#smuggslove

[tracylee]

One of my favourite things about skiing are views. Come ride a part of the Madonna Lift with me. The scenery is amazing! It was finally warm enough to do this but my hand was frozen. . . . . . . . . . . #smugglersnotch #smuggs #smuggslove #ski #skiing #snow #lift #liftline #vermont #ilovermont #jeffersonville #madonna #mountain #skilife #skilift #beautiful #video (at Madonna Peak) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bud-5hugANm/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=10cwczi06itya

[tooktoolongtogetthis97]

Pride Parade. #LGBTQPride #lgbtq #SmuggsLove #PrideMonth https://www.instagram.com/p/CfWpFcmu1e22zTVIV8GS50o05bR5pLQxg8GaPY0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[havekiddoswilltravel]

We family spent 5 days and 4 nights at Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Jeffersonville, VT. We stayed in a 3 bedroom unit in the Owls section of the Mountain. Check out our Vlogs of our adventures to be inspired to schedule your own family or extended friends - family trip to Smuggs and create lasting family memories. This is a quick overview of our itinerary. Please check back for a full trip report coming soon. 

[farflung-expectations]

Savoring fall at smuggs with my baby Dino. #fallfeels #hike #hiking #hikingadventures #unlikelyhikers #optoutside #mom #momlife #baby #smuggslove (at Smugglers' Notch Resort) https://www.instagram.com/p/B343J5Sn89q/?igshid=1ekeplnjrtql9

[ericabuteau]

Looking for the perfect #familygetaway? @smugglersnotchvt has it all, all year long! They're easily accommodating my family of seven this weekend and we have plenty of room and endless activities from #skiing to #swimming, #artsandcrafts, #music, dining and so much more! Last night was a trip up the #mountain in the cat trax #snowcat where you can see the lights of #montreal!! So cool! The fun never stops around here!! #smugglersnotch #smuggs #smuggslove #imasmuggler #vermont #vermontwinter #vermontvacation (at Smugglers' Notch Resort)

[havekiddoswilltravel]

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A post shared by Ruth Mendes (@havekiddoswilltravel)

Travel is another way for us to teach our kids about hard work, perseverance and never giving up. While this video shows success and smiles, what you don’t get to see is the falling, failure, frustration and tears that came before it. We travel with our kids to teach them these hard but important lessons, that will serve them well later in life. With so many outdoor activities, camps and things to explore, our kids were completely unplugged for 5 days while at Smugglers’ Notch. #smuggslove #hosted #smugglersnotch #nature #blackkidstravel #familytravel #hardwork #lifelessons #vt #vermont #newengland #homeschool #teachingkids (at Smugglers' Notch Resort)

[havekiddoswilltravel]

An amazing morning enjoying an adults hike while the kids are at camp @smugglersnotchvt #hosted #rumrunners #bootleggersbasin #smuggscamp #smuggslove #smugglersnotch #explorevermont #explorenature #unlikelyhikers #diversifyoutdoors #vt #vermont #roadtrip #familytravel #blackkidstravel #blackfamilytravel #blackmomsblog #sponsored (at Smugglers' Notch Resort)

[tracylee]

Top of the world!! Missing #Smuggs already!! What a great week!! . . . . . . #smuggslove #smugglersnotch #skiing #ski #madonna #miuntmadonna #peak #topoftheworld #summit #skipatrol #warminghut #skilift #skiing #ilovetoski #vermont #ilovermont #vt #vtigers #snow #mountain (at Madonna Peak) https://www.instagram.com/p/BujbnlEF6zX/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=r13k91vbcmoi

[tracylee]

Man, I don’t want to go home! So beautiful and more great conditions!! . . . . . . #smuggslove #smugglersnotch #smuggs #madonna #peak #vermont #ilovermont #ski #skiing #skilife #skiislife #wishianwashere (at Madonna Peak) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuhHTEZFGqc/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=g927zvwnvdyl

[tracylee]

Gorgeous view from the top of Madonna today. Conditions were just AMAZING!! More people on the slopes today and on the lift lines but definitely a great day to be here at Smuggs!! But...then again, aren’t they all? ❄️⛷❄️❤️❄️ .. . . . . . . . . . #smugglersnotch #smuggs #smuggslove #jeffersonville #vermont #vt #ilovermont #madonna #mountmadonna #ski #skiing #snow #summit #bluebirdday #bluebird #youllloveithere https://www.instagram.com/p/Bue6DJGloy2/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ft7ond3vj16k

[tracylee]

