Smugglers’ Notch Resort

In the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, Smugglers’ Notch Resort has built an identity that extends far beyond its ski area. Commonly known as “Smuggs,” the resort promotes itself under the slogan “America’s Family Resort” and structures its offerings around a very specific idea: to make it easy for families of all ages to enjoy a mountain vacation together without the entire experience revolving exclusively around skiing.

Its territory spans three mountains—Morse, Madonna, and Sterling— and combines protected areas for beginners with advanced runs, tree runs, and some of the most challenging terrain on the U.S. East Coast. Surrounding the slopes is a year-round mountain resort featuring lodging, a ski and snowboard school, childcare for very young children, on-site transportation, indoor activities, cross-country skiing, swimming pools, hiking, mountain biking, and an extensive recreational program.

This combination helps explain why Smugglers’ Notch doesn’t just market itself as a family-friendly resort. Its offerings are designed to meet the needs of the entire group: from a baby who isn’t yet ready to hit the slopes to an expert skier looking for steep slopes and natural terrain.

Smugglers’ Notch, a place steeped in history in Vermont’s Green Mountains

Smugglers’ Notch Resort is located in Jeffersonville, in northern Vermont, amid the forested landscape of the Green Mountains. The resort is situated near the Smugglers’ Notch mountain pass, whose name is linked to the historical use of this route for smuggling during the 19th century. The name Smugglers’ Notch comes from the narrow mountain pass between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, which is now traversed by the winding Vermont Route 108. The term “notch,” commonly used in New England, refers to a narrow pass between mountains; Smugglers’ Notch can therefore be translated as “the smugglers’ pass”.

Its name is linked to the smuggling that took place between Vermont and Canada in the early 19th century. Following the passage of the Embargo Act of 1807 by the Thomas Jefferson administration, trade between the United States and Great Britain and its territories was prohibited. The measure particularly affected Vermont, whose economy was closely tied to that of neighboring Canada.

Some trade continued illegally. British goods, agricultural products, and livestock were transported across various border routes. The terrain at Smugglers’ Notch provided natural hiding places and made it difficult for authorities to monitor the area.

Today, Route 108 winds its way through massive boulders and sharp curves. The central section is closed to traffic during the winter and becomes a hub for snow-based activities. Smugglers’ Notch Resort, located on the north side of the pass, adopted this name and made its unique history an essential part of the destination’s identity.

Morse Mountain, Madonna Mountain, and Sterling Mountain: Three mountains with distinct personalities

The Smugglers’ Notch ski area spans Morse Mountain, Madonna Mountain, and Sterling Mountain. The ski resort features a total of 78 trails and eight lifts, with runs suited to various skill levels.

The division between the three mountains helps organize skier traffic and create distinct areas. Morse Mountain is home to much of the family-friendly and beginner experience, while Madonna and Sterling offer more challenging terrain and a greater variety of advanced runs.

This layout is one of Smugglers’ Notch’s main selling points. Its focus on families doesn’t mean the resort is limited to easy slopes. While beginners can progress in areas separated from the faster traffic, experienced skiers will find black runs, moguls, wooded sections, and technical runs characteristic of New England skiing.

Morse Mountain: A Place for Learning

Morse Mountain is the main point of entry for many families. Its proximity to the village, the school, rental properties, and various services makes it easier to get organized during the first few days.

Located in this area is Sir Henry’s Learning Hill, a space designed for first-time skiers and snowboarders. Skiers and snowboarders can continue to progress using lifts and runs that allow them to gradually move from basic exercises to longer runs.

The presence of a separate learning area reduces initial contact with fast skiers and helps children and adults build confidence. Rather than requiring beginners to immediately adapt to the general flow of the mountain, the terrain is designed to support their progress step by step.

Morse Mountain shouldn’t be seen merely as a small children’s area. It also allows climbers to build their skills, practice turns, and gain confidence before moving on to the upper sections.

