Smugglers’ Notch Resort Review: Is This Vermont Family Resort Worth It?

A great vacation value for family fun! Smugglers’ Notch is a family-focused resort that offers activities all year long. In the winter, visitors come for skiing, snowboarding, and winter adventures, while the summer months bring water parks, hiking, outdoor activities, and kids programs.

The resort has built its reputation around being one of the best family vacation destinations in Vermont. Unlike many ski resorts that primarily focus on the mountain, Smugglers’ Notch has created an entire vacation experience designed to keep families entertained from morning until night.

After visiting Smugglers’ Notch, I can understand why families return year after year. There is a lot to do, and the resort clearly puts a major focus on children and creating memorable experiences. However, as someone visiting primarily for skiing, I found that the experience did not live up to the reputation.

While Smugglers’ Notch may be an excellent family resort, it was not a resort I personally fell in love with.

Smugglers’ Notch Resort Quick Review

Best for: Families with young children, summer vacations, activity-focused trips

Best season: Summer

Skiing: Good terrain, but older infrastructure

Would I return? Probably not for skiing, but I understand the appeal for families

---

Ski Season at Smugglers’ Notch

Smugglers’ Notch has a unique reputation in the Vermont ski scene. The mountain is known for its challenging terrain, steep trails, and glades. It also has the only marketed triple black diamond trail on the East Coast, which has helped bring attention to the resort.

For expert skiers, this can be an interesting mountain to explore. The terrain is different from many other Vermont resorts, and those who enjoy technical skiing, trees, and natural terrain may appreciate what Smugglers’ Notch offers.

That being said, I personally found the pros did not outweigh the cons during my visit.

The terrain itself was not the issue. The biggest challenges came from the overall mountain experience and infrastructure.

The Triple Black Diamond Trail

One of Smugglers’ Notch’s biggest marketing points is its triple black diamond trail.

While having a trail with that designation certainly gets people’s attention, I personally found the difficulty level debatable compared to some of the expert terrain at other resorts. For very experienced skiers, it may not feel as intimidating as the name suggests.

However, the designation works from a marketing perspective. It gives Smugglers’ Notch something unique that helps separate it from other East Coast ski resorts.

Parking at Smugglers’ Notch

One of my biggest frustrations with Smugglers’ Notch was the parking situation.

To access the upper mountain, guests have to park across the road near a semi-blind turn. While this may not sound like a major issue, carrying skis, poles, and all of your gear while crossing the road is not exactly the easiest way to start your ski day.

For families with young children, this could be especially challenging. Trying to manage kids, ski equipment, and crossing the road adds an unnecessary obstacle before you even reach the lifts.

Once you make it across, there is also a steep incline that you have to climb to reach the lift area. After putting on ski boots and carrying equipment, it was not the most welcoming start to the day.

The Lift System

The lifts were probably my biggest disappointment at Smugglers’ Notch.

The resort primarily relies on older double chairlifts. While there is something nostalgic about older lifts, I found these noticeably slower and less comfortable compared to many other ski resorts I have visited.

The slow lifts also impact the overall amount of skiing you can get in during the day. Modern ski resorts have invested heavily in high-speed lifts because they allow guests to explore more terrain with less time spent waiting.

I also struggled to imagine putting younger children on some of these lifts. Since Smugglers’ Notch markets itself so heavily toward families, I expected the lift experience to feel more accessible and updated.

Upgrading the lift system would make a huge difference in the overall guest experience.

---

Is Smugglers’ Notch Good for Families?

This is where Smugglers’ Notch has always been strongest.

The resort is designed around families, and it shows. There are activities for children of all ages, childcare options, lessons, and programs that allow parents to have some time to themselves while their kids are entertained.

One of the major selling points historically was the benefit offered to homeowners, where children and grandchildren received free childcare and lessons at the resort. However, that has since changed to a discounted program.

From what I have heard, the new benefit does not compare to what homeowners previously received.

Even with those changes, Smugglers’ Notch still offers one of the more extensive family-focused experiences in Vermont.

Summer at Smugglers’ Notch Resort

While I was not personally impressed with Smugglers’ Notch as a ski destination, I can understand why families love visiting during the summer.

The summer season appears to be where the resort truly shines.

Instead of being focused around skiing, the entire resort transforms into a family adventure destination. There are activities everywhere, and families can easily spend an entire vacation without leaving the property.

Things to Do in the Summer

During the summer, Smugglers’ Notch offers:

• Water parks

• Swimming pools

• Kids clubs

• Hiking opportunities

• Outdoor adventures

• Nature programs

• Family activities

The resort does a great job creating experiences specifically for children. Parents who are looking for a vacation where their kids are constantly entertained will likely appreciate everything Smugglers’ Notch offers.

Hiking

The surrounding area is absolutely beautiful in the summer.

The mountains, forests, and unique landscape make Smugglers’ Notch one of the more scenic areas in Vermont. Hiking around the resort provides incredible views and a chance to experience the natural beauty of the area.

The nature programs were also a highlight. The staff clearly takes outdoor education seriously, and the programs seem designed to get kids excited about exploring nature.

This is one area where Smugglers’ Notch really stands out.

Smugglers’ Notch Amenities

The resort offers many amenities geared toward families, including pools, water slides, indoor activities, and organized programs.

However, one downside I noticed is that not every amenity is available to every guest.

For example, there is no traditional gym available for non-homeowners. For travelers who like to maintain their workout routine while on vacation, this can be disappointing.

Final Thoughts: Would I Return to Smugglers’ Notch?

Smugglers’ Notch is a resort that clearly knows its audience. If you are looking for a family vacation destination with endless activities, especially during the summer, I can see why so many people love it.

The resort succeeds at creating a place where kids are entertained, families can spend quality time together, and parents can enjoy a break from planning every detail of their vacation.

However, as a ski destination, I personally would not return. The parking setup, older lifts, and overall ski experience did not make it stand out compared to other Vermont resorts.

For families looking for a summer getaway, Smugglers’ Notch could be a fantastic choice. For skiers looking for the best mountain experience in Vermont, there are other resorts I would personally choose first.

---

Check them out and let me know what you think: https://www.smuggs.com