SMUGGLERS' NOTCH RESORT GUIDE
Images courtesy of Smuggler's Notch
Smugglers' Notch Resort Overview
"America's Family Resort" is the official slogan of Smugglers' Notch "Sumggs," but don't let that statement fool you. While Smuggs boasts one of the best ski schools on the East Coast, this independent resort can go toe-to-toe with any resort in the east for terrain variety. Smuggs holds a true old-school New England design that features: narrow-cut groomed runs, an abundance of pristinly manicured glades, and two seat, fixed-grip chairlifts keep the nostalgia flowing at Smuggs. Fun fact: Smugglers' Notch got its name when alcohol smugglers used the notch between Sterling Mountain and Mt. Mansfield during prohibition.
The resort is made up of 3 unique peaks. Families and new skiers typically stick to Morse Mountain, the only place you can find green-rated trails. Powder hounds flock to Madonna and Sterling Mountains for their copius high-burning turns and technical obstacles. The lake-effect produces a healthy, average annual snowfall of 280 inches to the delight of locals and tourists alike. The resort is 1-hour from the airport in Burlington, VT or 3.5 hours from Boston, MA or Albany, NY and the trip to Smuggs is well worth it. You will find lodging suitable enough, though not luxurious, for your family, friends, or ski club. Smuggs is a can't-miss resort on the East Coast.
Snow Reliability
Snow-Making & Grooming
Ski School
Travel Convenience
Accommodations
Terrain Variety
On Mountain Dining
Extreme / Off-Piste Terrain
Quick Take
Smuggs has 1,000+ acres of glades, steeps, groomers, and bumps
The Black Hole. The only triple-black diamond rated trail on the East Coast
Super family friendly. Check out the fire pit on Morse Mountain for daily hot chocolate
Some of the best snow on the East Coast. A 30-40" lake-effect storm is not uncommon here
Outstanding ski school. Smuggs team of well-trained, personable instructors uses a level system that increases in difficulty with progression. View all of Smuggs' ski school options here
Hesitations
The resort only has fixed-grip doubles lifts and the locals want to keep it this way. Getting up the mountain can be slow
Lodging is only available at the resort and while the options are nice, they may not fit all budgets. You won't find many alternatives nearby
The food on the mountain is pricey and mostly typical pub fare. There is not much more in the sourrounidng area
Smuggs laid pack après scene is tailored to those looking to enjoy a couple of beverages, listen to acoustic music, or take their kids for free hot chocolate around a bonfire
Insider Tips
Advanced skiers/riders should skip Morse Mountain completely. Head straight over to Lot #1 to beat the rush on Madonna and Sterling
When the Madonna I lift-line is long, head over to the Madonna II lift. Madonna II services ~65% of the terrain accessible by Madonna I, which makes it a great alternative to waiting in line. Go get those turns!
Look in between the trails for fresh turns. Smuggs has an open-trail policy as long as the area is not marked as closed
Book a snowshoe dinner on Sterling Mountain. Enjoy a sunset lift ride followed by drinks, music, and a five-course meal. You wrap up your experience with a guided snowshoe hike down the slopes under the moonlight. Snowshoe dinners are held every Tuesday night (weather permitting)
Smuggs is not featured on any mega-passes. Adult season passes start at just $369
Trail Map
For an in-depth breakdown of Smugg's terrain, head to our Mountain Guide. Top trails and mountain stats included.
Getting To & Around
We recommend having a car to visit Smugglers' Notch. Parking is free at all Smugglers' Notch Resort parking lots. We recommend arriving early to get a spot at Lot #1 (direct access to Sterling and Madonna Mountains).
Getting To
Closest Major Cities:
Montreal, Canada: Distance ~95 miles North West, Travel Time: ~2 hours
Boston, MA: Distance: ~210 miles South East, Travel Time: ~ 3.5-4 hours drive
New York City: 345 miles, ~5.5-6 hours drive
Other Nearby Destinations:
Burlington, VT: ~40 miles, ~50 minute drive
Stowe, VT: ~ 1 hour drive in the winter because the Smuggler's Notch Pass on Route 108 is closed
Neighboring Resorts
Smugglers' Notch is part of the Green Mountains and has many neighbors that make a good day trip.
Closet Neighbors on the Epic Pass
Stowe (30 miles, 45 minutes)
Okemo (~10 miles, ~2 hours, 10 minutes)
Other Nearby Vermont Resorts (Less than 1.5 hrs)
Bolton Valley (30 miles, ~45 mins)
Jay Peak (37 miles, ~50 minutes)
Mad River Glen (40 miles, ~1 hour)
Sugarbush (~40 miles, ~1 hour)
Killington (90 miles, 1 hour, 45 mins)
Travel by Plane
Closest major commercial airports:
BOS (Logan International Airport)
~215 miles South East, ~3 hrs 30 mins
YUL (Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeaux International Airport)
100 miles North West, ~2 hrs
Regional airport: BVT (Burlington International Airport)
~32 miles West, ~50 minutes
Travel By Bus
Smugglers' Notch offers shuttle service on-demand within the resort area. The shuttle can be reached at 802-644-1010 and will transport visitors to/from the mountain base to the sourrounding area.
Travel by Car
Cars are the best way to get to and get around at Smugglers' Notch
Pros: Parking is free; provides flexiblity to visit near by ski areas
Cons: None, maybe a car wash
Rideshares: rideshares are not reliable
