You know how Easter landed really early this year? Our family took full advantage of that and headed north to Vermont for the last weekend of March/first weekend of April and skied and snowboarded until our hearts were content. Where’d we stay? Where’d we ski? Was there a ski school? How many runs were open? Was there a pool? All of those burning questions and more are answered in our review of the family-friendly Smuggler’s Notch Resort, below.
Two full days of ski and snowboarding camp over Easter break on some of the best runs in the East for the win!
WHEN IN DOUBT, GO TO SMUGG’S
Smuggler’s Notch is a year-round resort located in Jeffersonville, Vermont, less than an hour from the U.S.-Canada border. It is routinely named by Ski Magazine as one of the “Top 20 Resorts in the East” (often taking the top spot) and was named one of the “Best Ski Resorts in the US and Canada” in Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards (2023) and the “Best Action-Packed Mountain Resort for Year-Round Fun” in Good Housekeeping’s Family Travel Awards (2024). Does Smugg’s live up to the hype, and if so — what causes it to be such a standout among families and skiers alike?
Time and time again, Smuggler’s Notch Resort ranks as one of the top ski resorts for families on the East Coast
smuggs: where no kid could ever be bored
Upon arrival to Smugg’s, a large, independent resort located in Vermont’s Green Mountains, we checked in at the amenity-filled village and were provided with a list of daily winter activities. Now when I tell you Smugg’s has got you covered when it comes to pleasing every.member.of.your.family, I’m not kidding. Here’s a list of what was being offered when we arrived:
Skiing and snowboarding (including private lessons and group lessons for all ages and abilities, and ski/snowboarding camp for kids ages 3-15) - on three mountains with over 70 runs
Cross-country skiing (including lessons)
Snowshoeing (including organized Family Snowshoe Scavenger Hunts)
Swimming (indoor pool)
Yoga (all types)
Snow tubing (day-tubing and glow-tubing at night!)
a massive two-story “FunZone” with inflatables, air hockey, ping-pong, laser tag, and an arcade
Board Game, Trivia, Video Game, and Movie Nights for Teens
Adult trivia and bingo
Jewelry Making
Family magic show
Meet and learn about Siberian sled dogs
Haunted history walks
Snowcat rides
Off-site dog sledding
Off-site ice fishing
With a list like this, everyone in the family will find something they enjoy. Need a down day from the mountain? Swim, head to the Fun Zone, and meet and learn about Siberian sled dogs. Do some yoga. Try ice fishing. The list of experiences is impressive, and I doubt you’ll ever make it to the end of it.
While we went for the winter activities, it’s important to note that Smugg’s has an absolutely INCREDIBLE array of opportunities and adventures for families for every season - zip-lining, disc golf, hiking, etc. Make sure to check them out here by clicking on the season icon on the top of the page.
Ivy rocking out with her instructor on the slopes
Most memorable activities for our crew of six included: skiing and snowboarding all three mountains (but of course), après ski mac and cheese bread bowls at the Black Bear Tavern at the Madonna Base Lodge, ski and snowboard camp for our 11, 10, and 5-year olds, an (intense) game of family laser tag, meeting the Siberian sled dogs, a family snowshoe scavenger hunt (the nearby terrain is gorgeous), nightly swims in the resort pool, après ski waffles at the waffle stand, and relaxing in front of the fireplace in our spacious three-story, four-bedroom ski-in ski-out condo.
Meeting Siberian sled dogs and learning about their work was a huge hit with our gang!
Post-ski warm Belgian waffles at Smugg’s “Waffle Hut” for the win!
a truly amazing ski and ride school (snow sport university)
If your kids are learning to ski or snowboard, working on getting better, or prefer a day without mom and dad, the Smuggler’s Notch Ski and Snowboard Camp (for ages 3-15) is truly fantastic. We had two skiers (one a first timer, one a novice) and a snowboarder (beginner) in ski school for two days during our time at Smugg’s, and it was the best thing we (and they) did! Not only did they gain a level of confidence and comfort on the slopes, they improved by leaps and bounds, and had a super, if not exhausting, time. The instructors are knowledgeable, engaging, invested, fun, and just wicked awesome in general.
The ski school runs from 9:00am-2:45pm and rates run at $230/skier or snowboarder per day. 110% worth it. Since we hit the end of the ski season, there were no more than two campers per class, meaning my snowboarding kiddo had two full days of one-on-one instruction, and my first-time skier had two full days of two-on-one instruction. Jackpot!
Cute little skiers
Having fun with the instructors!
Ready for novice lessons!
Learning some tricks
Take a break with some snowball fights and fun
Aiming at his favorite instructor . . .
Awesome memories made on the slopes
spacious, ski-in, ski-out condos are the way to go
Another beautiful thing about Smugg’s is that many of the (600) condos are ski-in, ski-out . You have access to three mountains with over 70 trails, uncrowded terrain, and trails suited to all experience levels. Now - that, my friend, is hard to beat (on the East Coast).
Our family of six stayed in a very spacious three-story, four-bedroom trailside executive townhouse-style condo. It provided ample room for us to spread out, featured a beautiful wood-burning fireplace, a full kitchen and dining room with large table, two full bathrooms, and was outfitted for all that you need for a successful ski weekend. It was ski-in, ski-out, with the Morse Mountain lift located steps from the front door. A large family could easily spend a week or two at the condo and never feel restricted on space.
FOOOOOOD (Because we all know it’s important)
Smugg’s offers a number of meal options, including a Village Pizzeria, the Green Mountain Deli, the Morse Mountain Grill, the Hearth & Candle (onsite but operated privately), a Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop, and the base of Morse Mountain “Waffle Hut.”
Our favorite and most special family meal was at the Hearth & Candle - the ambiance is rich and cozy and the food is decadent. The other on-site meal options are decent, but not out-of-this-world. At check-in, the resort does offer a “Local Dining Guide” if you choose to venture off-site. Most of the off-site options are located less than five miles away in Jeffersonville, VT. A local breakfast favorite of ours was the 158 Main Restaurant and Bakery.
Would we go again?
100% yes. Smugg’s was a wonderful family vacation for us and just the right speed. Spacious condos, plenty to do, uncrowded mountains and trails, and a truly exceptional Ski and Ride School. If you are looking for a getaway in the Northeast that has beautiful terrain, year-round activities, and is not too crowded, then Smugg’s is a great choice.
