Resort Overview: This resort markets itself as America's Family Resort, and with good reason. It has been ranked #1 in North America for ski school, teen programs and child care by readers of Snow Country magazine, and #1 Parent's Favorite resort in the East. In addition, the resort has the guts to offer a "Family Fun Guaranteed" program. Family members participating in the resort's ski programs are guaranteed to have a good time, or the entire program portion of their stay will be refunded. This guarantee also applies to kids participating in the FamilyFest program, including the all day ski camp. The resort combines award-winning children's programs with good skiing at all levels. Other amenities include a heated pool, ice skating, snow shoeing, family tube sliding, evening family entertainment activities, and kids night out programs on selected evenings. Great family packages are offered during selected weeks.
What's New This Year: -Smugglers' added pumps, pipe, guns, and hoses in a large snowmaking upgrade that will increase trail coverage and allow quicker recovery from unpredictable Mother Nature. -There's a new season pass that will allow beginners to intermediates, families, and kids to enjoy all of Morse Mountain's 17 trails for the entire season for $159. The pass includes access to Sir Henry's Park (a gentle learn-to ski/ride area with handle tow), a children's terrain park, and science nature stations. Pass holders will also be able to enjoy the Morse Highlands lodge built last season, two intermediate and two expert trails, a 2-mile long beginner loop, and free hot chocolate at the bonfire every afternoon!
-The popular Chilcoot trail received a "facelift" this summer. Blasting and grading have improved the fall line and width of the section known as the blueberry patch near the summit. Snowmaking will be extended to this area as well.
-Teen groupings in the Snow Sport University camps were expanded to offer a new program for 11-14 year olds, the Notch Squad. Notch Squad participants will receive instruction in skiing or snowboarding, enjoy fun races, mountain adventures, and guided treks in a full day format that includes lunch.
-A new "SmuggsCross" for skiers and riders will open this season on Madonna Mountain. The "SmuggsCross" offers a group start into banked turns, rolls, spines, and gates in a motocross-style format. Head-to-head or solo times will automatically be displayed at the finish!
-For adults who want to try snowboarding, special instructors from the Snow Sport University will employ new ideas, techniques, and equipment in the Just for Adults snowboarding program debuting this season.
Resort Statistics:
Base Elevation: 1,003
Summit: 3,640
Vertical Drop: 2, 610
Skiable Acres: 1,000
Average Annual Snowfall: 283"
Season: November 24th -mid-April
Snowmaking: Yes
Night Skiing: No
Ski-Only Areas: No
Snowboarding Offered: Yes
Snowboarding Trails: 60
Terrain Parks: 3; 1 halfpipe
Cross Country Skiing Offered: Yes; 14 miles of trails
Lift Ticket Prices: $48 Adult; $34 Child; Kids 6 and under ski Free.
Passes/Discounts Available: Yes; Club Smuggs Vacation Package which offers lodging, lift ticket, lessons and more at a big 30% discount. Visit their website for more details and other packages.
Day Care: Alice's Wonderland Child Enrichment Center is Vermont's best, fully-certified child care facility for children 6 weeks and older. Our state-of-the-art, million-dollar facility offers giant fish tanks, hands-on sand and water tables, gigantic teddy bears, exercise games, storytelling, nap times and crib room. Outdoors there's the petting pen, Pirate Ship Playground and sliding. Our child-to-professional caregiver ratio assures full attention to your children. Alice's offers three programs - Open daily from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm; Fireflies (ages 6 weeks to 16 months); Little Dippers (ages 17 months to 2 1/2 years); Little Rascals (ages 2 1/2 to 3 years). Rates are: $55 per day; $225 for 5 days. Space is limited. Reservations recommended at least 7 days in advance. 50% cancellation fee within 24 hours for all Alice's programs. Beepers are $10/day.
* One child care program FREE per paid adult on Club Smugglers' Package for guests lodging in studio size accommodations or larger with advance child care reservations. Space limited. Cancellation fee applies.
