On the left is Howard Suls from New Hampshire, who has been coming to Smuggs for the past 18 years. His kids learned to ski here and they love coming to Smuggs in the summer also. The group of four is the Spence family from Melbourne, Florida. They have been coming to Smuggs since 2005. One of their favorite things about Smuggs is the Snowshoe Adventure Dinner on Sterling Mountain.
Adventure seekers crossing Sterling Pond
This is easily one of my favorite activities here at Smuggs! The combination of a mountain top adventure, spectacular views, and an amazing meal is hard to beat. The weather last night was absolutely perfect with clear skies, light winds, and comfortable temperatures. We trekked out on the Long Trail to the lean-to that over looks Sterling Pond with Mount Mansfield in the background. This is one of my favorite spots here at Smuggs. I stayed at the lean-to lookout while the rest of the group headed for Sterling Pond, so that I could get a photo of them on the pond. I then headed back to the Top of the Notch building to enjoy my delicious meal from the Hearth & Candle, special thanks to our chefs Dave and Nate. I also want to thank our guides P.K., Lisa, Derek, and Ski Patroller Duncan for a wonderful experience!
Snowshoes lined up by the Sterling Lift
Everyone enjoying their wonderful meal prepared by the Hearth & Candle restaurant in the Top of Notch building
Sun setting over the Top of the Notch building
Snowshoe Adventure Dinner Fun
My wife Harley’s birthday was yesterday and to celebrate we did the Snowshoe Adventure Dinner with our good friends Tony and Joie. I love being on top of the mountain after the lifts have closed. Everything is quiet and peaceful. The view of Sterling Pond from the lean-to was beautiful last night with all the snow falling. We had a wonderful time exploring Sterling while David and Nate of the Hearth & Candle Restaurant were preparing our meals. After our hike we headed back to the Top of the Notch building for a wonderful candle lit meal. David and Nate put a candle in Harley’s dessert, then we all sang Happy Birthday! I think that Harley’s birthday wish must have been snow, because we sure do have some!
Some of the best conditions of the season
We received 23 inches of new snow in the past 24 hours, 31 inches in the past 2 days, 56 inches in the past week, and 265 inches this season so far! The National Weather Service is saying that we could see another 8 inches of new snow by 8 am tomorrow morning. Tomorrow’s forecast is also calling for snow with another 3 inches of accumulation possible and temperatures between 20 and 32 degrees. We are 100 percent open with top to bottom skiing and riding on all 3 mountains with 6 lifts operating. We have 78 trails open with terrain for all ability levels. 40 trails will be groomed for tomorrow, including Upper Drifter, Smugglers’ Alley, and Snow Snake for a grand total of 150 acres of freshly groomed terrain.
Madonna Liftline
We have many events this weekend like the St. Paddy’s Day Lucky Leprechaun Challenge on Saturday, March 17th — Wear green, meet the Leprechaun on the slopes, and get raffle tickets for a chance to win. Join Goodtime Charlie at the Black Bear for music, door prizes, 12 beers on tap and giveaways from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm! Go to Bootleggers’ Lounge at 4:30 pm, submit all your tickets and relax with 50% off appetizers and drink specials while you wait for your chance to win. We are giving away $5000 worth of prizes!
Snow Sport University class headed into the Sugar woods