The Pump House Water Park at Jay Peak

Jay Peak knows a thing or two about sliding down slippery slopes. For decades, it has been one of New England's most popular ski resorts. As part of an expansion that added year-round attractions to the resort's menu of fun, Jay Peak built a 50,000-square-foot indoor water park known as The Pump House. Opened in December 2011, the weatherproof park offers the usual gaggle of slides and other watery diversions—as well as a few unique features.

The most striking ride is La Chute, the first AquaLoop to debut in an indoor water park. Co-opting the concept of a coaster inversion, riders climb a 71-foot tower, enter a launch capsule, countdown as the capsule's floor opens, freefall almost straight down in an enclosed tube, and propel up into a 360-degree loop. Jay Peak says that those brave enough to tackle the black diamond ride reach speeds up to 40 mph and experience a force of 2.5 Gs.

The indoor water park also features a skylight-style retractable roof to let the sun's rays in regardless of the outside temperature, and to open to the outdoors when the weather allows. To accommodate the considerable height of the AquaLoop, the roof includes a custom-designed cupola.

Other rides include a long lazy river that travels the perimeter of the park and includes some rapids elements, and Double Barrel, a dual FlowRider surfing attraction that gives two guests at a time the chance to tackle waves on boogie boards. In addition to the water attractions, the park offers an arcade with redemption games and a snack bar.

The Hotel Jay offers 170 hotel rooms, most of which are suites, a restaurant featuring pizza, fitness center, and conference center. Other amenities at Jay Peak include 76 ski and snowboard trails, a golf course, a spa, and an ice skating arena.

Location and Park Website

Jay, Vermont

The physical address (for GPS) is 144 Access Road in Jay, Vermont. Jay Peak is located at 4850 VT-242.

From Boston: I-93N to I-91N to Exit 26 onto US-5N/VT-58W. Left at VT-14N. Continue onto VT-100S. Right at S. Pleasant St., right at VT-101N, Left at VT-242W to Jay Peak.

From Albany: I-87N to US-11N, right onto US-2E, left at VT-78E, left at VT-105E, right at Montgomery Rd./State Route 118, Left at VT-242E to Jay Peak.

From Hartford: I-91N, follow Boston directions above.

From NYC: I-95N to I-91N, follow Boston directions above.

Jay Peak Resort official Website

Admission Policy

The water park is open to resorts guests who book a hotel and water park package. During the winter months, Jay Peak offers a ski and water park package. Passes to the water park are available to the general public based on availability. Contact the park for more info.

Other nearby indoor water parks you might want to consider include Kahuna Laguna at Red Jacket Mountain View Resort In North Conway, New Hampshire, Six Flags Great Escape Lodge in Lake George, New York, and The Cascades, part of Hope Lake Lodge Resort at Greek Peak in Cortland, New York. You could also explore Massachusetts indoor water parks.