Good help is hard to find. How fortunate, then, that Jay Peak Resort has recruited a motivated landscaping crew quite literally born for the job.
For the second straight year, the ski area is hosting a herd of goats and sheep from Cloud Brook Farm in Barnet that will help maintain some of the resort’s trails the all-natural way. The aptly named Chew Crew will spend several weeks munching on grass, poison ivy, goldenrod and whatever else stands in the way of skiers and a smooth ride.
The Chew Crew covered about 15 acres last year. That’s a small portion of the 340 acres of trails and glades Jay Peak maintains ahead of each winter season, but the arrangement reduced the resort’s carbon footprint by close to 300 pounds of CO2.
“Last year’s pilot showed us this could be more than just a fun idea,” Andy Stenger, director of mountain and base area operations, said in a press release. “The animals did exactly what we hoped they would, and they reached places that are difficult and time-consuming for crews to maintain with equipment.”
Each animal wears a GPS radio collar that keeps it from straying. They’re moved every few days to avoid overgrazing and accompanied overnight by a herd dog.
The arrangement was facilitated by the Agritech Institute for Small Farms, a Vermont nonprofit that aims to make farming more efficient and environmentally sustainable. The National Ski Areas Association recognized the program with its Golden Eagle Award this year for its innovative approach to environmental stewardship.
The program doubles as some good old-fashioned PR. The goats and sheep have been a hit among guests, and the resort says it has heard from other ski areas interested in recruiting their own four-legged landscapers.
Those interested in meeting the Chew Crew will have their chance at Jay Peak’s annual Bean & Brew Festival, scheduled for Saturday, October 17.
The original print version of this article was headlined “Goat Groomers”
This article appears in August 19 • 2026.
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