Why Smugglers Notch Vermont is One of the Best Family Destinations in New England

We are still on a high from our trip to Smugglers’ Notch. I’m sure most parents will understand what I mean when I say that some trips are taken purely for the enjoyment of the kids… you’re just in it to see a smile on your child’s face. But I can honestly say that every member of our family left Smugglers’ Notch beaming.

Smugglers’ Notch Vermont

If you are looking for a destination that blends outdoor adventure with small town charm, Smugglers Notch Vermont should be at the top of your list. Tucked between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, this scenic mountain pass is one of the most beautiful places in New England and an incredible spot for families to explore year-round.

Whether you are visiting in the summer, fall, or winter, Smugglers Notch Vermont offers endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and memory-making with kids.

Checking into our condo was an experience in itself. I had set my expectations pretty low, picturing a typical ski condo with dated decor and mismatched furniture. Our condo at the Kestrels completely exceeded anything I had imagined.

The moment we walked in, my jaw nearly hit the floor. This condo is located in the newly built North Hill Community, and everything felt fresh, modern, and thoughtfully designed. We stayed in a spacious, light-filled three-bedroom unit with an oversized kitchen, a comfortable living room, and a cozy fireplace that made it feel like the perfect mountain retreat.

One wing of the condo was designed perfectly for kids, with a bedroom featuring four twin beds and its own television. There was also a second bedroom with a queen bed, along with a full bathroom just for the kids, which made the setup feel both comfortable and functional for families.

The heart of the condo was the open living room and kitchen, creating a central space where everyone could gather. Just off the living area, a large screened-in deck offered incredible views of the surrounding mountain range, making it a favorite spot to relax.

The primary bedroom was located just off the kitchen, giving it a bit more privacy. This space felt like a true retreat, complete with its own private balcony, a cozy fireplace, and a large jetted tub that was perfect for unwinding after a full day on the slopes.

The only bad thing about having such an amazing condo was that the kids didn’t want to leave. When my kindergartner walked in, she looked up at me and said “Mommy, this place is a 10 out of 10.”

There was even an outdoor hot tub in our building, which quickly became one of our favorite features. There is something so relaxing about sinking into the warm water while snow gently falls around you. It felt like the perfect way to end a day on the mountain.

Smugglers’ Notch Activities

One of the best things about Smugglers’ Notch is how easy it is to park your car for the weekend and not think about it again. The resort has a convenient shuttle system that loops around the entire property, making it simple to get wherever you need to go.

All you have to do is call the shuttle, let them know your location, and they will come pick you up. It is quick, easy, and especially helpful when you are traveling with kids and all of their gear. There is even a rack on the back for skis, so you can head straight to the mountain without any hassle.

There is always something happening at Smugglers’ Notch, which makes it such a fun destination for families. When we arrived, a winter carnival was in full swing. The kids jumped right into games, won prizes, and loved the festive atmosphere. There was fresh popcorn, classic sugar on snow, and even free samples from the Smugglers’ Notch Distillery for the adults.

Throughout the weekend, we kept busy with all of the activities offered around the resort. We tried glow tubing, warmed up by the campfire, and ended our nights with one of the highlights of the trip, family feud game night, which quickly became the kids’ favorite.

Smugglers’ Notch has a charming, authentic ski village feel that really adds to the experience. A winding, well-maintained path connects the different shops, restaurants, and gathering spots, making it easy and enjoyable to explore on foot.

We found ourselves popping into the Country Store, which had everything we needed to make meals in our condo. From pantry staples to a great selection of beer and wine, it made staying in just as easy as dining out. The kids, of course, made a beeline for the candy section.

Each morning, I started my day at The Perk with a fresh cup of coffee before heading out for the day.

Map of Smugglers' Notch Resort

Three Mountain Outfitters is a great ski shop right in the village. My kids actually needed new mittens after our puppy got to theirs before the trip, and we were able to find a pair that was both high quality and reasonably priced.

It also turned out to be a fun stop for them because they love collecting a sticker for their helmets or a pin from each mountain we visit, and this was the perfect place to add to their collection.

Smugglers’ Notch Restaurants

There are several great restaurant options at Smugglers’ Notch, making it easy to find something for everyone without ever leaving the resort. For a more elevated dining experience, head to Hearth and Candle. This cozy, candle-lit tavern serves beautifully prepared meals in a warm setting. While the menu leans more upscale, it still feels completely welcoming for families, just like everything at Smuggs.

If you are looking for something more casual, Morse Mountain Grill is a great choice. It is relaxed, convenient, and perfect after a day on the slopes. Around the village, you will also find easy grab-and-go options like the Green Mountain Deli and the Village Pizzeria, both ideal for a quick and satisfying lunch.

And of course, no family trip is complete without a sweet treat. The Ben and Jerry’s scoop shop in the village was a big hit with the kids.

The only time we left the resort was for dinner at Brewster River Pub, which is just a quick two-minute drive down the road. The best part is that the shuttle will take you there and pick you up, which comes in handy once you see their impressive craft beer list.

Skiing at Smugglers’ Notch

Smugglers’ Notch has 78 trails spread across a variety of beautiful terrain, including groomers, glades, and moguls, so there really is something for every type of skier.

