Smugglers Notch, or Smuggs as it is also known, is among the top ski resorts in Vermont. This family-friendly ski resort isn't only a winter destination, however. The summers are also busy, thanks in part to the resort's water parks. During winter, skiing and snowboarding are at the heart of things, with the skiing options including alpine skiing and cross-country skiing. You can also do some snowshoeing at Smugglers Notch Vermont during the winter months, but that's not all. Ice skating, taking a snowmobile tour, and dog sledding are just some of the other options for things to do during the winter months.

Smugglers Notch offers just about everything you might want from a ski resort. There are cafeteria-style eateries to choose from and full-service restaurants as well. There are shopping options as well, and you can pick up some mountain gear or shop for country-style gifts. There is even an indoor family entertainment zone, indoor pool, and hot tub at the Smugglers Notch Ski Resort. As for the skiing and snowboarding, the resort's numerous trails are spread out over three different mountains. The easier trails are mostly found on Morse Mountain, while the main mountains of Sterling and Madonna feature the bulk of the intermediate and expert runs. Skiers and boarders who are in need of some tips before they hit any of the slopes can book some lessons at Smugglers Notch. The resort's ski and snowboard school is known for its quality and offers lessons for kids and adults alike.

Regardless of which mountain you visit while skiing or snowboarding at Smugglers Notch Vermont, you can expect a good deal of snow to be on the ground. The resort gets about 24 feet of snow every year on average and can blanket its slopes in manmade snow if it is needed. Only the Jay Peak Resort averages more annual snowfall when it comes to the Vermont resorts. If you want to check out the conditions on all three mountains at Smugglers Notch, lifts and trails provide ample connecting options.

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There are more than 1,000 total skiable acres at Smugglers Notch Ski Resort, so there is plenty of terrain to explore. Wooded glades, mogul runs, race courses, extra steep runs, groomed trails, and terrain parks comprise the terrain, and you might be interested to know that the 2,610-foot vertical rise is among the biggest in the eastern United States. In case you are wondering, the base elevation of the resort is 1,030 feet, while the top elevation is 3,640 feet.

As is true of Mad River Glen, Smugglers Notch offers some of the most technical terrain in the East. In fact, the resort's The Fab Five trails figure among the top black diamond runs in the eastern U.S., while The Black Hole run is the only Triple Black Diamond trail that you will find this side of the Mississippi River. December through April is the peak skiing and snowboarding season at the Smugglers Notch Ski Resort, with operating hours between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some of the lifts open or close a half-hour early, it is worth noting, and on the weekends, one lift on each mountain opens at 8 a.m.

Smugglers Notch is one of the top-rated family ski resorts in the entire country. It is also known for the variety that its terrain has to offer. Not far from Smugglers Notch Vermont is the Stowe Mountain Resort, which is also a family-friendly destination that begs a visit while in the area, and it doesn't take long to get to Burlington if you want to enjoy some urban exposure on the side.

Some excellent vacation packages that revolve around Smugglers Notch are out there should you be interested in planning a visit. Check out the booking tool on this page to start your search. These packages can include things like a mountainside condo rental, lift tickets, and discounts on skiing or snowboarding lessons, and more.