Smugglers' Notch Resort

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Joretta Wong
SnowPak Local Insider
Joretta Wong

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Pros
  • Good variety of ski-in/ski-out condos
  • Great value for money
  • Laid-back, family-friendly vibe
Cons
  • Unfortunately, it is quite far from New York City and Boston

Overall

3.6

One of the top ski resorts in Vermont, Smugglers' Notch has a well-earned reputation for its family-friendliness. Not only does it have one of the best ski schools on the East Coast, their lift ticket prices are relatively inexpensive considering its sizeable terrain spread across three mountains. With different family activities and events on offer every night, it's no wonder why this resort has become a favorite!

Best month to go

February

February is the best time to visit Smugglers' Notch Resort as there will be enough snowfall and it’s cold enough to retain the great conditions.

FLY TO

Burlington International Airport

DRIVE/SHUTTLE TO

Smuggler's Notch (1 hour)

Village East Community/Village West Community (Walk)

  • Base of Morse Mountain
  • Easy walk to Village Center amenities and dining
  • Wide range of condos and townhouses

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Highlands Hill Community (Walk)

  • Located upper mountain on Morse Mountain in Morse Highlands area
  • Close to Morse Highlands lift
  • Far from Village Center, shuttle required

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West Hill Community (Walk)

  • Situated mid-way up Morse Mountain
  • Limited amenities
  • Walk or short shuttle to Village Center

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North Hill Community (0.50 mi)

  • Short walk to Smuggs Central
  • Far from Village Center and slopes, shuttle required
  • Newest Community at Smuggler's Notch

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For beginners

Morse Mountain is for beginners. All the beginner runs are here plus there are only two intermediate and one advanced trail so there's little chance of more experienced skiers speeding past. There are a variety of greens here but our favorite would have to be the Magic Learning Trail; a gentle slope with the perfect mellow pitch so beginners won't lose control.

For intermediates

There's a wide range of blue runs on Madonna Mountain and Sterling Mountain. From wide groomers to glades and even steep windy trails, intermediates will have plenty to shred. Our top pick for intermediates is Upper Chilcoot from the summit of Madonna Mountain. The views from the top are impeccable and you can even enjoy them as you head down this thrilling run!

For experts

Madonna Mountain and Sterling Mountain serve up a variety of steeps, moguls, and glades for advanced skiers and snowboarders to enjoy along with their 6 terrain parks! Doc Dempsey's glades offer quite a challenge for those looking to ski and ride between trees while Upper FIS is another favorite of ours and is where you'll find stashes of powder!

Find freshies

The best spot to find freshies is in the glades on Madonna Mountain and Sterling Mountain. They don't get tracked out quickly after a storm making them an ideal place to ride! Just be warned that these trails don't usually open if snow is lacking.

Ditch the crowds

The Village Lift and Village area at the base of Morse Mountain tend to have the most crowds and often sees the longest lift queues. Intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboards can avoid the crowds by staying on Sterling Mountain or Madonna Mountain until they're ready to call it a day.

Non skiers

Non-skiers will find plenty to keep them entertained at Smugglers' Notch. There's everything from zip line canopy tours to snowmobiling tours and even arts and craft workshops. For those just wanting to relax, there are hot tubs, massages or yoga classes!

Families

Smugglers' Notch is a fantastic family-friendly resort with wide trails for the whole family to ski together on. At night, the resort also offers a range of family activities and events such as family karaoke, airboard family fun races, and character dance parties.

Save up to 38% when you book a Smugglers' Notch Resort package!

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Smugglers' Notch Resort Reviews

Good 3.9 / 5
based on 17 reviews

How well the resort caters for beginner skiers / boarders

Beginners

How well the resort caters for intermediate skiers / boarders?

Intermediates

How well the resort caters for advanced skiers / boarders

Advanced

How accessible and convenient it is to get to this resort from a major destination

Accessibility

Quality of the off-piste terrain

Side/Backcountry

Overall value for money of the resort

Value for money

Quality of lifts, lift speed and lift layout in the resort

Lifts

Quantity and quality of the snow

Snow

How uncrowded is the resort

Uncrowded

Après ski and dining options

Town

Services and facilities e.g. child care, tubing, health care, equipment hire

Facilities

How family friendly is this resort?

Family Friendliness
Very Good!4 / 5Apr 20, 2020
Smugglers' Notch Resort ReviewsDanielle D.
advanced skier
We spent a few years in a row going to Smuggs for week. The most difficult trails never seemed to be open when we were there. The resort is very family friendly. They have. Lot of activities for kids and families to do. Huge heated pool and fun center was great for the teens.... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Jan 05, 2020
EBEric B.
advanced snowboarder
Smugg’s is a great family resort! We took our first family vacation to snowboard there last year and will be returning this year. The instructors were great with the kids. And the powder was great for the adults! Best East Coast trip ever!... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Dec 02, 2019
Smugglers' Notch Resort ReviewsEddie L.
expert skier
Smugglers' Notch should be considered the premier family ski destination of the Northeast. HEAVILY family-oriented, especially for young kids. Adults will still find enjoyable terrain on the mountain, but if you're looking for a grown-up ski experience, other nearby mountains will probably be more satisfying.... More
Very Good!4.2 / 5Sep 04, 2019
Smugglers' Notch Resort ReviewsEric G.
expert skier
I really enjoy everytime I can make my way up to Smugglers Notch. I have gone there one long weekend every year for 20+ years, It does not draw as much attention as nearby Stowe, and feels much more of a locals resort. The terrain has something for all levels. They even have a triple black! I especially like that the whole mountain is open,... More
Average!3.3 / 5Jul 01, 2019
Smugglers' Notch Resort ReviewsBen M.
advanced snowboarder
Smuggs was an awesome old school resort I enjoyed riding all the two man lifts and the small lodge, also the terrain was incredible very steep and nice tree runs. I would love to get to shred smuggs on a POW day... More
Good!3.8 / 5Jul 01, 2019
Smugglers' Notch Resort ReviewsMark W.
expert skier
So much terrain at Smugglers Notch! One of the best resorts in the east Coast. Family friendly but also great for the expert skier. Definitely a resort I would go back to!... More
Good!3.7 / 5May 03, 2019
Smugglers' Notch Resort ReviewsKeith S.
expert skier
The notch is sweet. Period. You will find something there you will enjoy, especially if the glades are your thing. Right down the highway from Stowe, Sugarbush, and Mad River you can often overlook this place but to those who know it is a hidden gem. Definitely worth a peak the next time you are in the area.... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5May 11, 2018
Smugglers' Notch Resort ReviewsGregory D.
advanced skier
A great family friendly mountain with terrain for new skiiers/riders and experts. They have multiple peaks with AMAZING glades. The only downside is the old out dated slow lifts. But the waterpark is super cool... More
Very Good!4 / 5May 02, 2018
Smugglers' Notch Resort ReviewsErik F.
expert skier
Great fun, nice steeps, better glades, plenty of natural beauty but oh those lifts..... yikes. Best mountain with the worst lifts. Taking the low speed undetatchable doubles up 2000 vert on a freezing windy January day ain't no joke.... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Apr 26, 2018
Smugglers' Notch Resort ReviewsMichael F.
advanced skier
Have been going to Smuggs, for 18 years. Kids learned how to ski there, when they were 2. Been bringing up their friends, also. Terrain for everyone,, Great for beginners, Great for Advanced Great glades Never crowded Always something to do, with the family... More