Smugglers' Notch

4323 State Rte 108 South
Jeffersonville, VT 05464
800-419-4615
smuggs.com

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Beginning in the mid-1970s, Smugglers' Notch, located on the other side of Mount Mansfield from chic and trendy Stowe, decided to concentrate on the overlooked and underserved family market. Today Smuggs, as it is commonly known, is the undisputed king of that mountain, ranked No. 1 in North America in the family programs category by the readers of Ski magazine for the seventh time. Covering three separate mountains, including one just for beginners, Smugglers' Notch is essentially an all-inclusive winter sports camp where family members go their own way by day and reassemble by night in the activity-laden base village.

MOUNTAIN INFO

Base elevation: 1,030 feet
Summit elevation: 3,640 feet
Vertical drop: 2,610 feet
Skiable acres: 1,000
Lifts: 8 (6 double chairs, 2 surface lifts)
Trails: 78
Trail breakdown: 22 percent beginner, 53 percent intermediate, 19 percent black diamond, 6 percent black-double diamond, and one triple-black diamond, the only in the East.
Must-ski trails: Upper/Lower Drifter, Freefall
Snowmaking capability: 62 percent

HOURS

Weekdays, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Weekends, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

PRICING

Midweek/weekend, $60 adult (over 18), and $44 all others
Holiday, $64 adult, $46 all others

Season pass
$599 adults, $439 youth (13-18), $379 child (3-12)

Rental rates
$44 adults, $35 youth (17 and under)

Lessons
Snow Sports University offering 1 1/2-, 2 1/2- and 4-hour programs. 1 1/2-hour group lessons $45; Max5 (no more than 5 students) 2 1/2-hour lesson $75

Special deals and packages
Mid-winter 5-7 night ski-and-stay packages begin at $129 (adults) and $115 (ages 3-17) per person per night. Almost all of Smuggs' guests are on some sort of package, catered to their individual needs in accordance with the size of their family, length of day, and quality of accommodation.

OTHER SNOW ACTIVITIES

Snowboarding: four terrain parks, including one for beginners, and one superpipe
Snowtubing
Cross-country skiing: 34 km of trails
Snowshoeing: 24 km of trails
Guided winter walks

FOR THE KIDS

Literally dozens of learn-to-ski programs for children of all ages and interests, starting with the Little Rascals on Snow program for 2 1/2- to 3-year-olds. When slopes close, the action moves indoors with various entertainment centers, game rooms and indoor pools. At night are a new set of activities, including theatrical performances, movies, games, two teen centers, and a weekly torchlight parade. Daycare (6 weeks-3 years) full day $72.

ON-SITE LODGING

More than 600 condos (from studio to 4-bedroom) in five base communities.

OFF-SITE LODGING

Smugglers' Notch Inn: luxurious, completely renovated Vermont-themed rooms in 200-year-old building, all with fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs. 55 Church St., Jeffersonville, VT; 802-644-6607.

Three Mountain Lodge: a mile from Smuggs resort, offers secluded wooded cottages and romantic fine dining in the main lodge. Route 108S Smugglers' Notch Road, Jeffersonville, VT; 802-644-5736.

Deerrun Motor Inn: quiet, 25-unit motor lodge with moderately priced accommodations. 80 Deerrun Loop, Jeffersonville, VT; 800-354-2728;

ON-SITE FOOD AND DRINK

Cafeterias in the Madonna and Sterling Base Lodges and at the Morse Highlands Lodge. At the Base Lodge is Black Bear Tavern, Green Pepper, Snow's Chowder Pot, and Snow's BBQ, while in the village are Morse Mountain Grille, Green Mountain Deli, Ben & Jerry's and Rigo Bello's Pizza

OFF-SITE FOOD AND DRINK

Village Tavern at the Smuggler's Notch Inn: 55 Church St., Jeffersonville, VT; 802-644-6607. Log Cabin Restaurant at Three Mountain Lodge: romantic, fireside fine dining that comes as a welcome respite -- especially to parents -- from the Smuggs' routine. Route 108S Smugglers' Notch Road, Jeffersonville, VT; 802-644-5736.