Jiminy Peak
December 4, 2007
Jiminy Peak is about 3 hours from New York and Boston and about an hour from Albany and Springfield. Access is fairly easy, as Jiminy is located near the Mass Pike extension and the Taconic State Parkway.
Topping out at 2,380 feet and offering 1,140 feet of vertical descent for riders, Jiminy Peak offers slightly more vertical descent than other mountains in the immediate vicinity. However, when the difference is only 100 or 200 vertical feet, I’m not sure I could even notice that difference.
The 40 trails and 156 acres of skiable terrain on the mountain are geared more towards intermediate skiers. However, there is a significant amount of beginning trails and there are only a few double diamond trails on the mountain. The double diamonds, while steep, pale in comparison to double diamonds elsewhere. Night skiing is provided on 18 trails that are well lit.
8 lifts serve the trails and include a 6-person chair, 2 quad chairs, three triple chairs and 1 double chair lift and one tow lift. Only two lifts go from the base area to the summit of Jiminy, otherwise the lifts serve various sections of the mountains.
Snowmaking covers 93% of Jiminy Peak and provides for quality snow throughout the winter season, even when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate. Grooming and maintenance are excellent at Jiminy and trails are often groomed throughout the day. Should you get there as the place opens, expect to ski down slopes of immaculately groomed snow.
Jiminy also offers a halfpipe and alpine park area for snowboarders looking for more than just the slopes.
Ticket prices are reasonable for all the skiing you can get in and an adult 8-hour weekend ticket will cost you $52, while a weekday ticket for an adult will cost you $39. 4-hour tickets are not half price, a weekend ticket will set you back $48 and a weekday half-ticket will cost you $35. Night tickets on the weekend are $33 and $29 during the week.
For $10 you can purchase a “value card” that provides discounts throughout the year on lift ticket purchases. You can use the card once per day and it will save you $7 on the cost of a lift ticket.
Coupons and special savings deals are also available on Jiminy’s website at www.jiminypeak.com. I also believe that the local Entertainment Book generally has buy one-get one free tickets for Jiminy Peak – I know when I used to ski here often, that’s how we did it – we’d go and collect all the Entertainment Coupons from the non-skiers and use them up.
Jiminy offers lessons for both beginners and more advanced skiers in group and private settings, along with Skiwee programs and multi-week programs. There are various packages that include lift tickets, rentals and lessons and can be anywhere from $30 to over $200.
The base lodge area includes all the amenities you would expect at a mountain lodge including rental shops, ticket sales, a ski shop, restaurant, cafeteria, seating areas, lockers, and restrooms. Lodging on slope is provided in the base area in either rental condominium units or in the Country Inn, which offers various types of rooms and suites. Lodging and dining is also available off-slope in town. Reservations for the on-slope accommodations can be made through Jiminy’s website.
Jiminy Peak is the ying to Catamount’s yang and is worlds apart from the other smaller ski areas scattered throughout the Berkshires. This is a place to be seen and to take part in the “ski scene.” The skiing at Jiminy is top notch. In addition, there are enough coupons and offers out there to make Jiminy affordable to the masses for a trip or two throughout the winter months. It’s just as well, half of the people there are probably in the lodge drinking expensive coffees while you’re out on the slopes enjoying the great skiing that Jiminy Peak has to offer.
Link to Mountain Site
Upcoming Jiminy Peak Events
Potter Brothers Demo Day, Sunday, December 16th
Potter Brothers invites you to come to Jiminy Peak to try new skis, snowboards, and helmets from top manufacturers. Reps from the companies will be on hand to answer your questions, too. When you try before you buy, you get the best gear for your style. Demos are available to all skiers and snowboarders with ID or credit card for deposit.
New Year’s Eve Celebration Monday, December 31
Ring in the New Year at Jiminy Peak! New Year’s Eve will feature the annual torchlight parade down the mountain followed by a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the sky and the snow!
Rail Jam Friday January 4
Get in the spotlight with our Friday night Rail Jams. With great prizes up for grabs there’s no doubt we’ll be seeing some of the sickest tricks on the rails!
Slopestyle Competition Friday, January 25
Take on the rails and hits of Coyote Ridge against some fierce competition!!
Groundhog Day Celebration Saturday, February 2
Join us for Jiminy’s version of Groundhog Day. Will our groundhog see his shadow? You’ll have to be here to find out!
Mardi Gras Celebration Saturday, February 4
Beads, Beads, Beads! Join us for a day of fun and celebration!
St. Jude Ski Express Sunday, February 10
On this special day, a donation to St. Jude’s buys line-cutting privileges for skiers and snowboarders. The guest will receive a wristband that allows them to “cut” the line at the Berkshire Express via a special ‘St Jude Ski Express’ line in the corral, which means no time waiting in line! There will be a raffle with a chance to win great prizes, too. Proceeds from the event will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Leap Year Celebration Friday, February 29
We only get one every 4 years so why not celebrate it?!
Rail Jam Friday, March 7
Get in the spotlight with our Friday night Rail Jams. With great prizes up for grabs there’s no doubt we’ll be seeing some of the sickest tricks on the rails!
Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge Sunday, March 9
The Dew Crew returns to bring skiers and rider the BEST fun race, party, and all-around wild time with Mountain Dew, prizes, samples, music, and more! Not to mention free tee shirts for race participants and a shot at the finals in New Hampshire.
STRIDE Race Saturday, March 15
STRIDE’s Great Adaptive Ski Race. Visit www.stride.org for more information.
Retro Day Sunday, March 16
Have a bunch of clothes from the 70s and 80s that you would never admit to wearing? Sure, we know you do! Now is the day to dig them out and show them off. Come to Jiminy dressed in your best retro garb and receive a retro price to go along with it! “Best” dressed guests win a prize. Please no retro equipment.
Jeep Terrain Park Challenge Sunday March 16
The Jeep Terrain Park Challenge has evolved! They’ll bring their crew of freestyle skiers and riders to Jiminy this winter and stress safe and smart Park riding. The Rossignol Demo team will come with them to demonstrate tricks, and teach responsibility in the park. Come out and participate!
Spring Fling Saturday, March 22
The Spring Fling is Jiminy’s spring welcome party. It’s a great chance to work on the goggle tan while sliding on corn snow. The Annual Card Board Box Derby, Bikini Slalom, Beach Blanket Bingo, and an Outdoor Barbecue - it all adds up to sunshine fun. Plus, there will be a pie eating contest, special events and contests just for kids, and great prizes. In the case of snow, we’ll move it all indoors!
