Smugglers’ Notch Resort, affectionately known as Smuggs, has been making memories for decades for adventurers and families who want to get a taste of Vermont’s picturesque mountains. But while many people may know Smugglers’ Notch Resort for skiing, it’s grown into a fun, exploratory, family-friendly four-season destination that really opens up during the summer. Use the following travel guide to plan your summer trip to Vermont’s iconic Smugglers’ Notch Resort.
Family Activities at Smugglers’ Notch
Described as America’s Family Resort, Smugglers’ Notch knows how to cater to families. There’s a lot of ground to cover between three mountains, eight heated pools, two freshwater reservoirs, and more than 100 summer activities to choose from. Some of the headlining summer activities at Smugglers’ Notch include the Notchville Water Park, Mountainside Water Playground, Bootleggers’ Basin freshwater reservoir, and the FunZone 2.0 indoor playground, which beckons kids and adults alike.
Smugglers’ Notch hosts a Notch Your Typical Adventure Camp on weekdays during the summer, featuring tailored programs for kids 7-12. Discover more about the resort’s all-day programs on its website. Many families stay a week at Smugglers’ Notch, though even then, they often leave wanting to come back to experience more.
Summer Adventures at Smugglers’ Notch
Those who are after the kind of thrill that they get from skiing and riding can check out the Smugglers’ Notch MTB Center. Smugglers’ Notch Mountain Bike Center spans three acres and features 2 flat-ground skills parks, a pump track, more than 10 miles of single track, and six miles of double track. Everyone from advanced mountain bikers to beginners will find a lot to love. Smugglers’ Notch also offers a variety of different programs, including private lessons, guided tours, skills clinics for beginners and first-timers, e-bike adventure tours, and more. The Bike Shop at Sir Henry’s provides a wide selection of mountain bikes and e-bikes that are available to rent.
Among the other headlining activities at Smugglers’ Notch is disc golf. Smuggs is home to two of the top-10 ranked Championship Disc Golf courses in the world. Weave your way through the woods on Brewster Ridge, then stroll through open fields with complete views of the mountain as your backdrop on Fox Run. The adventures continue with ArborTrek Treetop Obstacle Course and zipline.. Take the challenge and try to complete over 80 obstacles before riding 4,500 feet of ziplines, along with tree rappels and skybridge crossings mixed in.
Smuggs is home to a number of activities that you won’t find anywhere else, like a hike and picnic with a llama, glow-in-the-dark volleyball, and kayaking to a winery. Summer also brings fun events, including the Vermont County Fair, which takes place every Thursday evening on The Village Green, and a weekly farmers’ market on Monday mornings in the Courtyard at the Village Center. You’ll also find quintessential outdoor Vermont activities like miles of picturesque hiking trails, stand-up paddleboarding, and easy access to numerous local secret swimming holes.
Plan Your Trip
- Getting there. The closest international airport to Smugglers’ Notch is Burlington International Airport (BTV). Travelers can rent a car and then it’s just about an hour drive to Smuggs location in Jeffersonville, Vermont. Boston and Albany are about three and a half hours away by car.
- Getting around. You don’t even need a car to get around Smugglers’ Notch once you arrive. There’s daily shuttle service through the Resort Village and direct service between the Village Center and Bootleggers’ Basin reservoir. Golf carts are also available to rent.
- Vacation packages. Smugglers’ Notch has tons of great vacation deals. The longer you stay, the more you save.
June 02, 2025
