About Smugglers' Notch Resort
Smugglers' Notch Resort is a full-service four-season resort in Jeffersonville, Vermont, fifteen minutes from Stowe via the scenic Route 108 through Smugglers' Notch pass. Known locally as Smuggs, the resort operates three interconnected mountains with 78 trails and 1,000 feet of vertical — a genuine alternative to Stowe Mountain Resort with lower crowds, more affordable pricing, and a family-first atmosphere that has earned it multiple "Best Family Resort" awards from SKI Magazine and other publications.
The resort runs its own ski and snowboard rental shop, 3 Mountain Equipment, which carries a full line of alpine, cross-country, and snowshoe gear for daily rental. Beyond skiing, winter activities include snow tubing, dog sledding partnerships with Eden Dog Sledding, ice skating, sleigh rides, and a full roster of kids' programmes. In summer, the resort pivots to mountain biking, disc golf, swimming, zip line tours through ArborTrek, and a network of hiking trails. Equipment rentals extend to bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards through partnerships with local outfitters.
What distinguishes Smuggs from larger corporate resorts is the village-style layout where everything is walkable — lodging, dining, the rental shop, and the base lifts are all within a few minutes of each other. The resort has invested heavily in snowmaking and terrain variety, making it a strong pick for families and intermediate skiers who want a relaxed mountain experience without the Stowe Mountain Resort price tag. Their comprehensive kids' programmes and family packages make them the go-to resort for families in northern Vermont.
