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Mountain Policies


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Mountain Policies

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Skiing & Riding with a view of the mountain.

About Us Smuggs Guarantee Smuggs History Smuggs Mission Racial Equity Smuggs Officers and DirectorsSmuggs Policies Community Giving

Smugglers' Notch Resort Policies & Emergencies

We strive to offer an environment that is comfortable and secure.

We encourage you to let us know of anything, large or small, that we can do to make your stay more enjoyable. We strive to offer an environment that is comfortable and secure. In order to ensure a safe and fun time at Smugglers' Notch Resort, we ask you to please note a few limitations.
Drone Usage Policy
Unmanned aerial drone use by guests or the media is prohibited to the general public. For further information please contact Tom McGrail at tmcgrail@smuggs.com or 802-644-1200
Medical Emergencies
In the event of a medical emergency, pick up a condominium or “house” phone and DIAL 911. Relay all available information including location and patient’s current condition.

Cambridge Rescue 911
Fire Department 911
Vermont State Police 911
Northwestern Medical Center Walk-in Clinic (802) 524-8911
Copley Hospital, Morrisville (802) 888-4231
UVM Medical Center, Burlington (800) 358-1144
Poison Control (800) 222-1222
Uphill Access Policy
The recent growth in the use of touring equipment (alpine and nordic) and snowshoeing has resulted in an increase in usage of our ski trails during non-operational hours. Smugglers' Notch Resort wants to continue supporting the publics passion for physical fitness and ski culture, while clearly communicating and enforcing policies that keep users safe and support responsible stewardship of the mountain. Read more about our uphill policy.

Private Snowmobiles are not allowed on our ski trails.
Much of the land Smugglers' trails are located on is owned by the State of Vermont. The lease held by Smugglers' Notch Management Company that permits operation of skiing services stipulates that Smugglers' is responsible and liable for the maintenance and safety of the mountain at all times. The lease gives resort officials the ability to grant, limit, or terminate property use at any time. Smugglers' Notch Management requests that those enjoying our terrain police their own behavior and abide by the following rules. Failure to abide by this code of conduct will result in more restrictive policies.

Uphill traffic is allowed during the following times and areas:

Morse Mountain
6:00 am - 8:00 am and 4:30 pm - 10:00 pm any night; please access using Garden Path or Snow Snake.

Madonna Mountain
6:00 am - 8:00 am and 4:30 pm - 10:00 pm on Friday and Saturday nights; please access using Chilcoot.

Sterling Mountain
6:00 am - 8:00 am

Please keep in mind that there are NO rescue services during these times. You must be prepared for emergency situations. A buddy system is recommended. Please wear reflective clothing and headlamps.

No uphill traffic is allowed during operational hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm weekends and 8:30 am - 4:30 pm weekdays and 10:00 pm - 6:00 am all days.

Do not ski or skin on trails that have grooming equipment on them or snowmaking operations underway. Smugglers' frequently uses winch cats to groom much of the terrain you are accessing. The cable from the snow cat is very long (over a mile) and very hard to see. Impact with the cable can cause death or serious injury to skiers and riders. Stay away from all snowmaking, grooming and other equipment related to mountain operations.

Check the daily snow report if you plan on accessing our trails during times when uphill travel is allowed. If a trail is marked as groomed on our snow report, it will probably be done again that night.

If skiing or riding after hours, do not ski or ride on freshly groomed terrain. Your tracks can freeze overnight and create hazards for clientele the next morning.

Follow basic concepts of outdoor professionalism and stewardship. Please remove all trash and personal items, leaving the mountain environment as you found it or better.

Respect mountain buildings. Please go in the woods to relieve yourself. Please do not touch heaters or thermostats in mountain buildings. Smugglers' chooses to keep summit buildings unlocked for convenience and for emergencies. Their remoteness makes them a challenge to maintain and there is a large cost associated with their operation.

Be a responsible pet owner. Keep dogs under control at all times, and remove all messes.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
Eli Moore
Director, Smugglers' Ski Patrol
802-644-1182

Mike McAdoo
Director, Mountain Operations
802-644-1161
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Off Trail Policy
Wooded areas between named trails and glades are not marked in any way, are not patrolled, and have no skier/snowboarder services. If you decide to ski or snowboard in wooded areas, within the ski area boundary, you are solely responsible for yourself. You should be an expert skier/snowboarder and you should stay in groups of three or more. Do not ski or snowboard on or across closed trails.
Closed Trail Policy
Smugglers' Notch Resort is intent on providing a safe and fun skiing and riding experience for our guests and employees. We know that part of the fun comes from dealing with the challenge of an occasional hazard or obstacle or less than ideal snow conditions. We strive to open our trails and glades as soon as possible, using our experience and knowledge to balance the fun and challenge against our responsibility for safety on the hill. Trails are closed for a reason and it is frequently not one you can see from the lift or the rope at the top of the trail. Skiing or riding closed trails puts you in a higher risk situation and also puts anyone who might have to rescue you in a similar situation. Therefore, Smugglers' Notch Resort will enforce a policy of No Skiing On Closed Trails for our guests and employees. People observed skiing or riding on closed trails will be subject to potential loss of lift privileges as explained below.