Madonna and Sterling: Smuggs’ Most Challenging Run

Madonna Mountain and Sterling Mountain showcase another side of Smugglers’ Notch. These areas feature steeper slopes, narrow runs, bumps, and trails through the trees.

Vermont’s terrain and vegetation make for a very different skiing experience than the wide-open spaces of the Rockies or the Alps. Forests line the slopes, changes in gradient take on special importance, and conditions can vary considerably throughout the day.

This area allows families with varying skill levels to find options within the same destination. While some members of the group take lessons or stay in Morse, more advanced skiers can explore Madonna and Sterling.

Smugglers’ Notch reports an annual average of nearly 300 inches of snow, or about 7.6 meters. As is the case at any resort in the Eastern United States, actual conditions depend on the specific season and the interplay between natural snowfall, temperature fluctuations, and artificial snowmaking.

Snow Sport University: Learning Is Part of the Experience

Instruction plays a central role in Smugglers’ Notch’s identity. Its Snow Sport University offers ski and snowboard programs for different ages and skill levels, ranging from introductory lessons to sessions designed to improve technique.

The learning experience is based both on the terrain layout and on age-specific programs. The resort organizes group lessons, children’s programs, and offerings for people trying skiing or snowboarding for the first time.

During the 2025–2026 season, for example, the resort offered a beginner program for participants ages seven and up and night sessions at Sir Henry’s Learning Hill. Schedules, age requirements, and rates are subject to change, so be sure to check them when planning each trip.

The importance of Snow Sport University lies not only in the number of classes available. Its true purpose is to connect the different stages of learning: getting familiar with the equipment, balance, first turns, using the ski lifts, and gradually moving on to longer runs.

For a family with several children, this organization can alleviate one of the main challenges of a ski trip: coordinating activities that are suitable for participants of different ages and skill levels.

Traveling to the Snow with Babies and Toddlers

One of Smugglers’ Notch’s most unique services is the TREASURES Child Care Center. The center welcomes children from six weeks to three years of age and offers a space for care and activities within the resort.

This option significantly broadens the range of families who might consider a ski vacation. Traveling with a baby usually requires adults to take turns skiing or to seek outside solutions. Having a specialized center right at the destination makes it possible to organize certain parts of the day differently.

The resort has also announced that private childcare services are available, although the terms, schedules, and reservation procedures must be checked directly with the resort.

Starting at age three, the offerings expand to include children’s programs tailored to different age groups. In the summer, for example, Smugglers’ Notch organizes camps for children ages three to six, adventure programs for older children, and activities specifically designed for teenagers.

This continuity between care, learning, and recreation helps ensure that the resort’s family-friendly image is backed by concrete services and not just a marketing slogan.

A station for several generations

The combination of childcare, learning areas, expert terrain, non-skiing activities, and spacious accommodations makes Smugglers’ Notch a particularly good choice for multigenerational groups.

The following can live together in the same room:

• Babies treated at TREASURES.
• Children learning to ski at Morse Mountain.
• Teenagers who participate in sports.
• Adults who ski in Madonna or Sterling.
• Family members who prefer snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or the resort’s facilities.

This approach ensures that not everyone has to follow the same program. The family experience is not built by forcing the group to stay together at all times, but rather by offering parallel activities and facilitating subsequent reunions.

The layout of the accommodations and internal transportation also play an important role. They reduce some of the logistics associated with cars, the transport of materials, and changes in activities throughout the day.

FunZone 2.0: When the Day Continues Indoors

FunZone 2.0 is one of the most iconic attractions among Smugglers’ Notch’s complementary offerings. With an approximate area of 26,000 square feet—about 2,415 square meters—, it features a variety of indoor entertainment options.

The facility features arcade areas, laser tag, climbing structures, inflatable play areas, and recreational activities. Its schedule and available amenities may vary by season.

Inside FunZone 2.0 is The Ozone, a family-friendly area whose summer lineup includes attractions such as a large inflatable slide, ping-pong, mini-golf, and other games.

