Smugglers' Notch Resort

Been going to Smuggs for 20 years and recently they’ve lost their way. They need to pick a direction, either create some value or make it upscale. They can’t continue to walk this line of doing things like no refills on drinks, no refill pricing, staff that is apathetic, and otherwise not creating value and then try to be the value for families choice. I love the low key vibe of Smuggs and that’s what we enjoy, but to go to a pizzeria, get poor service, and then be stuck with pricing that mimics a Disney resort or movie theater is a massive downer. To be honest, the pricing of the food is high but not crazy, it’s the lack of value. Burgers without fries. No refills on drinks. 20oz large soda $5 with $5 refills. As I sit here now, I’m sitting next to a full restaurant with no one eating from the pizzeria because they all brought their own food. That is simply not good for business. If instead they created some value and/or improved service it would lead people to actually buy.

Beyond this, Smuggs will always have a special place in our hearts and the skiing and staff on mountain are great. It’s just the little details like the restaurants that really need some attention to make it match the rest of the resort.

We’ve been coming to Smuggs for over 20 years both summer and winter and we still love it every single time. The winter skiing is awesome for all levels and has that relaxed classic Vermont feel we look forward to all year. Summer is just as great with the pools, camps, hiking, and tons of activities to keep everyone busy. The kids programs are fantastic and give parents a little downtime too. The staff is always friendly and welcoming and it feels like a big community of families who come back year after year. Smuggs has become such a special tradition for us and we honestly wouldn’t want to vacation anywhere else.

I’m really surprised this place has any 5 stars. Maybe for skiing location, but that’s about it. The rooms are super old and falling apart (we had a 3 bedroom unit on Slopeside) while the layout was great, everything was old and in a major need of an upgrade. Showers, kitchen, decor, all really old and dingy. The pool is also way overdue for a makeover and far from most units so you need drive or walk a while, for us anyways. Fun zone, also old and dingy. Has incredibly dangerous railings on the second floor. It’s an accident waiting to happen. One kid looks over too hard and will fall. I was a wreck next to it. Arcade needs a revamp and the staff barely pay attention to anyone there. It’s a free for all.

Okay so the main reason we came, to ski. Skiing was fine, tubing was fine too but the line gets long and you have to stop yourself or you’re going through the nets. My biggest issue tho was with the lessons. We paid $2700 for 2 days of private lessons for 3 hours each day. I was personally told from 2 different people I spoke to on the phone our 4 kids would have 2 instructors. I was even told not to book my daughter alone for extra help because the two instructors would manage it. This made perfect sense to me and for the cost I was happy this is how it would go. Well, we arrived on day 1 and only 1 instructor (Beztie, she was nice and good with the kids, this wasn’t her fault). I said something to her - the next day the manager spoke to me for about 1 min prior to the lesson and said she understands her team told me this, and a second coach would come for the last 2 hours. He did and worked with the kids. BUT this doesn’t make up for the other 4 hours we paid top dollar for and didn’t have both coaches. I wrote an email to the manager and still have not heard back. We should be refunded a portion of those 4 hours. I hope management returns my email as this is incredibly disappointing. $2700 on top of the thousands of dollars we paid just to be there is ridiculous for what we were provided. Because of this experience, the old dingy rooms and facility areas, we wouldn’t return.

The lifts were a little slow other than that awesome place to take your family. There is something for everyone weather you ski, snowboard, snowshoe, or just want to play in the snow. Everyone is kind and helpful. Everything was very clean and well kept. Could not have asked to go to a better place for our first time seeing snow and skiing.

Long term NE Skier, first time at Smugglers on NYD 2026! Was pleasantly surprised with the condition, powder and well conditioned trails for early winter skiing. All their open trails have good powder.

Mountain is well spread out and fun trail layouts! Highly enjoyable for all ski levels.

Village/ resort vibes are great as well. They even have complimentary Hot Cocoa and Popcorn some days at the base.