Resorts & Mountains > Smugglers' Notch

First turns at Smugglers' Notch ski resort on the final day of November

Phew! I just snuck in under the wire. I'm happy to report that I took my first turns for the season in November — just as I did last year — even if it was the very last day of the month.

The Skimeister and I headed up to Smugglers' Notch, Vermont, today to take some early season runs and we were not disappointed. There was plenty of snow on the few snowmaking trails that were open. Natural-snow trails even had some coverage, but rocks, grass and dirt was still showing here and there so skiing...[Read more]

Sunday, November 30, 2008 1 Comment Filed in: Alpine skiing, Fall & Early season, Smugglers' Notch

College season passes in Vermont make me want to hit the books again!

College-aged skiers and riders take to the mountains of northern Vermont.

Did you know Vermont has more colleges per capita than any other state? It's true. And all those students are now cramming for one of the most important assignments they will have this year: selecting a season pass from a range of college ski pass deals.

Here in northern Vermont, St. Michael's College students actually receive season passes to Smugglers' Notch as part of their tuition packages. Regularly Smuggs sells its college passes for $319.Champlain College provides full-time students "in...[Read more]

Tuesday, October 21, 2008 No Comments Filed in: Alpine skiing, Ascutney, Bolton Valley, Burke, Jay Peak, Killington, Mad River Glen, Season pass, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe

Ski Vermont 3 Pass is a Vermont ski ticket discount to consider

Ski Vermont, an advocate for the Green Mountain State's ski industry, is offering a limited number of Ski Vermont 3 Passes and Ski Vermont 5 Passes for the coming ski season.

I've never bought one, but here's the scoop: You can purchase this pass now and ski at three different Vermont resorts during non-peak days this winter. The participating ski resorts are: Ascutney, Bolton Valley, Bromley, Burke, Jay Peak, Killington, Mad River Glen, Magic Mountain, Middlebury Snow Bowl, Mount Snow, Okemo,...[Read more]

Thursday, October 9, 2008 No Comments Filed in: Ascutney, Bolton Valley, Jay Peak, Killington, Mad River Glen, Okemo, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, Sugarbush, Ticket discounts

Northern and Central Vermont ski swaps and ski sales

I don't know about you, but I'm looking for some ski gear before the snow flies this year. For one, I want to pick up some plastic telemark boots so I can really have more turning capability on my descents in the woods.

I'm going to check out a couple of Vermont ski swaps to see if I can score some equipment that fits me. I was successful two years ago when I found some new, unwrapped Karhu Pavo skis...so who knows what I might uncover this year.

Here are just a few upcoming ski swaps in...[Read more]

Monday, September 29, 2008 4 Comments Filed in: Cochran's, Killington, Okemo, Ski gear, Smugglers' Notch

Guidebook author's advice for Vermont ski vacations: Branch out away from mega resorts

What's the most common mistake out-of-state visitors make when planning ski trips to Vermont?

This is the question that Budget Travel magazine put to a Vermont guidebook author this month, and I have to say he had a decent answer. 

"The biggest mistake people make is the head right to the 'biggest' mountains with the biggest names—especially Killington, Sugarbush, and Mount Snow. While those mountains have earned their reputation for some of the most exciting and difficult terrain in the...[Read more]

Tuesday, September 9, 2008 No Comments Filed in: Alpine skiing, Ascutney, Burke, Jay Peak, Killington, Mt. Snow, Smugglers' Notch, Sugarbush

Late summer/early fall deals on Vermont ski discount cards and season passes

Ah, nearly Labor Day. It's about time to lock in to the best deals available on season passes and skiing discount cards in Vermont.

The Skimeister and I are planning to ski around Vermont resorts and the backcountry a lot this winter, but we also want to ski Smugglers' Notch at least eight times or so, so we looked into the the Bash Badge Plus. The best price is had when you bag the badge before Labor Day.

This discount card allows the holder to buy $25 ski tickets during the season. The...[Read more]

Wednesday, August 27, 2008 No Comments Filed in: Alpine skiing, Bolton Valley, Burke, Cochran's, Jay Peak, Mad River Glen, Season pass, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, Sugarbush

Easter skiing and mountaintop sunrise services

Well it seems really early this year, but Easter weekend is here! We're going to do some skiing this weekend. Are you?

If you are headed to the slopes in Vermont and want to enjoy a unique tradition, roll out of bed extra early on Sunday to take in a sunrise Easter service. The ski resorts hold these at the top of the mountain, so if the weather is good you can get an inspiring view, and a nice early morning ski run.

So far, the weekend weather is looking clear and lovely (what a treat!) But...[Read more]

Thursday, March 20, 2008 No Comments Filed in: Alpine skiing, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, Sugarbush

New snow in time for Stowe Winter Carnival

Nice ice at Stowe Winter Carnival

When you live in the north country, winter is something you embrace. This weekend in Stowe, Vt., they're doing just that with the Stowe Winter Carnival.

Some of the country’s best amateur and professional ice carvers create frozen masterpieces on Saturday, January 26. The nationally sanctioned competition is one of many activities during this annual celebration with roots back to 1922.

Yes, ice can be nice. The chopping, picking, chain sawing and creative blow torching goes on between 11 a.m....[Read more]

Friday, January 25, 2008 No Comments Filed in: Food, coffee & aprés, Jay Peak, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe


Stuff you can use on the trail...
Darn Tough socksOutdoorsy booksSkiing goodiesBooks that are for the birdsBackcountry readsTurtle Fur balaclava

Most Recent Posts

Categories