Children's Lessons: Discovery Dynamos Ski Camp ( ages 3-5) A full day program for all abilities that encourages skiing development and builds confidence through innovative teaching techniques. Plus fun games, guided science discovery and activities on and off the slopes. Even tots as young as 2 years can take private lessons. 9:15 am to 2:15 pm, with entertainment/learning session until 4:00 pm. $69 per day, per child. Special multi-day rates available when added to vacation packages. Child must be out of diapers. Adventure Rangers Ski / Snowboard Camp ( ages 6 12). Enjoy a sense of fun and adventure learning to ski or snowboard with supervised instruction for all abilities. Guided on-slope treks, fun races, interactive nature and science discovery with on-mountain games. After a day on the slopes, crowd-pleasing events and games keep your kids entertained. We'll even provide an Adventure Journal so kids can record all the fun memories. 9:15 am to 2:15 pm, with entertainment and learning sessions until 4:00 pm. $69 per day, per child. Special multi-day rates available when added to vacation packages.
Babysitting: Evening babysitters can be arranged in your Village home for $8 per hour, first child and $1 per hour for each additional child.
Family Recreational Activities: Smuggs' has several family oriented activities including: a heated pool; outdoor skating rink; snowshoeing; tub sliding; sleigh rides; horseback rides; cross-country skiing; Karoke; Bingo; Family Game Nights; Weekly fireworks; Snowmobile touring; petting pen and Bonfires just to name a few.
Lodging: Accommodations rated AAA 3 Diamond! You will feel secure in our 70 acre Resort Village where all activities and amenities are located within a convenient walk. Settle into your own family-style cozy mountain home with floor plans ranging from studios to 5-bedroom townhouses, many with fireplaces and balconies with mountain or woodland views. Studio accommodations are popular with couples and families with one or two young children. This efficient one room open floor plan combines kitchenette, dining, living, bath and sleeping arrangements for up to four. The one bedroom condominiums have a full kitchen with living room, dining area, separate bedroom, sleep sofa, bath and sleeping arrangements for four. Two bedroom condominiums offer the privacy of a second bedroom with one or two baths. Three, four and five bedroom homes offer flexibility for large, extended and multi-family vacations. All condominium homes have cable TV, telephones and access to laundry facilities. Accommodations are supplied with linens, cookware and utensils. Daily maid service is available at a nominal fee.
Amenities: The Village has a pizzeria, bakery and two excellent restaurants with cuisine ranging from country-style breakfasts to complete dinners and family-style fare. On the mountains, you'll find a variety of cafeteria and restaurant-style eateries. The surrounding area boasts 8 great restaurants within a 10 minute drive. Dining options range from continental cuisine to regional and ethnic favorites
Transportation Available: Airlines: All major international carriers serve our nearby Gateway Cities of Boston, Montreal and New York. Service to Burlington International Airport, Vermont is available via USAirways, Continental, United, Delta, and Northwest Airlink. Amtrak Train: Train Service is available up and down the East Coast of The United States, via Amtrak. The closest depot to Smugglers' Notch, is Essex Junction, Vermont. Airport/Amtrak Transfers: Van Shuttle Service is available to Smugglers' Notch Resort with 48 hours advance reservations. Children 12 & under ride free, with a minimum of two paid adults. Car Rentals: Every Gateway Airport including Burlington, Vermont has multiple car rental agencies at each location. It is recommended that during peak holiday time periods, a reservation be made in advance of your arrival in the U.S. Major interstate highways provide easy access to northern Vermont. Highways are well- maintained for winter travel.
Awards: #1 Family Resort in North America - Ski Magazine - Reader Survey; #1 Family Resort in North America - Skiing Magazine - Editor's choice; North America's Most Family Friendly Resort - Mountain Sports & Living; #1 Family Ski Resort - Family Fun Magazine; Best Family Ski Resort - Family Travel Network Poll; Family Resorts Of The Year Award - Family Circle - 3 years in a row; Best Ski Resort for Families - Travel and Leisure Magazine.
