The mountain, at a glance
Award-winning kids' programs and a walkable village make Smuggs a family favorite — while three peaks hide steep, natural-snow lines for experts.
A family-first village with three mountains and serious terrain for experts.
Skiable acres
311
Vertical drop
2,610 ft
Trails
78
Lifts
8
Who's it for?
Plan your first day
Morse is the natural starting point for learners; more experienced skiers can explore Madonna and Sterling.
Route 108 through the Notch closes in winter. Do not plan a drive over the pass from Stowe.
Know before you go
🚧 VT-108 Notch closed in winter
No winter shortcut from Stowe. Coming from the south, approach via Jeffersonville (Route 15) instead.
Aprés-ski & local pours
Scene: Laid-back family
Brewster River Pub & Brewery
Jeffersonville
House beers a couple miles down Route 108.
Open in MapsLocal picks — hours change seasonally, so check before you go.
Our experience there
In our opinion, Smugglers' Notch—or "Smuggs"—is the absolute gold standard for family ski vacations on the East Coast. Everything about the resort is designed to make family trips stress-free, from their world-class ski school to the convenient slopeside condos and village activities. But do not let the family reputation fool you; Smuggs packs some serious heat for experts, including Madonna Mountain's infamous Black Hole, which is the only triple black diamond in the East. The glades here are deep, dense, and full of natural snow. The main trade-off is their lifts—they exclusively run slow, fixed-grip double chairs, so prepare for longer, colder rides to the top.
Where to stay
The resort village is convenient for lessons and family activities; Jeffersonville provides nearby alternatives.
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