Smugglers Notch
1,000 acres, 78 runs across three peaks. America's top family resort, historic Notch setting.
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
27 Nov 2026
Closes
11 Apr 2027
Days open
135
Annual snow
232in
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Smugglers' Notch's summit reaches 3,638 feet, dropping roughly 2,608 vertical feet to a base at 1,030 feet across 78 runs spread over 1,000 acres near Jeffersonville, Vermont, across three interconnected mountains. Terrain splits 52 per cent intermediate, 26 per cent advanced, 17 per cent beginner and 5 per cent expert, with average annual snowfall of roughly 232 inches. Eight lifts, all double chairs and surface lifts, including six double chairs, serve the mountain's Madonna, Sterling and Morse peaks alongside two surface lifts.
Smugglers' Notch has built a reputation as one of America's leading family ski resorts, anchored by award-winning children's programming developed over nearly three decades under a single dedicated owner. The resort's name and setting draw on genuine local history, with the notch itself serving as a smuggling route during the early 1800s trade embargo with Britain and later as a Prohibition-era conduit for Canadian spirits through hidden caves along Vermont's Long Trail.
Skiing at Smugglers' Notch dates to 1956, with the vision for a complete ski village realised in 1967 through the development of Morse Mountain, which completed the trio of interconnected peaks, Madonna, Sterling and Morse, that define the resort today. Stanley Snider led the resort's development through the 1970s before William 'Bill' Stritzler, initially a vacation homeowner who fell in love with the property, became managing director in 1987 and later acquired ownership in 1996.
Over the following 29 years, Stritzler's values-driven leadership built Smugglers' Notch's enduring reputation for family connection and authentic mountain experience, until Bear Den Partners acquired the resort in February 2026. The Stritzler family retains an ownership stake in the mountain, with Bill's daughter Lisa Howe continuing as an advisor. Adult daily tickets run from 79 to 95 US dollars.
2,608ft
Vertical
78
Runs
1,000 acres
Skiable
232in
Annual snow
The Terrain
78 runs across 1,000 acres skiable
Smugglers' Notch is a three-mountain resort, Madonna, Sterling and Morse, with 78 runs across about 1,000 acres (405 hectares) near Jeffersonville, Vermont. The base sits at 1,030 ft (314 m) and the summit reaches 3,640 ft (1,109 m), a vertical of 2,610 ft (795 m). Blue square takes 52% of terrain, with 26% black diamond, 17% green circle and 5% expert. About 232 inches of snow falls in an average winter. Six double chairs and two surface lifts do the hauling, so rides are slower than at high-speed resorts.
Morse Mountain holds the gentle novice trails and family learning zones, while Sterling and Madonna carry the intermediate and expert terrain. The Black Hole is billed as a triple black diamond and the only one in Vermont, with Freefall and Madonna Liftline alongside as other demanding descents. Most skiers will find plenty of blue cruising between those extremes. Smugglers' Notch suits families who want a self-contained mountain, and strong skiers can still find a few steep lines to chase. Expect a relaxed, family-first atmosphere rather than a hard-charging one.
Terrain split
78
runs
78 runs across 4 grades
Beginner13 runs · 17%
Intermediate41 runs · 52%
Advanced20 runs · 26%
Expert4 runs · 5%
Time it right
When to visit Smugglers Notch
The 2025-26 season at Smugglers' Notch ran from 6 December 2025 to 12 April 2026, a roughly eighteen-week season supported by average annual snowfall of around 232 inches across the resort's three interconnected mountains. Season dates can shift depending on early and late-season weather.
Midwinter, from December through February, typically brings the most consistent conditions across Smugglers' considerable 1,000-acre footprint. As an independently operated resort without major multi-resort pass affiliation, Smugglers' draws a devoted family-focused visitor base specifically seeking its award-winning children's programming and genuinely uncrowded slopes.
The resort's reputation as one of America's leading family ski destinations continues to anchor visitation throughout the season, supported by extensive on-site village amenities and activities beyond skiing. School holiday periods bring substantial family visitation given this deliberate, decades-long focus on children's programmes and multi-generational appeal.
Specific event programming beyond standard operations is not confirmed in available resort information. Following Bear Den Partners' February 2026 acquisition from the Stritzler family, who retain an ownership stake and continue advising through Bill Stritzler's daughter Lisa Howe, Smugglers' Notch enters a new chapter while building on nearly seven decades of skiing history since 1956. The resort's family-first values, cultivated over 29 years of Stritzler stewardship, remain central to its seasonal identity.
Season 2026 - 2027
27 Nov 2026
Opens
11 Apr 2027
Closes
135
Days open
232 in
Annual snow
The record
Historical snowfall at Smugglers Notch
Daily snow reports at Smugglers Notch go back to 2025, 2 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.
