Report from Friday, January 10, 2025
We arrived at Smugglers’ Notch (or “Smuggs,” because the locals name it) within the early afternoon. The drive was straightforward, and we discovered parking conveniently within the entrance of Lot Three, only a quick stroll to the Madonna & Sterling Base Lodge.
The resort spans three mountains: Morse, Madonna, and Sterling. We started our day by snowboarding right down to the Village Elevate on Meadowlark on the base of Morse, the farthest level skiers proper.
On the base of the Village Heart, we met Hugh Johnson, the legendary host of Smuggs’ snow circumstances weblog, initially referred to as “Hugh’s Views” and now “Views From The Notch.” Hugh has been operating the weblog for years and proudly serves because the snow forecasting face of Smuggs—a title he’s held for over 30 years.
We took the Village Elevate up and headed towards Madonna Mountain. In every single place we went, locals and workers enthusiastically greeted Hugh, shouting his title. His signature transfer? Tossing Hershey’s Kisses at each carry station as a gesture of gratitude to the lifties, who all clearly held him in excessive regard. All through the season, Hugh goes via greater than 1,000 Kisses, because of Costco’s bulk baggage.
We lapped the Madonna I carry, the place the snow was nothing in need of unbelievable—the kind of Utah powder the place your skis glide proper via. It was so gentle on the skis that it felt nearly easy to carve via it.
Hugh led us to secret stashes of snow that nobody had touched for days. As he hiked to get a shot, he sunk waist-deep into the powder. We continued exploring untouched carry traces and glades, with snow sometimes reaching our knees. Even Hugh admitted that circumstances like these weren’t typical for Smuggs, however locals cherished them deeply once they occurred.
The season was actually in full swing. Up till this level in January, there had solely been two snowless days. Bitterly chilly temperatures had stored over two ft of sunshine, untouched snow in lots of areas.
Regardless of the difficult climate circumstances throughout the Northeast, Smuggs’ location ensured all open lifts had been operational, even throughout a three-day stretch when different resorts had been on wind maintain.
As we skied, Hugh shared Smuggs’ fascinating historical past. The jagged cliffs within the valley resulting in Stowe, snaking up Mount Mansfield, had been as soon as used to smuggle items from Canada throughout British occupation within the 1700s. The world later grew to become a hotspot for bootleggers throughout Prohibition within the Nineteen Twenties. Some consider hidden treasures from these eras nonetheless lie inside the Notch’s rocky terrain.
Hugh additionally confirmed us the connection between Smuggs and Stowe. On the high of Sterling Elevate lies a frozen pond, Sterling Pond, with a semi-official path referred to as Snuffy’s Path main throughout it. This connection implies that skiers with a Smuggs Go and an Epic Go can entry one of many largest ski areas within the East when the resorts are linked.
From Sterling, we skied to scenic lookouts over Mt. Mansfield and “The Notch,” a steep, rocky valley between Smuggs and Stowe the place bootleggers as soon as hid their items.
General, Smuggs delivered an expertise that rivaled the snow of Utah. With its gentle snow, steep terrain, and breathtaking views, we regularly forgot we had been in Vermont. Due to Hugh’s intensive data and keenness for the mountain, each lap felt like a recent, deep deal with.
For those who go to, you’ll probably spot Hugh across the mountain. Be looking out for Hershey’s Kisses flying your method!
We wish to thank Hugh and Smugglers’ Notch for giving us a glimpse into a really particular facet of Vermont final Friday. The unbelievable circumstances and heat hospitality left us desperate to return.
The Resort
Smugglers’ Notch is a ski resort within the Inexperienced Mountains of Vermont, providing a picturesque escape for outside lovers. Positioned simply half-hour from Burlington Worldwide Airport, this family-friendly resort spans over 1,000 acres of skiable terrain. With a peak elevation of three,640 ft and a vertical drop of two,610 ft, Smugglers’ Notch boasts 78 trails catering to all talent ranges, from light newbie slopes to exhilarating knowledgeable runs. The resort’s longest path, Rumrunner, stretches over three miles, offering beautiful views of Mount Mansfield and the encompassing valleys.
Famend for its glade snowboarding, Smugglers’ Notch attracts adventurers looking for untouched powder and tree-lined trails. The resort incorporates a fashionable carry system, together with eight chairs and two floor lifts, guaranteeing easy entry to its three interconnected mountains: Morse, Madonna, and Sterling. Past snowboarding, the resort shines as a year-round vacation spot, with actions like climbing, mountain biking, and zip-lining out there throughout the hotter months.
Identified for its welcoming ambiance, Smugglers’ Notch is a best choice for households, providing award-winning youngsters’ packages and varied on-site lodging. Whether or not hitting the slopes, having fun with après-ski at a comfy lodge, or exploring Vermont’s pure magnificence, Smugglers’ Notch guarantees a memorable mountain getaway.
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