This center is particularly useful in three situations: after skiing, during periods of inclement weather, or when some members of the group want to do something different.

Smugglers’ Notch aims to extend the experience beyond the ski lift hours. The family day out can continue indoors without having to leave the resort.

Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter activities

Downhill skiing isn’t the only way to experience winter at Smugglers’ Notch. The resort features a Nordic trail network of approximately 30 kilometers for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

These activities offer a glimpse into a more peaceful side of Vermont’s landscape. Visitors venture into the woods, away from the hustle and bustle of the ski lifts, and explore the area at a different pace.

The program may include guided tours focused on nature, local history, wildlife, or maple traditions. Specific availability depends on the season and conditions.

Condominium-style accommodations: more space to share

Accommodations at Smugglers’ Notch are primarily comprised of homes and condos spread across five communities within the resort.

This model is well suited to the needs of families and groups. Compared to a conventional hotel room, condos can offer living areas, fully equipped kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and greater flexibility in organizing meals and schedules.

For a family with young children, having a kitchen and a washing machine can make a stay of several days much easier. For two families traveling together, a spacious home allows them to share common areas while still having separate bedrooms.

The resort recommends booking directly so that your accommodations can be combined with its various activity and access packages. Please review the terms and conditions at the time of booking.

A shuttle service to get around Smugglers’ Notch

Smugglers’ Notch offers a free on-site shuttle service that connects the various lodging areas with the slopes, activities, and amenities.

The system prevents families from having to constantly use their cars and makes it easier to get around with children or luggage. Depending on the season, the service may operate via continuous routes, fixed stops, or on-demand options.

Given the layout of the roads and the resort, it’s a good idea to check the map before you arrive. The location of your accommodations determines how close you are to Morse Mountain, FunZone 2.0, the pools, and other facilities.

Restaurants and Life in the Smugglers’ Notch Village

Dining at Smugglers’ Notch is primarily geared toward casual, family-friendly meals. Guests can choose to cook in their condos or dine at the various restaurants scattered throughout the resort.

The Perk

The Perk offers coffee, espresso drinks, smoothies, and light options to start your day.

Morse Mountain Grille

Morse Mountain Grille offers a sit-down dining experience for lunch and dinner, with a menu tailored to different customer groups.

Green Mountain Eatery y ReFuel Café

These establishments round out the quick-service and casual dining options within the village. Availability and hours may vary between summer and winter.

Hearth & Candle

Hearth & Candle focuses on New England-inspired cuisine in a more relaxed setting.

Village Pizzeria

Village Pizzeria offers pizzas, salads, pasta, and simple meals to share with the family.

Ben & Jerry’s

The presence of Ben & Jerry’s links the resort to one of Vermont’s best-known food brands. The ice cream shop is a particularly popular stop during the summer season.

Waffle Cabin

In winter, the Waffle Cabins serve hot, sugary waffles as a snack between runs or at the end of the day.

The opening hours of each establishment depend on the schedule and the season. It’s a good idea to check the hours before planning lunch or dinner.

Smugglers’ Notch in the Summer

When the snow melts, Smugglers’ Notch transforms its family-friendly atmosphere into a summer vacation destination. The peak summer season runs from June 12 to September 7, with dates varying slightly each year.

During this period, the resort offers access to swimming pools, water slides, natural swimming areas, guided tours, mountain biking, disc golf, mini-golf, family activities, and children’s programs.

The summer program is not simply a way to make use of the winter facilities. It features its own facilities and programs that make the village a vacation destination in its own right, independent of skiing.

Swimming Pools and Water Areas

Smugglers’ Notch has eight pools, along with water slides and swimming areas. One of its main attractions is Mountainside Water Playground.

This facility features different areas so that children and adults can enjoy it at the same time, including a main pool, Little Smugglers’ Lagoon—designed for young children—a small children’s slide, and the main attraction for all ages: the Giant Rapid River Ride. The slide is approximately 300 feet long, or about 91 meters.