Today’s crew! Top of the Notch!! Mount Mansfield in the background. AMAZING conditions today!! Sorry the week is almost over. . . . . . . . #smugglersnotch #smuggs #smuggslove #ski #skiing #knuckledragger #snowboarding #vermont #ilovermont #vt #jeffersonville #topofthenotch #mountmansfield #mansfield #friends #skibuddies #friendarefamily #skifamily #nineteenyears #dontwanttogohome (at Sterling Mountain) https://www.instagram.com/p/Buee85ulFFq/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1qy6mcojzhurr

[tracylee]

Paul going down Upper FIS with AMAZING conditions!! I think the best we have ever skied here in all these years. . . . . . #fis #psia #level3 #smuggs #smuggslove #mansfield #smugglersnotch #skiing #ski #snow #vermont #jeffersonville #cold #vt #19years #snow #vista #view #ilovermont #iloveskiing #skitheeast #noplaceidratherbe (at Madonna Mountain) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuaacF1lI4I/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1hybncwjjgz1u

[tracylee]

View from the top of Madonna. Sooooo cold! But some of the best skiing conditions we’ve ever had here!! I risked the cold for this shot and my fingers are still numb. So worth it though. . . . . . . #madonna #smuggs #smuggslove #mansfield #smugglersnotch #skiing #ski #snow #vermont #jeffersonville #cold #vt #19years #snow #vista #view #ilovermont #iloveskiing #skitheeast #noplaceidratherbe #viewstowe (at Madonna Peak) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuZSl3vlGQT/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1f1qe2iktsmb2

[tracylee]

Way too cold for taking photos today so this obligatory, from the lift phot will have to do. Looks amazing and the snow is fantastic!! Just trying to stay warm. I haven’t figured out what’s colder, riding the lift of skiing down. Either way, it’s great to be out here!! 💜❄️⛷❄️💜 . . . . . . #snow #ski #skiing #alpine #vermont #smugglersnotch #ilovermont #smuggslove #19years #timeflies #ilovesnow #missmygirl #wishianwashere #wishianwasheretoo #watingforfriends #stoppingforlunch #mountmansfield #cold #windy #frigid #lookingatstowe (at Smugglers' Notch Resort) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuWpGwEFcRk/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=dax3fjrtz7ys

[havekiddoswilltravel]

Summer Family Fun at Smugglers’ Notch Resort

Our family (6 - 2 adults and 4 kids ages 12, 10, 7 and 5) spent 5 days and 4 nights in a 3-bedroom – 2.5 bath condo in Owls 6 during the summer season and loved our time at Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Jeffersonville, VT. I highly recommend the bigger and newer units in the North Hill Community. Ours was massive and easily accommodated our large family which provided a much better experience than prior cramped sleep situations in regular hotels. We could’ve easily had grandparents join us and still had extra space.

The views, sounds and smells scream “summer in Vermont!” @smugglersnotchvt #smuggslove #smugglersnotch #hosted #vt #vermont #summervibes #newengland #nature #4kidstravel #intentionaltravel #mountains #art #teachingkids #familytravel #blackmomsblog #blackfamilytravel #4kidstravel #diversifyoutdoors

A post shared by Ruth - 4kidstravel (@havekiddoswilltravel) on Jul 28, 2018 at 7:55am PDT

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Why Smuggs: Smugglers’ Notch is widely known as a family friendly ski resort, but we wanted to experience everything that Smugglers’ and the surrounding area had to offer in the summer months.

Pro tip: When traveling with young children, I highly recommend exploring a ski resort in the off season, as it provides a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the set-up, layout and kid friendly offerings during milder weather.

What we did:

Smugglers offers a 43-page Resort Information Guide which details the myriad of free and fee-based activities available for families to take part in. There’s a daily schedule, as well as camp offerings that help to keep families engaged (see more details below).

Check out the Vlog(s) at the end of this post for more pictures and videos of our time at Smuggs. 

What we loved:

-          Our condo: the kids actually argued about whether it was a condo, hotel room or a lodge. It was huge and provided a perfect base for our family to enjoy the resort and the surrounding areas.

-          Our kids loved the opportunity to try out mountain biking and I’m sure that this will become a new family favorite activity.

-          The variety of swimming options and slides with very limited lines was a huge hit with my water loving children.

-          Our youngest loved the various transportation options on the mountain. He loved taking the shuttle, the golf cart or just watching the lifts being serviced.

Variety of swimming options:

-          There are 8 heated pools and 4 water slides in addition to Bootleggers’ Basin and Rum Runners’ Hideaway - offering natural mountain reservoir swimming areas. My kids loved the fact that the pools are actually heated at a comfortable temperature allowing us to take advantage of the late pool hours at the Mountainside Water Playground and Court-side Pool & Hot Tubs.