9 in
Snowiest day
1 Dec 2025
0 in
This winter · 2026-27
so far
150 in
Typical winter
average of complete seasons
Winter totals
in
Past wintersThis winter
Getting there
Getting to Smugglers Notch, and where to stay
Smugglers' Notch sits near Jeffersonville, Vermont, spanning three interconnected mountains, Madonna, Sterling and Morse, with a base elevation of 1,030 feet and a summit at 3,638 feet across a roughly 2,608-foot vertical drop over 1,000 acres. This setting places the resort within the dramatic Smugglers' Notch mountain pass, steeped in genuine smuggling history dating to the early 1800s.
Jeffersonville and the broader Lamoille County region offer local lodging and dining within a short drive of the resort, which also provides extensive on-site village accommodation given its status as a self-contained family destination. Stowe, a considerably larger and more developed resort town, lies on the opposite side of the notch itself.
Vermont State Route 108 provides access to the resort, though the road through Smugglers' Notch itself closes seasonally due to its steep, narrow character, requiring an alternate route during winter months. Winter driving conditions on approach roads can include snow and ice, and travellers should confirm seasonal road closures before planning a route through the notch. There is no direct public transport service to the resort.
Burlington International Airport, within a reasonable drive, is the nearest airport with substantial commercial service, making Smugglers' Notch accessible for visitors flying into northern Vermont.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Smugglers Notch, powered by Stay22.
Good to know
Frequently asked
When is Smugglers Notch's ski season?
Smugglers Notch's 2026 - 2027 season typically runs from November 27 through April 11. That window is roughly 135 calendar days, though daily operations depend on snow cover, weather, and lift maintenance.
Resorts in Vermont, Usa often announce firm dates closer to winter; check the live snow report before you travel if you are planning around opening weekend or spring closure.
How much skiable terrain does Smugglers Notch have?
Smugglers Notch lists about 1,000 acres skiable of marked terrain spread across 78 named runs (405 hectares alongside 1,000 acres skiable). That footprint is what most riders experience on a lift-served day. Side-country or hike-to terrain may sit outside these published numbers.
Use the trail map to see how the mountain is laid out and where the longest fall-line runs connect back to base.
What is the terrain like at Smugglers Notch?
Trail grading at Smugglers Notch breaks down roughly as 17% beginner, 52% intermediate, 26% advanced, 5% expert. The mix is balanced enough for mixed-ability groups, so learners can stay on marked green/blue (Green/Blue) terrain while stronger skiers peel off to steeper pitches.
Percentages describe the resort's published piste mix, not vertical feet. A mountain with modest "expert" stats can still feel demanding if the steep terrain is long or exposed. Read the trail map alongside these numbers when planning your route.
How many lifts does Smugglers Notch have?
Smugglers Notch operates 8 lifts across 2 lift types. The fleet includes 6 double chairs and 2 surface lifts.
Lift mix affects how quickly you can lap your favourite zones. Gondolas and trams move big crowds to mid-mountain, while shorter chairs and surface lifts often serve learning areas or local pods. Check the live snow report on ski days for real-time open/closed status.
What is the elevation and vertical drop at Smugglers Notch?
Base elevation at Smugglers Notch is about 1,030 ft (314 m), with the summit around 3,638 ft (1,109 m), giving roughly 2,608 ft (795 m) of vertical from base to top.
Higher start heights usually mean colder, drier snow holding longer into spring, but also thinner air and faster weather changes. Pack layers if you are riding from village level to summit lifts in one day.
How much snow does Smugglers Notch get each season?
Smugglers Notch averages about 232 inches (589 cm) of natural snowfall per season. That is a long-term climate figure. Any single winter can run well above or below it depending on storm track and temperature.
For trip planning, pair this baseline with the live snow report and webcams: fresh cycles show up in overnight totals and summit cameras long before season averages tell you much about today's surface.
Where can I buy Smugglers Notch lift tickets and how much do they cost?
Published single-day adult pricing on SnowStash currently spans US$15 to US$95, depending on date band and whether you are buying peak or regular windows. Multi-day products (season passes) usually lower the per-day cost if you are staying several days. Tickets can be bought online through the resort's official checkout (linked from our lift tickets page) or at on-mountain ticket windows, subject to availability.
Buying ahead of peak holidays and weekends generally saves money and guarantees access on sold-out days. Before you commit, scan the snow report and webcams so you are paying for conditions that match your expectations.
How can I check snow and mountain conditions at Smugglers Notch before I go?
SnowStash pulls together 2 live mountain webcams, a downloadable piste map, and the daily snow report for Smugglers Notch so you can plan from home. Webcams refresh on a short interval and are the fastest way to judge visibility, wind exposure, and whether storm snow is still falling.
The snow report adds structured totals, base depth where available, and lift/trail status when the resort publishes it. Use both together: cameras show what it looks like right now, and the report summarises numbers your group can compare day to day.