Access to swimming pools and water parks depends on the type of accommodation or pass you’ve purchased. The Summer Daycation package, for example, includes access to swimming pools, water slides, swimming areas, guided tours, and some activities.

Hiking in the Green Mountains

The resort’s location provides access to hiking trails suited to different fitness levels. Smugglers’ Notch offers guided walks, fitness trails, and longer hikes.

Vermont’s forests, waterways, and the terrain of the Green Mountains provide the main backdrop. Some trails run through the property, while others venture into the area surrounding the pass.

The program also includes unique activities, such as excursions accompanied by llamas, organized by a local company. During this activity, the animals carry some of the equipment and supplies along the route.

Mountain bike

Smugglers’ Notch features trails and a mountain biking skills area. Its programs are designed for both beginners and riders who want to improve their control and technique on the trails.

The program includes clinics and guided sessions, with schedules that vary depending on the dates and age groups.

Disc golf

Disc golf plays an important role in the resort’s summer activities. Smugglers’ Notch offers courses and beginner programs for different skill levels.

In addition to Village 9, a nine-hole course, the property is associated with golf courses and events that have helped establish the sport’s presence in the destination.

Vermont Country Fair

The Vermont Country Fair is a family-friendly event held at the Village Green. It combines games, races, music, and food in a community-oriented atmosphere.

This activity is a good example of the Smugglers’ Notch model: the program isn’t just designed to keep the kids busy, but to create moments the whole family can share.

Summer Programs for Children and Teens

The winter educational and recreational program continues through the summer with Summer Fun University.

TREASURES continues to care for children from six weeks to three years of age. For older children, the resort offers day camps and age-specific programs.

The proposals include:

• Classic Discovery Camp for children ages three to six.
• Notch: Your Typical Adventure Camp for ages seven to twelve.
• High Adventure Specialty Program for participants ages nine to fifteen.
• Mountain bike programs.
• Swimming lessons.
• Beginner and Advanced Disc Golf.
• Kids’ Night Out for children ages five to twelve.

Activities and age groups may change each season, but they demonstrate the breadth of a program that supports various stages of growth.

ArborTrek Zip Line Canopy Tour

The ArborTrek Zip Line Canopy Tour adds a touch of adventure to your stay. The experience allows you to explore the forest via zip lines and platforms set up among the trees.

Please check availability, physical requirements, age or weight limits, and rates directly with the provider before booking. ArborTrek may operate under specific conditions that differ from the activities included in the resort’s general packages.

Environment: Initiatives That Need to Be Measured

Smugglers’ Notch integrates environmental protection into its corporate identity. The resort highlights initiatives related to energy efficiency, solar energy, recycling, waste reduction and management, wildlife and habitat protection, environmental education, and the responsible use of resources.

These actions indicate a commitment to integrating environmental management into tourism activities. However, to accurately assess their scope, we need quantified indicators that we do not have at I Love Ski at the time of writing this content: energy consumption, installed solar capacity, emissions reduction, water use, or the percentage of waste recovered. For this reason, we prefer to refer to environmental initiatives that, taken as a whole, qualify the resort as sustainable.

Visitors can also find nature exploration activities and guided tours that cover topics such as wildlife, forests, and local heritage.

Community, Inclusion, and Accessibility

Smugglers’ Notch highlights its connection to the Vermont community through donations, partnerships, and local programs. Among the organizations mentioned by the resort is Make-A-Wish. The resort also has a policy focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for both visitors and employees. Part of this commitment includes tailored programs, such as SNAP, which aims to facilitate the participation of people with specific needs in resort activities.

Accessibility should not be limited to a general statement. Guests interested in accessible facilities, assistance, or mobility requirements should contact the resort directly to confirm the services available during their stay.

A Business Award in Vermont

In 2026, Smugglers’ Notch Resort was named Best Downhill Ski Area at the VermontBiz Best of Business Awards.

