Steven discovered a few patches of lingering snow last weekend on Exhibition.

Following the annual Homeowner meetings we asked Steven Collins, owner of a South Village townhouse for 5 years, to share a bit about his experience - how he ended up here, why he’s still here, and what he loves about Jay:

My wife and I closed on our unit in 2005, after renting a unit in 2004 on Raccoon Run with our friends (who are now Jay homeowners as well). At the time, our children were 10, 8 and 4. Our friends had three children of similar age. The convenience of being able to walk out the door and on to the slopes was awesome. The thrill the younger children experienced being able to ski actual glades like Moon Walk Woods and Bushwacker was worth the entire trip. The Mountain had made us believers!

During the building of our unit Andy Stenger handled the day to day project management duties. Andy was always available and courteous when we called to discuss details either with regards to the development or our unit. His kind and good natured Northeast Kingdom personality showed through. I would be remiss if I did not mention Jaime, Jason, Emilie, Joanie, Steve, Dennis, Moose, and the list can just go on and on. These people and many others are what compliment the mountain’s charm. And of course, there is Bill Stenger with his endless energy and enthusiasm, which will turn Jay Peak into a four season resort!

With our new unit also came many new friendships, including some of the locals who worked on our unit, as well as neighbors and other unit owners. During our five years of home ownership, we formed friendships which will stand the test of time. There is nothing like being out for first tracks with your family and meeting other like-minded people wanting to quench their thirst for POW (if there ever could be such a thing?). Or coming up in the summer to enjoy some golfing, biking and the local swimming holes. Or in the fall for some hiking or the fall foliage. Or in the spring to fly fish or just explore the Northeast Kingdom!

Bill’s vision and perseverance has finally taken traction and is evolving from a concept to reality. We are now vested stakeholders in Bill’s vision of Jay Peak’s transformation into a four season resort. These days, there are tough times upon us all, but we have put our faith and trust both in Bill and the Mountain and that together we will be guided in the right direction. Only time will tell, but if the next five years are similar to the last five years, then we are in for a heck of a ride!

It is, “all about the mountain”, because that is where the journey begins!

Steven M. Collins

The Vermont Department of Labor’s Project WorkSAFE Program is pleased to announce that DEW Construction of Williston, Vermont has met and successfully completed the requirements of the Saftety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) for the Jay Peak Ski Area Hotel Expansion Project.

DEW Construction and Project WorkSAFE, Vermont’s Occupational Safety and Health Consultation Program, began working on the certification process more than four months ago.

The SHARP program is a nationally recognized program implemented by several states under Federal OSHA.  The SHARP program recognizes small, high-hazard businesses which have exemplary safety and health programs.  Upon receiving SHARP certification, the workplace will be exempt from programmed inspections during the period that the SHARP certification is valid.

DEW will be Vermont’s fifth company to receive this award.  Currently, there are 1000 firms in the United States and 70 in New England with the SHARP certification.

For further information about the SHARP program or Project WorkSAFE, please visit the Vermont Department of Labor’s website:  www.labor.vermont.gov

Leaves are turning fast up this way. Must be that folks are starting to think about winter as interest in purchasing here at the Resort has really accelerated. Our North Village Townhome project is sold out and under construction. Fear not, we’re considering building a few more units. If you want more info, e-mail us directly as space will be limited.

As far as Village Condominiums (ski in ski out) another one went under contract this week, so we only have two left. They’re priced from only $329k and include 10 seasons of Family Season Ski Passes and up to $4,000 in closing costs. Again, let me know if you’re interested.

Hopefully some of you got involved with our North Village Townhome sale. We sold 5 2,000 sq ft units (of 3 and 4 bedroom configurations) and demand has been high for the next building which will also contain 5 units. Not sure when this will happen but stay tuned to jaypeakresort.com for details.

We do have 3 remaining ski-in/ski-out Village condominiums available-all three of them 2br/2ba-that are located right on our Grammy Jay Trail and are accessed by our Village Double Chair. These are priced from $319,000 and include 10 season of Family Season Passes and up to $4,000 in closing costs. Send me an e-mail if you’re interested.

Being a homeowner at Jay Peak gets you access to the most snow in eastern North America, a brand new Graham Cooke and Associates designed Championship Golf Course and an authentic perspective that is uniquely Jay Peak. Or at least that’s what the marketing guy told me to say. In reality, this place is very cool and you’ll love it. E-mail me