JAY, Vermont ??” The good times will start rolling a little earlier this year since Mardi Gras falls in the first week in February. The Jay Peak staff is busy organizing its Mountain Mardi Gras and planning all kinds of great events and activities which will include live music, dancing and, of course, good food.

The resort will be hosting special events every evening throughout the week starting with a welcome party on Monday night, which will include a Mardi Gras parade to set the ???big fun’ tone for the rest of the week. Local artist Maggie Sherman will be coordinating a mask-making workshop on Tuesday and Viscous, a Vermont jazz group, will also be performing. Wednesday brings more live music with Skinx playing Mardi Gras inspired funk. Zydeco dance instruction will be available on Wednesday night as well (so you can get your groove on New Orleans style). The first of two crawfish boils will take place Thursday night and Bourbon Street Betty and the Red Hots will be performing. The Golden Eagle Lounge is the place to be Friday night for DJs Frick and Frack’s weekly party – light appetizers will be served and Mardi Gras drinks specials will be on tap. Jay Peak’s Mountain Mardi Gras will wrap up Saturday night with the second crawfish boil and live music by Tammy Fletcher and the Disciples.

No Mardi Gras celebration would be complete without great food, and lots of it. That’s why Chef Marc Uddo will be back again this year preparing some scrumptious New Orleans’ fare. Some of last year’s favorite dishes (Shrimp Creole, Louisiana Crab Cakes, Bananas Foster??В¦) will be on offer again but Chef Marc will also be presenting some new special treats. Mardi Gras lunch specials will be available every day in the cafeteria and dinners will be served nightly in the Hotel Jay Alpine Room Restaurant.

Between meals and parties you’ll also be treated to some of the best skiing and riding available in the Northeast (and arguably the best glade skiing and riding anywhere in North America). “Mardi Gras week is probably the best event we host each season,” said Bill Stenger, President of the resort. “Not only do we have really fun events scheduled every night and delicious food prepared by an outstanding New Orleans’ chef, but February snow conditions are always really good ??“ midwinter skiing and riding conditions but the days are getting longer and warmer. If I were planning a ski holiday, I’d visit Jay for Mardi Gras week.”

Lodging packages for one- and three-day stays in Slopeside Hotel Jay are available for Monday, February 7th through Friday, February 11th. From just $154.50 guests can get one night lodging, a 1-day lift ticket, and dinner & breakfast. Three day stays start at $299 and include three nights lodging, a 3-day lift ticket, 2 dinners, and 3 breakfasts. Free daycare for kids 2 to 7, free lodging and lift tickets for kids 14 and under, and free midweek adult lessons are included in both of these packages. These rates are also at par for Canadian guests with valid proof of residency (health insurance card, license).

For more information on Jay Peak’s Mountain Mardi Gras, including a complete schedule of events with specific dates and times, please go to jaypeakresort.com. To reserve, please call toll free 1.800.451.4449.