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You are here: Home / Family Vacations / 7 Things to do at Smuggler’s Notch in Winter
The Cat Trax - one of our favorite things to do at Smuggler's Notch!
Atop Madonna Mountain's 3,640-foot summit -- thanks to the Cat Trax tour. (Photo credit: Indulgent TravelingMom / Andrea Traynor)

7 Things to do at Smuggler’s Notch in Winter

April 10, 2017 //  by Andrea Traynor//  12 Comments

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Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • 7 Things to Do at Smuggler’s Notch in Winter+−
    • Read on for more info!
  • Winter Fun at Smugg's
  • 1. Take a Ski or Snowboard Lesson.
  • 2. Use the Kid-Friendly Chair Lifts.
  • 3. Do a Cat Trax Tour to the Summit.
  • 4. Watch the Weekly Fireworks.
  • 5. Take Your Kids Snowmobiling.
  • 6. Eat.
  • 7. Participate in Free Activities — Every Day.
  • TravelingMom Tips!

The trouble with many ski resorts is that there’s little else to do for families who don’t want to ski all day. And then there’s the à la carte pricing, which can become cost-prohibitive for other on- and off-mountain activities. Both new and veteran ski families will delight in Smuggler’s Notch. This Vermont ski resort has a more inclusive pricing structure and offers something for everyone. Here, Indulgent TravelingMom Andrea Traynor highlights 7 things to do at Smuggler’s Notch in winter.

Looking for one of the best ski or snowboard vacations for your family? Check out Smugg's in Vermont. Here are 7 things to do at Smuggler's Notch in winter.
(Photo credit: Indulgent TravelingMom / Andrea Traynor)

7 Things to Do at Smuggler’s Notch in Winter

  1. Take a ski or snowboard lesson.

  2. Use the kid-friendly chair lifts.

  3. Do a Cat Trax tour to the summit.

  4. Watch fireworks.

  5. Take your kids snowmobiling.

  6. Eat.

  7. Participate in free activities — every day.

Read on for more info!

Adult ski lessons at Smugg's one of 7 things to do at Smuggler's Notch in winter
This is Oliver — one of the best ski instructors EVER! And we were fortunate to have him three days in a row as part of our adult group lessons. (Photo credit: Indulgent TravelingMom / Andrea Traynor)

Winter Fun at Smugg’s

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and buy, TravelingMom may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

With some of the best snowfall in the east, there’s more to do at this family-friendly resort than you can possibly accomplish in just one visit. (We’re already planning next year’s stay for this very reason!) Smugg’s is open for winter fun from early December through early April each year, and has some superb packages to help families save. Once you’re there, here are 7 things to do at Smuggler’s Notch in winter.

1. Take a Ski or Snowboard Lesson.

Our package at Smuggler’s Notch included daily two-hour lessons for my family, and, yes, that included my husband and me!

Our kids adored their instructors and even started to learn how to get on and off the chair lifts themselves. We took advantage of the included lessons and managed to score the same instructor three days in a row, which meant we had someone who really understood our skills and needs from one day to the next.

Smugg’s is such an awesome place to learn because there are three mountains here, one of which is just for beginners and two that are progressively more challenging.

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    Morse Mountain slow chair lift for kids, one of 7 things to do at Smuggler's Notch in winter
    Look for this lift at the base of Sir Henry’s Hill near the magic carpets for a slower, kid-friendly ride up Morse Mountain. (Photo credit: Indulgent TravelingMom / Andrea Traynor)

    2. Use the Kid-Friendly Chair Lifts.

    On Morse Mountain — that beginner-friendly one I referenced above — there are two chair lifts that are lower to the ground and move at a slower-than-average pace. So it’s much easier for kids and newbies.

    Located just beside the magic carpet, the Mogul Mouse’s Magic Lift take you nearly to the top. If you take Sam’s Run down to the Morse Highland’s Lift, it’s also a slower ride and gives you access to a small terrain park and some really lovely, easy trails.

    Looking for one of the best ski or snowboard vacations for your family? Check out Smugg's in Vermont. Here are 7 things to do at Smuggler's Notch in winter.
    A perfect sunset view, courtesy of our skilled Cat Trax driver. (Photo credit: Indulgent TravelingMom / Andrea Traynor)

    3. Do a Cat Trax Tour to the Summit.

    This was a fantastic tour! It’s not included in any of the packages, but if you want to get to the top of Madonna Mountain’s 3,640-foot summit without having to ski down, this is the way to do it. A specially designed groomer can accommodate up to 12 people for the ride. TravelingMom Tip: On Thursdays, the Cat goes out during the weekly fireworks for a unique vantage point.

    The four seats at the front are definitely the best. And if you ask really nicely, the Cat driver might just let you and a small child up front for the ride back down. If there’s been a lot of snowfall during your stay, he may even groom the trail during the tour, which is a super cool thing to watch.

    Looking for one of the best ski or snowboard vacations for your family? Check out Smugg's in Vermont. Here are 7 things to do at Smuggler's Notch in winter.
    Fireworks at Smugg’s each week are not to be missed! (Photo credit: Indulgent TravelingMom / Andrea Traynor)

    4. Watch the Weekly Fireworks.

    Every Thursday evening during the ski season at Smugg’s, there’s a Torchlight Parade to watch from the base of Morse Mountain, near the gazebo. The quick burst of fireworks at eight o’clock sharp mark the start of the parade. Then, ski school staff make their way down the mountain with a torch in each hand. Once they’re at the base, the fireworks show begins.

