The Scene
It has the most user-friendly setup of any slope-side resort base village in the East. For 45 years, Smuggler's Notch has carved a niche by offering family fun with extensive kids' programs, all-inclusive pricing and fun activities like snow-tubing, sledding, tennis, swimming, ice skating and sleigh rides. The weak spot is its lift system, which results in bottlenecks on busy weekends and holidays.
The Slopes
Smuggler's has three peaks that don't kid around, serving up a full plate of hard-core skiing and snow boarding, along with surprising hidden glades on Madonna Mountain. It also has fine novice and intermediate terrain with extensive snowmaking--and a great ski school--making it ideal for families and groups of varying skill levels.
Vital Stats
Vertical drop: 2,610 feet
Base elevation: 1,030 feet
Top elevation: 3,640 feet
Trails: 70
Lifts: 9
Skiable acres: 1,000
Beginner terrain: 22 percent
Intermediate terrain: 53 percent
Expert terrain: 25 percent
Snowboarding: Full facilities