Vermont

Stratton Mountain

Summit Cam

Stratton

Smuggler's Notch Ski Area

Smugglers' Notch Resort

Smugglers' Notch Resort is nestled in northern Vermont&rsquo;s Green Mountains, just a short drive from Burlington. With 1,000 acres of skiable terrain, 78 trails, and 8 lifts, it&rsquo;s one of the most complete mountain experiences in the Northeast. The resort receives an average of 248 inches of natural snowfall each season and supplements with snowmaking to ensure consistent coverage across key trails. Its summit reaches 3,640 feet, with a vertical drop of 2,610 feet that delivers long, satisfying descents.
Trail difficulty is well distributed: 17% beginner, 53% intermediate, 26% advanced, and 5% expert. Families are especially drawn to Smuggs for its award-winning ski school, dedicated learning zones, and two tubing lanes near the base. The resort also features four terrain parks, each designed for different skill levels, making it easy for kids and teens to progress. Off the slopes, the resort offers indoor pools, child care services, and family-friendly dining, creating a full vacation experience.
Visitors choose Smugglers' Notch Resort for its welcoming atmosphere, terrain variety, and commitment to family fun. Whether you're carving down long cruisers, exploring glades, or relaxing slope-side with a hot chocolate, Smuggs delivers a Vermont mountain experience that&rsquo;s both exciting and approachable. It&rsquo;s a place where skiers of all ages and abilities can find their rhythm and make lasting memories.

Smugglers' Notch Resort is located about 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport (BTV), which offers direct flights from major cities across the Northeast and Midwest. From the airport, visitors can rent a car or book a shuttle service to the resort. For those driving, the most direct route is via Route 15 through Jeffersonville, followed by a scenic climb up Mountain Road. The resort is also accessible from Montreal in under two hours, making it a convenient option for Canadian visitors.
Once at the resort, guests benefit from free on-site parking and a complimentary shuttle system that connects lodging areas with the base lodge, ski school, and village amenities. While there&rsquo;s no gondola or snowcat service, the resort&rsquo;s layout makes it easy to ski-in/ski-out from many accommodations. Ride-sharing options are limited in the area, so advance planning is recommended for airport transfers and evening outings.

Accommodations near Smugglers' Notch Resort are centered around the resort village and surrounding areas like Jeffersonville and Cambridge. Visitors can choose from slopeside condos, cozy townhomes, and spacious vacation rentals, many of which offer ski-in/ski-out access. Families will appreciate multi-bedroom units with kitchens and living areas, while couples can opt for romantic suites with mountain views. Group travelers can find larger lodges and homes with hot tubs and game rooms. For those seeking a touch of luxury, select properties offer spa services and private shuttle access to the lifts.

Smugglers' Notch Resort is divided across three interconnected mountains: Morse, Madonna, and Sterling. Each offers a distinct terrain profile, making it easy to match your skill level with the right zone. Morse Mountain is the go-to for beginners and families, with gentle slopes like Garden Path and Magic Learning Trail. The Morse Highlands Lift provides access to wide, forgiving terrain ideal for building confidence.
Intermediate skiers will find their sweet spot on Sterling Mountain, where trails like Rumrunner and Black Snake offer long, flowing descents with scenic views. Sterling&rsquo;s double chairs provide quick access to mid-mountain terrain, and the snowmaking ensures reliable conditions throughout the season.
Advanced skiers gravitate toward Madonna Mountain, home to steeper runs like FIS and Upper Liftline. These trails feature sustained pitches and natural features that challenge technique and stamina. Madonna also offers access to glades and tree skiing, with trails like Doc Dempsey&rsquo;s and Shire providing playful lines through the forest.
Expert terrain is limited but rewarding. The Black Hole is the only triple black diamond in the East, offering a steep, narrow chute that demands precision. It&rsquo;s accessed via Upper Liftline and is best tackled in fresh snow. While only 5% of the terrain is rated expert, the challenge is real and memorable.
Freestyle riders can explore four terrain parks: Birch Run, Knight&rsquo;s Revenge, Log Jam, and Zone. Birch Run is the main park, featuring rails, boxes, and jumps for all levels. Knight&rsquo;s Revenge is a glade-based park with natural features, while Log Jam caters to beginners. The Zone is reserved for advanced riders looking to push their limits.
Scenic highlights include the summit of Madonna Mountain, where views stretch across the Lamoille Valley and into Canada. The 3-mile-long Drifter trail offers a winding descent with panoramic vistas, making it a favorite for intermediate skiers who want both challenge and beauty.