First offense will be a written warning recorded on the Notch Ticket/Card. Second offense will result in loss of skiing/riding privileges for 7 days. Subsequent offenses could result in loss of skiing/riding privileges for the remainder of the season with no refund.
Drug & Alcohol Policy
Smugglers' Notch is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for our guests. Therefore, it is the policy of Smugglers' Notch to comply with and support all state and federal laws related to the use and possession of all regulated drugs, as well as the use and possession of alcohol and tobacco products.

If any person is found in possession of, or under the influence of any regulated drug which was not prescribed for them by a physician, on property owned or under the control of Smugglers' Notch, the Vermont State Police will be notified and Smugglers' Notch may require the offending party to immediately leave its property.

If any person under the age of 21 is found to be in possession of, or under the influence of alcohol while in the resort or on any property under the control of Smugglers' Notch, the Vermont State Police will be notified and Smugglers' Notch may require the offending party to immediately leave its property.

If any person under the age of 21 is found to be in possession of tobacco products while in the resort or on any property under the control of Smugglers' Notch, the Vermont State Police may be notified and Smugglers' Notch may require the offending party to immediately leave its property.
Non-Smoking Policy
All homes at Smugglers' Notch Resort are non-smoking. In addition, smoking is not permitted within 25 feet of the exterior of the building including the decks. A $250 fee will be assessed to eliminate any smoke damage.
Smoke Detectors
If your smoke detector goes off due to cooking, steamy showers or burned toast, etc., please DO NOT TAMPER WITH THE DETECTOR. Call Maintenance at extension 1158 and a technician will be dispatched immediately to repair your detector. These detectors are wired directly into the Fire Department and tampering with them causes a safety problem for the guests in the rest of your building.
In Case of Fire
Most buildings are equipped with interior fire alarm pull stations. When pulled, they will automatically notify the Fire Department. Also, each home is equipped with local smoke detectors for your added protection. Should the fire alarm in your building go off, please evacuate at once and remain outside until the alarm has been silenced. Please do not tamper with the fire alarms or extinguishers.
Activity Refund Policy
A full refund will be given for any Resort activity (unless otherwise noted) if cancelled prior to 24 hours in advance. A 50% refund will be given if cancelled within an hour of an activity. No refund will be given after the activity has begun.
Our Child Protection Plan
Child abuse and neglect occur at all socio-economic levels. Children in need can be helped. The sooner they are identified and approached, the better. Vermont State Law mandates that all children’s program staff and administrators report any incidents of suspected child abuse and/or neglect, whether such incidents may be occurring within or outside the boundaries of Smugglers’ Notch Resort.
Severe Weather Policy
Summer weather can be unpredictable in the mountains. We strive to keep our guests safe at all times. When we receive notice of inclement weather such as lightning we sound our severe weather siren and clear all outdoor public areas including waterparks, tents, ball courts, and green spaces for 30 minutes after the last observed thunder or lightning. For the safety of you and your family, please be respectful if a Smugglers’ employee asks you to vacate an outdoor space during these times.
Pet Policy
Smugglers' Notch Resort welcomes ADA Service Animals; as such, a service animal may have been in the home prior to your arrival. Personal pets, including support animals, are not permitted in the resort. A $500 fee will be assessed if a pet or evidence of a pet is found in the home. Local boarding information is available at the Guest Service Desk.
Quiet Hours Policy
Quiet hours are from 11:00 pm - 7:00 am. Please respect your neighbors.
Handicap Accessibility
The mountain environment we are located within can create challenges to accessing some of our facilities. Here at Smugglers’, we are working on improving accessibility for our guests and employees. If you or someone you know requires assistance, or to find out more information regarding accessibility at Smugglers’, please contact the Guest Service Desk so that we can best fulfill your needs.
Sledding & snow tubing policy
Tubing — the sport of riding on snow on a large inflated inner tube is a fun Winter activity. We are happy to offer two tubing locations at Smuggs, complete with available tubes. Weather permitting. No ski boots please. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Children must be able to ride and stop themselves independently.

Sledding or tubing is prohibited on any skiable terrain at the Resort. Grooming, snowmaking equipment, snowmobiles, and resort staff may be working on the ski trails at any time, day or night, which can present hazards to persons in a sled. Sledding on any incline or roadway is prohibited due to various man made and natural, hidden or obvious hazards.

Sleds purchased at the Country Store or brought from home can be used to transport children and/or gear to and from various buildings and locations in and around the village area. If sleds are used for this purpose please make sure that the riders are supervised and the sled remains under control.
No Risk Deposit Policy
Make your reservation and don't worry - there's no risk of losing your deposit! A 50% deposit is required at the time your reservation is made. Deposits will be refunded on cancellations received 21 days or more prior to your scheduled arrival. Other cancellation deposits will be applied to a future reservation within the next 2 years! Full payment is due upon arrival. All rates payable in U.S. Funds.
Age Requirement Policy
You MUST be at least 21 years of age to reserve and check into a room. All guests under the age of 21 must be accompanied by a parent or someone 21 & older. Proof of age via government issued identification is required at check-in for all occupants.
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