bern Run, an 800’ vert shot that starts out at a 15-35 foot cliff band, to Epiphany, a mellow, open, consistently-pitched glade, to full-day, 1,500’ tours on North Jay, and a dozen more around the Jay range.

A full day of guided skiing and a single-day lift ticket at Jay Peak is included in the trip price, which will both serve to vet clients for their ability to handle the backcountry, and provide an inside peak at Jay’s many secret stashes. The three different lodges can accommodate individuals or groups alike, and cooking is family-style with the option of having provisions stocked before your arrival. Most people will opt to skin or snowshoe for lines around Gravity Bowl, with LodgeTheory offering rentals of backcountry touring equipment. Snowcat and Tracked ATV transfers to the lodge from parking are available.