Click here for more live trip report pictures from our trip.

Pro tip: The Court-side Pool was one of our favorite places to watch the sunset from. Don’t forget to pack beach towels for your family.  You will need them for the pools, reservoirs and for camp. You can take advantage of the washer and dryer in your unit.

Off-Road Segrides:

-          Kid 1 and my husband enjoyed a 60-minute guided Segway XT all terrain tour through the rugged woods on Smugglers’ property. Their guide, Bruce was amazing and made the experience enjoyable for our nervous  and usually overly cautious daughter. Kids must be 12 & older to participate.

French Gourmet Winery Experience: our kids took part in 2 days of camp at Smuggs and on one of these days, my husband and I drove to The Boyden Valley Winery and enjoyed a French Gourmet Experience. We took a tour of the farm, wine tasting and enjoyed a glass of wine and a cheese board while taking in the amazing views of the farm, vineyard and the Green Mountains beyond.

Village Recreation Area:

-          Our family loved the sand volleyball court, basketball court, shuffleboard, horseshoes and Gaga Pit - are located next to the main parking lot. Balls are available in the box near Teen Alley.

Mountain Biking:

Smuggs offers a variety of Mountain Bike Options at the Mountain Bike Center & Bike Shop which is open from 10:00 M – 5:00 pm.  Our family took advantage of the Mountain Bike Open Park (kids 3 and older) which provided an opportunity to try a mountain bike for the first time (20 minutes free). The kids and my husband got to try their balance and handling skills in the flatland park area and then take the wonder carpet conveyor lift to try out the downhill skills park. We highly recommend taking advantage of this free preview.

Skate Park: 

My husband and oldest son took advantage of the some 1 on 1 time and practiced their tricks at the Smuggs Skate Park which is located just down the hill from the Mountain Bike Center. The skate park is designed with both the experienced and beginner skater in mind. There’s a quarter pipe, ramps and rails. We brought our own skate boards, helmet and pads, but you can also rent at the 3 mountain Equipment Center.

Fun Zone 2.0:  Is a 26,000 square ft indoor playground perfect for rainy days or taking a break from the sun. We took advantage of mainly the 2nd floor activities located in The Ozone (included in our Smuggs Pass). My husband and oldest son did the warrior course once located in The Go Zone (1st floor) which cost $5 per person. Also located in the Fun Zone 2.0 area: Laser Tag, Arcade, Refuel Café and miniature golf.

Smuggs Pass:

Fee based activities and facilities such as massage, disc golf course, canoe trips and specialty camps are additional and not covered by the Smuggs Pass.

Kids Club: A separate blog post will be published soon dedicated to our kids’ experiences at the Smugglers’ kids club.

Where we ate:

-          We cooked most of our meals in our fully stocked condo kitchen, but did venture out a few times and to the following local restaurants:

-          Brewster River Pub and Brewery – Jeffersonville - We had dinner here almost every night. Try the Ode to Pittsburgh.

-          Ben & Jerry’s – Smugglers’ Village

-          Piecasso Pizzeria and Lodge - Stowe

-          The Von Trapp Lodge – Stowe

-          Cliff House – Gondola ride from Stowe Lodge

Things we did near Smugglers’ Notch:

-          Climbed boulders and explored Smugglers’ Notch State Park

-          Watched rock climbers practicing their skills at Smugglers’ Notch State Park

-          Explored the various covered bridges located near Jeffersonville

-          Took a drive to The Von Trapp Lodge and enjoyed the views

-          Took a Gondola ride to the top of Mount Mansfield – The Gondola from the parking lot to Stow Lodge is also fun and it’s free

-          Enjoyed the playgrounds at Stowe Lodge

Pro tips for first time visitors:

-          Pack beach towels

-          Our unit in Owls did not have an elevator. Keep that in mind and request a low unit if traveling with anyone with mobility concerns.

-          Bring bikes, skateboards or scooters (helmets and pads)

-          Bring non-perishable food from home and stop by Shaws when you first get off of I-89 and buy perishables

-          Park less clothing and use the washer and dryer

-          Pack layers: sweater and rain jackets

-          Pack insect repellent and sunblock

-          Pack sneakers, hiking shoes and water shoes

-          Bring a small back pack and water bottle for each child for camp

-          Pack a hat for each family member

-          Spend some time reviewing the activities calendar online prior to your trip

-          Check out is early (10 AM), so plan accordingly the night before checking out.

-          Take advantage of the kids’ camp for at least one day of your trip. Our kids loved it and it allowed us adults to enjoy some of the adult activities in the area.