These awards recognize Vermont companies in more than 100 categories and are based on votes cast by readers and representatives of the state’s business community. The 2026 edition received more than 75,000 votes between January and March.

This recognition should not be interpreted as a universal technical ranking of ski resorts, but rather as a specific business award that reflects the evaluation results obtained through the process organized by VermontBiz. Incidentally, Smugglers’ Notch had already been honored in this same category in previous years, including 2025.

Brandon Swartz Takes Over as CEO of Smugglers

On June 10, 2026, Smugglers’ Notch announced the appointment of Brandon Swartz as its new CEO.

His professional career has been closely tied to Vermont. Swartz learned to ski at Mount Snow as a child and later worked there teaching children to ski. He studied Recreation Resource and Ski Resort Management at Vermont State University in Lyndon and was also a member of the Burke Mountain patrol team.

After more than two decades in the ski industry, he held management positions at various U.S. ski resorts. Before joining Smugglers’ Notch, he was general manager of Attitash Mountain and Wildcat Ski Area in New Hampshire.

In his new position, he will oversee all resort operations and work with employees, homeowners, local businesses, and community partners.

His appointment comes as the resort enters a new phase in partnership with Bear Den Partners and the Stritzler family. Management has stated that its goal is to preserve the resort’s family-oriented culture, strengthen its ties to the community, and ensure its long-term sustainability.

The Highlights of Smugglers’ Notch

Smugglers’ Notch offers a unique combination of amenities, terrain, and activities.

A family-oriented specialty backed by services

Its positioning as “America’s Family Resort” is brought to life through daycare, a ski school, age-specific programs, spacious accommodations, transportation, and indoor activities.

Terrain for a wide range of skill levels

Morse makes it easy to learn and improve, while Madonna and Sterling offer trails and natural terrain for advanced skiers.

Multigenerational Vacations

The wide range of activities available allows babies, children, teenagers, adults, and seniors to enjoy different activities within the same destination.

Accommodations designed for family stays

The condos feature kitchens, living areas, and various bedroom layouts.

A true four-season experience

Swimming pools, hiking, biking, disc golf, and children’s programs keep things lively throughout the summer.

A community-based model

Relationships with employees, owners, local businesses, and organizations in Vermont play a prominent role in the resort’s messaging and management.

Frequently Asked Questions About Smugglers’ Notch

Is Smugglers’ Notch a good resort for beginners?

Yes. Morse Mountain and Sir Henry’s Learning Hill are specifically designed for learning. The resort also offers ski and snowboard programs for different age groups.

Are there slopes for expert skiers?

Yes. Madonna Mountain and Sterling Mountain offer advanced trails, bumps, wooded areas, and more challenging terrain.

How many trails are there at Smugglers’ Notch?

The resort’s official report lists 78 alpine runs and eight ski lifts.

Can you travel to Smugglers’ Notch with a baby?

Yes. TREASURES Child Care Center accepts children as young as six weeks old. You must make a reservation and check the terms and availability in advance.

Does the resort offer accommodations with a kitchen?

Yes. A significant portion of their accommodations consists of condos with a kitchen, living room, and various bedroom configurations. The exact amenities vary by unit.

Are there activities for people who don’t ski?

Yes. Winter activities may include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, sledding, ice skating, swimming pools, family activities, and FunZone 2.0.

Is Smugglers’ Notch open during the summer?

Yes. The resort offers swimming pools, water slides, hiking, mountain biking, disc golf, children’s programs, and family activities. The 2026 peak summer season is scheduled for June 12 through September 7.

Is it necessary to use a car within the resort?

Smugglers’ Notch offers a free on-site shuttle service. Its operation and schedule depend on the season and the location of your accommodations.

What sets Smugglers’ Notch apart from other resorts in Vermont?

Its main distinguishing feature is the integration of a complex with land zoned for different levels within a resort designed around the needs of families: education, childcare, lodging, transportation, indoor activities, and annual programming.