Does Smugglers Notch have a trail map?
Yes. The downloadable PDF/image map is better for offline planning, marking meeting points, and understanding the full mountain layout at a glance.
Both versions are on the trail map page for Smugglers Notch. If you are navigating with kids or meeting friends across separate lifts, screenshot or print the static map and keep the live map open on your phone for operational updates.
Where is Smugglers Notch located?
Smugglers Notch sits in Vermont, Usa. That regional context matters for travel planning: airport transfers, snow tyres, and typical storm patterns all follow geography as much as resort marketing.
Browse nearby accommodation from the resort page if you are comparing village-base vs valley-base stays; where you sleep changes your first lift of the day more than most trail stats do.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
Sierra Nevada Halloween Storm: Dodge Ridge Forecast to Lead With 19 Inches
Halloween weekend brings a wet, windy storm to the Sierra Nevada. Our five-day forecast has Dodge Ridge on top with 19 in, followed by Bear Valley at 15 in and Mammoth Mountain at 12 in, with most of it landing on Saturday. A winter weather advisory covers the Tahoe Basin and Mono County until 7 AM Sunday, gusts could reach 47 mph and the freezing level swings between 4,900 and 8,700 ft, so some bases will see rain. A dry spell follows from Monday.
31 Oct 2026
Lake Louise Opens Early on 1 November With Juniper Express and Easy Street
The Rockies get their first lift-served turns of the season early. Lake Louise opens Sunday 1 November, five days ahead of schedule, after a cold October and round-the-clock work from the snowmaking and mountain crews. Terrain is limited to Juniper Express Chair and Easy Street, with two small terrain parks and the beginner area for lessons. Opening-day tickets are over 60% off, with prices rising as more lifts open. First chair is at 9:30 am under the resort’s new lift hours.
31 Oct 2026
Kitzbüheler Horn Summit Cable Car to Be Replaced After 70 Years
A Tyrolean summit lift that has been carrying guests up the Kitzbüheler Horn since 1955 is on borrowed time. Its licence runs to 2045, but a new inspection rule has made refurbishment uneconomic, so Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel will spend around €15 million on a replacement on the same line. It should hold roughly 100 people and keep running in winds that would stop today’s lift. Building starts in autumn 2027, which makes this winter and next summer the last chances to ride the old one.
30 Oct 2026
What’s New in Japan Skiing This Winter: Niseko Gondola, a Private Resort and a Bigger Ikon Pass
Niseko Village is replacing a lift from the early 1980s with an eight-person gondola, Tsugaike gets a six-person chairlift, Madarao joins the Ikon Pass and Togari opens Asia’s first private ski resort. Here’s what is actually new in Japan skiing for 2026/27, plus what is still a year or two away.
30 Oct 2026
Wolf Creek Opens on Halloween Weekend as Colorado’s Early Season Gathers Pace
Colorado’s early-season dominoes keep falling. Arapahoe Basin opened on Wednesday, Keystone follows on Friday, and now Wolf Creek is joining in on Saturday 31 October, just in time for Halloween. A storm on 23 and 24 October left 20 inches of natural snow in the San Juans, and three lifts will turn from 9:00 am, covering about 30% of the mountain. Expect rocks, unmarked obstacles and open water, but also Local Appreciation lift tickets at $73 for adults.
30 Oct 2026
Keystone Resort Opens for 2026/27 With More Than Two Miles of Skiing
Keystone is next. After Arapahoe Basin claimed the first chairlift skiing of the season on Wednesday, Keystone opens on Friday 30 October at 9:00 am with more than two miles of snowmaking-built terrain on Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon, plus free donuts, coffee and a live DJ. Last year the order was reversed, when Keystone squeezed in a three-hour afternoon session to beat A-Basin by a day. Snowmaking has been running since 15 October.
29 Oct 2026
Beaver Creek Installs 16 Automated Snow Guns on Birds of Prey Ahead of Record World Cup
Beaver Creek is getting ready for the biggest Birds of Prey ever, and this time it is not leaving the snow to chance. Crews started making snow on 27 October with 16 newly installed automated guns on the lower third of the course, after last December’s warm spell forced a downhill off the schedule. Seven races across two weekends run from 3 to 13 December, the most the course has hosted since its 1997 debut, and the guns start themselves whenever the weather allows.
29 Oct 2026
Arapahoe Basin Opens First for North America’s 2026/27 Ski Season
Winter has officially started in North America, and it is one blue run long. On Wednesday 28 October, Arapahoe Basin fired up the Black Mountain Express at around 10:30 am after a surprise announcement just hours earlier, becoming the first major North American resort open for 2026/27. Cold nights, a dusting of natural snow and a lot of snowmaking made it happen in the resort’s 80th winter. More terrain is promised as the snow guns keep running.
28 Oct 2026