Senator Patrick Leahy attended a ground-breaking ceremony for the next phase of the $100 million Jay Peak Resort redevelopment project. Resort president Bill Stenger gave Leahy, state officials and the press a tour of the facilities completed to date, including a new lodge with 57 luxury suites, restaurant, bar, spa and retail facilities; an indoor ice arena; and a golf clubhouse with restaurant, pro shop and three luxury suites.
The ceremony broke ground for two major facilities: a 120-room hotel to replace the old Hotel Jay, and a state-of-the art indoor water park.
Jay Peak officials say that the development will result in a four season, weatherproof destination for vacationers from the US and Canada. Stenger noted that more than 1,000 new year-round jobs, both directly and indirectly, will be created at the resort as a result of the expansion, and local businesses will feel a positive economic impact as well, as the resort attracts guests to the area throughout the year. He also points out that much of the development was financed through the innovative EB5 program. This capital-raising approach will help Jay Peak maintain its focus on being a skier and rider's mountain, even while adding new amenities.
The massive construction project has proceeded on schedule and on budget, according to Jay Peak marketing vice president Steve Wright.
When fully complete in 2012, Jay Peak will have added the following amenities:
* 57 suites in the Tram Haus lodge, three deluxe condominium suites at the Golf Clubhouse, and 130 suites in the new Hotel Jay.
* Seven restaurants and casual eateries. Alice's Table at the Tram Haus Lodge, the Clubhouse Grille restaurant and bar, the Tower Bar at the Tram Haus Lodge, the Ice Haus Arena's heated snack bar and café, and the Aroma Café. The new Hotel Jay will offer three additional restaurant options.
* The Ice Haus arena features an NHL-sized rink with room for 700 spectators; golf clubhouse is available for golfers in the summer and serves as a Nordic Ski Center during the winter; the Taiga Spa & Fitness Center at the Tram Haus Lodge; and the indoor water park.