Getting there:

-          Smugglers’ Notch Resort is located in Jeffersonville, VT at the base of Madonna Mountain and 4 hours and 15 minutes from our home in Central Connecticut.

Note: The historic Smugglers' Notch Pass, on Route 108 between Stowe and Jeffersonville, is closed in the Winter and closed year around to motor coaches, motorhomes and commercial vehicles.

Location:

-          Smugglers' Notch, a year round mountain vacation resort on 3,000 acres, is located 30 miles east of the Burlington International Airport and five miles south of Jeffersonville on Route 108. The Resort is easily reached from Boston (225 miles), New York City (342 miles), and Montreal (91 miles).

When we visited:

-          Summer programs available from mid-June through early September

Where we stayed: Owls 6 in the North Hill Community

-          The North Hill Community features the most spectacular, southerly, mountain views at Smugglers' including those of Madonna Mountain, Sterling Mountain and historic Smugglers' Notch Pass.

-          Owls 6: Master Suite with private deck, two-person whirlpool bath and two-person shower. The dining room features a wet bar and the four-season Vermont furnished sunroom boasts spectacular views of the mountains and valley. The Owls neighborhood at North Hill has two natural ponds for recreation and relaxation. Plus, exclusive use of the Owls Parliament Lodge with an outdoor heated pool, sauna, weight room and recreational game room. These homes are available for rental year-round.

In Fall, the North Hill Community offers spectacular views. The hills are ablaze with brilliant autumn colors. The community offers a children's playground, nearby tennis courts, views of Smugglers' Notch Pass, plus you are just a short walk to disc golf, hiking trails and more!

In Winter, the North Hill Community takes on its character through its location adjacent to 34 km of cross-country ski trails and 24 km of snowshoe trails, which are also great for hiking and walking during the Summer and Fall seasons. In the Winter, your family is just a 3-minute walk from SmuggsCentral and a short, on-demand, in-Resort shuttle ride to The Village Center. For alpine skiing, hop on the on-demand, Resort shuttle (the fastest way to get to the upper mountains from anywhere in the Resort!) and within a few short minutes it will whisk you directly to the upper mountains for some of the best skiing and riding you'll ever experience. In Summer, the North Hill Community offers two tennis courts and a huge, children's outdoor playground with adjacent sand volleyball court, or you are just a 3-minute walk to the Tennis Center where there are 10 additional courts, Disc Golf Course, and Courtside Pool with Flume Waterslide. If you prefer, you can use the on-demand shuttle to reach any location within the Resort.

Families visiting Smugglers' find fun activities to enjoy together from 10:00 am to about 7:00 pm daily. Many of these activities are package inclusions, like an agility dog demo, sock puppet making, family nature walks, creature feature with a naturalist, giant lawn games, sing-alongs, and arts and crafts. Other activities supported by guides and equipment availability, like family mountain biking and paddleboarding clinics, are fee-based. 

Check out my YouTube Channel for Vlogs of our adventures at Smugglers’ Notch. This includes many more pictures and videos that will inspire you. 

Additional things to do at Smuggs:

-          The Mountain Massage Center

-          Disc Golf

-          Flyboard lessons

-          Zip Line Canopy Tour

-          Treetop Obstacle Course & ArborTrek Junior

-          Climbing Adventure

-          Fitness Gym located at the Cambridge Community Center – a daily of weekly pass to the gym can be purchased. $10 for a day pass or $20 for a week pass.

-          Fly Fishing Stream Tour

-          Tennis and Family Fun Center

-          Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals

-          Morse Mining Company

-          Segway Rental

-          Teen Alley Teen Center

-          Self-guided walking and nature trails

-          Farmers Market in the Courtyard on Monday morning

-          Family Foosball Game

-          Family Pictionary

-          Hungry, Hungry Humans

-          Pool parties and family dance parties

-          Family Karaoke

-          Kids’ night out (advanced reservations required)

-          Smuggs family portraits

Additional things to do nearby:

-          Horseback riding at nearby Lajoie Stables

-          Stowe Country Club for golf

-          Cold Hollow Cider Mill

-          Go on a farm tour at nearby Quarry Hill Farm in Jeffersonville or Shelburne Farms in Shelburne

-          Go on a hike near water: Brewster River Gorge, Jeff Falls, Bingham Falls or Moss Glen Falls.

-          Tour nearby Ben & Jerry’s Ice cream Factory

-          Take a glider ride of the Green Mountains at Stowe Soaring

-          Go for a walk or hike on the nearby trails (located in Jeffersonville and Stowe)

Disclosure: Our family was hosted by Smugglers’ Notch during our visit. Our lodging and some of our activities were included.

Read more about our family travel here.