If you&rsquo;re chasing powder, head straight to Upper FIS on Madonna Mountain after a storm. This trail holds snow well and offers a steep, thrilling descent that stays fresh longer than most. For tree skiing, Doc Dempsey&rsquo;s Glades are a local favorite&mdash;tight lines, good coverage, and a quiet vibe even on busy days.
Early risers should start on Morse Mountain. Garden Path and Magic Learning Trail are freshly groomed and get morning sun, making them ideal for warm-up laps or family runs before the crowds arrive. The Morse Highlands Lift opens early and is rarely busy.
For a quieter experience, explore the trails off Sterling&rsquo;s Black Snake. This area sees less traffic mid-morning and offers consistent snow and mellow terrain. It&rsquo;s a great spot to cruise and reset before heading to steeper zones.
Looking for a long, scenic run? Don&rsquo;t miss Drifter. At 3 miles, it&rsquo;s the longest trail on the mountain and winds from the top of Madonna down to the base. It&rsquo;s a favorite for intermediate skiers who want a mix of views, flow, and endurance.
The best place for apr&egrave;s-ski is the Hearth &amp; Candle, located in the resort village. It&rsquo;s cozy, upscale, and perfect for a celebratory meal or a quiet drink by the fire. Their Vermont cheddar soup is a standout, especially after a cold day on the slopes.
Families should check out the FunZone 2.0 indoor center. It&rsquo;s packed with climbing walls, laser tag, and arcade games&mdash;ideal for off-slope entertainment or keeping kids busy during stormy weather. It&rsquo;s located near the base and easy to access from most lodging.
For freestyle riders, Birch Run Park is the place to be. It&rsquo;s well-maintained, features creative lines, and has a progression layout that makes it easy to build skills. Knight&rsquo;s Revenge is also worth a visit for its natural glade-based features.
Want solitude? Take a lap on Lower Rumrunner late in the day. It&rsquo;s often overlooked and offers a peaceful descent with great snow and minimal traffic. It&rsquo;s also a good spot for sunset views if you time it right.
If you&rsquo;re visiting midweek, you&rsquo;ll find the best conditions and shortest lift lines. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are especially quiet, making it easier to explore the mountain at your own pace and snag fresh tracks.
Finally, don&rsquo;t skip the tubing park. With two lanes and a dedicated lift, it&rsquo;s a fun way to end the day or take a break from skiing. It&rsquo;s located near the base of Morse and is open into the evening, making it a great post-dinner activity.
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Welcome Mat

Green Mountain Express Quad

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Mt. Ellen Uphill Route

Allyn's Traverse

Jester

Lower Paradise

Lower Ripcord

Organgrinder

Paradise

Paradise Extension

Sigi's Ripcord

Spillsville

Birdland

Cat's Meow

Coffee Run

Domino

Domino Chute

Downspout

Gondolier

Header

Heaven's Gate Traverse

Lixi's Twist

Lower Birdland

Lower Domino

Lower Downspout

Lower Jester

Lower Moonshine

Lower Organgrinder

Lower Snowball

Lower Twist

Moonshine

Murphy's Glades

Racer's Edge

Snowball

Spring Fling

Spring Road

Stein's Run

The Mall

Valley House Traverse

Bailout

Castlerock Run

Cotillion

Hi & Lo Road

Lift Line

Lower Castlerock Run

Lower Lift Line

Middle Earth

Rumble

Runout

Troll Road

Birch Run

Castlerock Connection

Easy Rider

First Time

Hot Shot

In Road

Lower Hot Shot

Lower Pushover

Morning Star

Out Road

Out to Lunch

Overshot

Pushover

Pushover Chute

Second Thoughts

Sleeper

Sleeper Chutes

Sleeper Road

Slowpoke

Sugarbear Forest

Sugarbear Road

Sunrise

Village Run

Waterfall

Black Diamond

Bravo

Crackerjack

Cruiser

Easy Does It

Elbow

Encore

Exterminator

F.I.S.

Graduation

Hammerhead

Lookin' Good

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Rob Roy

Resort Name	Projected closing date	Snowfall	Base Depth	Open Trails
Bolton Valley3 months ago	Closed -	0" -	- -	- -
Bromley Mountain3 months ago	Closed -	0" -	- -	- -
Burke Mountain3 months ago	Closed -	0" -	- -	- -
Jay Peak2 months ago	Closed -	0" -	- -	- -
Killington Resort2 months ago	Closed -	0" -	- -	- -
Mad River Glen3 months ago	Closed -	0" -	- -	- -
Magic Mountain3 months ago	Closed -	0" -	- -	- -
Mount Snow3 months ago	Closed -	0" -	- -	- -
Okemo Mountain Resort3 months ago	Closed -	0" -	- -	- -
Pico Mountain 3 months ago	Closed -	0" -	- -	- -
Saskadena Six4 months ago	Closed -	0" -	- -	- -
Smugglers' Notch Resort3 months ago	Closed -	0" -	- -	- -
Stowe Mountain3 months ago	Closed -	0" -	- -	- -
Stratton Mountain3 months ago	Closed -	0" -	- -	- -
Sugarbush2 months ago	Closed -	0" -	- -	- -

Vermont Ski Resort Projected Closing Dates

Vermont Ski Resort Closing Dates

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Smugglers' Notch Resort