One of the highlights of this trip was skiing with my daughter for the first time. She had been taking weekly lessons at our small local mountain, but we had never actually skied together. This was also her first time on a chairlift, and she absolutely nailed it. It felt like such a milestone for our family. After years of being in the “penalty box” with little kids, we are finally at the stage where we can do activities like this together, and it is just so much fun.

Smugglers’ Notch is made up of three distinct peaks: Morse, Sterling, and Madonna. What makes this mountain especially great for families is how naturally it is divided by skill level. Morse Mountain is primarily green trails, making it perfect for beginners and younger kids. Sterling offers a great mix for intermediate skiers, while Madonna, the tallest peak, is home to some seriously challenging terrain, including double and even triple black diamonds.

This setup made a huge difference for us. I never had to worry about my kids accidentally ending up on a trail beyond their ability, and more advanced skiers could enjoy their runs without navigating around beginners. It created a really comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone on the mountain.

Trail Map of Smugglers' Notch

One thing that makes Smugglers’ Notch different is the chairlifts, and this tends to be a bit of a debate among skiers. There are no high speed lifts Smuggs. Most lifts at Smuggs are old-school two-seaters. While that might be a downside for some, I actually think it adds to the overall charm of the mountain.

The slower lifts naturally keep crowds down, which made a noticeable difference during our visit. We never waited in a single lift line, which is almost unheard of at many larger resorts. It reminded me a lot of Magic Mountain, which has intentionally avoided high-speed lifts to preserve its laid-back, old-school feel. As more mountains are bought up and developed by large resort companies, they often become more crowded and significantly more expensive. Places like Smugglers’ Notch feel increasingly special because they have held onto that classic ski experience.

Another thing to keep in mind is that winter truly lasts longer up north. We left Massachusetts in sunny, 60-degree weather and drove straight into a snow squall. They had just received 36 inches of snow overnight, and it snowed or flurried the entire time we were there. It honestly felt like we had stepped into a completely different season. Driving home, we watched winter slowly turn back into spring mile by mile.

The Fun Zone 2.0

I love a resort that has a solid backup plan, especially in New England where the weather can change in an instant. Halfway through our first day, the rain rolled in. At most ski resorts, that would mean calling it a day and heading back to your room. But at Smugglers’ Notch, there is a massive 26,000 square foot indoor playground that completely saved the day.

The FunZone is divided into three different areas, starting with the Ozone. This space is packed with activities including giant bounce houses, mini golf, ping pong, trampolines, and a dedicated play area for younger kids. Just a heads up, socks are required.

Downstairs, the FunZone also has an arcade, which was an instant hit. Lizzie loved trying all the different games, and laser tag quickly became one of my boys’ favorite activities.

The Go Zone is also located on the lower level and is geared more toward older kids and adventurous adults. This area features a ninja warrior-style course, a rock climbing wall, and something called the Leap of Faith. This one definitely lives up to its name. You climb to the top of a tall pole, balance on a small platform, and then attempt to jump out and grab a hanging target. If you miss, you are safely lowered down, but it still feels intense.

I jokingly told my son I would do it if he did, fully expecting him to back out at the top. Instead, he climbed up and jumped without hesitation. Suddenly, I was committed. I am not great with heights, but I could not back out after that. I made it to the top, stood on the platform, and tried to talk myself into jumping while a growing line of kids waited below. After a lot of hesitation and encouragement from my kids, I finally went for it. It was terrifying in the moment, but also one of those experiences I am so glad I did.

One quick tip, you will need sneakers for the Go Zone, so plan accordingly.

Swimming at Smugglers’ Notch

There is also an indoor pool and hot tub located right next to the FunZone, which is a great option if you are already spending time there. That said, we found ourselves gravitating toward the aquatic center in the North Hill Community where we were staying.

It was much quieter, and during our visit, we practically had the entire place to ourselves, which made it feel even more relaxing. One thing to note is that there is no lifeguard at the North Hill aquatic center, so you will want to keep a close eye on your kids while swimming.

History of Smugglers’ Notch Vermont

Smugglers’ Notch is not just a beautiful place to ski, it is also rich in history. The name comes from the War of 1812, when smugglers used the rugged mountain pass to move goods between the United States and Canada. During the presidency of Thomas Jefferson, trade with England was heavily restricted, so much of the commerce shifted north through Canada, often by way of this hidden route.

A “notch” simply refers to a natural pass through the mountains, and this one was ideal for smuggling. The large boulders and caves provided plenty of places to hide goods, and even today, people still search the area hoping to uncover hidden treasure. Over time, what started as a narrow footpath evolved into a wagon road and eventually became accessible to cars when a highway was completed in 1921.

One important thing to know when planning your trip is that the mountain pass closes during the winter months. If you are using GPS, it may try to route you through the notch, but that is not possible in winter. Instead, you will need to drive around the mountain to reach Smugglers’ Notch, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Smugglers’ Notch Vermont is hands down one of the most family-friendly ski resorts I have ever experienced. It truly feels like a hidden gem tucked away in the mountains. Every single employee we interacted with was incredibly kind and welcoming. At one point, my son asked me, completely serious, “Are people here so nice because we are close to the Canadian border?” It made me laugh, but honestly, it did feel that way.

There was always something going on, from outdoor adventures to indoor activities, which made it easy to keep everyone happy no matter the weather. More than anything, it was the kind of place where you make those core family memories you will talk about for years. We are already planning a return trip, and this time, we want to see what it is like in the summer.

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