    And this is not simply a two-minute show with a few pops and bangs. It’s a 10- to 15-minute long fireworks spectacular that’s a must if you’re visiting midweek.

    Looking for one of the best ski or snowboard vacations for your family? Check out Smugg's in Vermont. Here are 7 things to do at Smuggler's Notch in winter.
    PIN THIS! During our snowmobile tour pit stop, we learned how Smuggler’s Notch earned its name. (Photo credit: Indulgent TravelingMom / Andrea Traynor)

    5. Take Your Kids Snowmobiling.

    This is another add-on activity, but one that’s perfect for kids who have never been on a snowmobile before. The minimum age is five years old. They ride with you, either sitting in the “back seat” or, like our kids did, in front between your legs. It’s a pretty easy trail with few tight turns or surprises, so it’s ideal for first-time drivers, too.

    It was neat to stop and hear about how Smuggler’s Notch got its name (think Prohibition), and to have the opportunity to really let the slide rip on some of the wide straights. Such a blast!

    Ribs to be enjoyed, one of 7 things to do at Smuggler's Notch in winter
    The YUMazing pork belly dish at Hearth & Candle. (Photo credit: Indulgent TravelingMom / Andrea Traynor)

    6. Eat.

    We worked up quite an appetite every day, and there’s no shortage of food options at Smugg’s:

    • Ben & Jerry’s — this brand is actually from Vermont, and we loved trying our first-ever scoops of this heavenly ice cream.
    • Hearth & Candle — billed as five-star dining with one-star dress code, this was our favourite restaurant. The peppered pork belly confit was pure indulgence, and I don’t know what kind of magic they sprinkle on the Brussels sprouts, but wow.
    • Brewster River Pub — accessible for free via resort shuttle, this offsite pub is as good for après as it is for local craft beer or a delicious bite. I loved my artisan grilled cheese sandwich and my son declared the kids’ burger “the best burger ever!”
    • Riga-Bello’s Pizzeria — located in the same building as Ben & Jerry’s, it’s quick, easy and affordable.
    • Morse Mountain Grille — the menu can be hit and miss, but the French onion soup and burgers were fab. I strongly recommend the Girl Guide hot chocolate if you want hot chocolate with a kick (a strong alcoholic kick, that is).
    • In your condo — one of the best parts of staying at Smugg’s is that you’re in a condo that’s as comfortable as home. We stayed in the North Hill Community Eagles condos, and ate there a lot to save money.
    Looking for one of the best ski or snowboard vacations for your family? Check out Smugg's in Vermont. Here are 7 things to do at Smuggler's Notch in winter.
    There’s tubing during the day beside the Eagles condos, but the night tubing has the distinct advantage of being beside the magic carpet. (Photo credit: Indulgent TravelingMom / Andrea Traynor)

    7. Participate in Free Activities — Every Day.

    Tubing. Hot chocolate meetups. Winter carnival day. Arts and crafts. Family karaoke. Sock puppet-making. Nature walks. Bonfires. Scavenger hunts. Dance parties.

    They’re all part of your Smugg’s Pass when you stay onsite at Smuggler’s Notch. How fun is that?

    TravelingMom Tips!

    If you drive, be sure to pick up groceries before you arrive at Smuggler’s Notch. It’s cheaper to shop in the outskirts than in the onsite Country Store. Flying in? You can ask your shuttle driver to make a grocery pit-stop in Burlington (for about $50 extra in shuttle fees).

    Gringa TravelingMom agrees that winter activities at Smugg’s rock. And while you’re in Vermont, be sure to grab some nectar of the gods — maple syrup, that is. The state is full of the stuff! Visit during the Maple Syrup Festival, or just drive down any main road to look for sugar shacks.

    What are your favorite things to do at Smuggler’s Notch ?

    TravelingMom Tip: Protect yourself while traveling with Medjet. 2020 Medjet Members hospitalized with active COVID-19 infections are now eligible for Air Medical Transport within the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Learn more about how to become a Member here.
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    Category: Family Vacation Ideas, Family Vacation Ideas in the Northeast US States, Family Vacations, Fitness, Travel TipsTag: Vermont

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    12 Comments on “7 Things to do at Smuggler’s Notch in Winter”

    1. Marie says:
      November 18, 2019 at 9:44 am

      I’m from Fla. I want my kids to experience snow but we’ve a minimal budget, saving for college in a few years. Any suggestions on places to go in the southern states that get some snow like Alabama, Georgia, …?

      Reply
      1. Nasreen Stump says:
        November 20, 2019 at 10:47 am

        Hi Marie- We have a whole post on the topic. Hope you find some snow! https://www.travelingmom.com/family-vacation-destinations/southeast-destinations/6-places-to-find-snow-in-the-south/

        Reply
    2. Joyceln Teno says:
      February 11, 2018 at 10:00 pm

      This looks great.

      Reply
    3. Kristy says:
      February 9, 2018 at 5:38 am

      Kid-friendly chair lifts sounds amazing. Getting 3 kids on a chair lift is not easy!

      Reply
    4. Nicole j says:
      January 28, 2018 at 9:36 pm

      Sounds amazing. Our family would so love a holiday like this! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    5. lori galbraith says:
      January 25, 2018 at 9:19 am

      So many great activities to do.

      Reply
    6. Sarah alexis says:
      January 24, 2018 at 9:05 pm

      What an amazing family trip location!

      Reply
      1. Andrea Traynor, Indulgent TravelingMom says:
        January 24, 2018 at 9:29 pm

        Definitely!

        Reply
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