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#1 Resort in the East - SKI Magazine Reader Survey 2023

Awards & Recognition

Smugglers' Notch Vermont - Awards & Recognition

We're honored by those who think we're the best!

2024 Awards & Accolades
Ski Magazine Article

We're honored to be voted the BEST!

The 2024 SKI Magazine annual reader survey results are in and weʼre thrilled to have been voted #1 for Families in the East once again! We're extremely proud to also be voted, #1 for Value and Lodging.

Read SKI's article

On The Snow — 19 Best Ski Resorts for Families and Kids in 2023/24, #8-Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont Read more

The Points Guy — 9 best ski resorts on the East Coast to plan a trip around this winter.
Best for families: Smugglers' Notch Resort Read more

Good Housekeeping — Best Family Travel Awards — Action-Packed Mountain Resorts — Year-Round Fun — Smugglers' Notch Resort! Read more.

familyskier.com — Best Family Ski Resorts 2023-24
A smaller, quieter resort in Vermont that is decidedly targeted at young families...Smugglers' Notch gives you the quintessential New England skiing experience on tree-lined runs, and offers some of the more innovative family programming... Read more.
2023 Awards & Accolades
Ski Magazine Article

#1 in the East

Smuggs was voted No. 1 in the East overall and in Family Friendly. We ranked in the Top 5 in the following categories: Grooming, Terrain, Value, Challenge, Guest Services, Lodging, Local Flavor, and Overall Satisfaction.

Read SKI's article

Snow Brains — Top 9 Largest Vertical Drops on the East Coast — #4 Smugglers Notch, Vermont
“Smuggs” is one of the best ski resorts in the East and provides challenging terrain for experts while still providing beginner terrain for families with younger children. Read more...

Seven Daysies Awards 2023 Outdoor Recreation, Best ski/ride slope. Award also received in 2008, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023. Read more...

Tripadvisor for Hotels Travelers' Choice Best of the Best 2023 — Smugglers' Notch Resort - Family-Friendly - United States

UDisc — World's Best Disc Golf Courses: #4 Brewster Ridge, #7 Fox Run Meadows! There are over 13,000 disc golf courses in the world, but which of them are the world's best disc golf courses? Read more...

Good Housekeeping
We’re so excited that Smugglers' Notch has been named a Good Housekeeping 2023 Family Travel Award Winner in the All-Season Entertainment Resort in the Northeast. Read more...

Conde Nast Traveler — The Best Ski Resorts in the U.S. and Canada: 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards
Number 7, Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Vermont. Read more...

Trips to Discover — 15 Best Family Ski Resorts For All Ages
If you’ve been thinking about planning a trip to a ski resort where your whole family can enjoy it, choosing the right one that will suit the experience levels and preferences of everyone can seem a bit daunting. There is a long list of options throughout North America, from the Great White North of Canada and Northern California’s epic power to the Colorado Rockies, New England, and countless places in between. We’ve scoped out the best family ski resorts for all ages to help save you the time and frustration of digging through them all. Read more...
2022 Awards
Family Destinations Guide — 16 Best Family Ski Resorts in the U.S. — That All Ages Love! The first family skiing resort on this list is Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Jeffersonville, Vermont. One of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in New England, Smugglers’ Notch figures on this list because it is one of those ski areas that have something to offer to people of all ages — especially children — and lays great emphasis on the service offered. Read more...

The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast The Top 10 'Storm Skiing Podcasts' of All Time
7) Smugglers’ Notch owner Bill Stritzler – Nov. 19, 2021
If I did ever publish a list of my all-time favorite podcasts, Bill might make the top five. He might make the top one. Bill is smart, fearless, blunt, and articulate. The Storm started in the Northeast and stayed there for nearly two years – the first 49 Storm Skiing Podcasts were focused almost exclusively on the region (with a handful of exceptions). The Smuggs pod is the only one to make the top 10. There’s good reason for that, as you’ll hear. But the lack of New England presence in the top 10 underscores that I made the correct decision in scaling this whole thing up to a national audience last September – there are a lot of skiers out there, and this format adapts easily and logically to new regions. Still, I have no intention of stepping away from the Northeast, and Bill is exhibit A for why that is. Listen to the Podcast

The Travel #3 for 10 US Destinations You Need To Visit This October Read more...

Bollyinside Smugglers' Notch ranked #2 for Best Ski Resorts for Family in North America. A family ski vacation is a wonderful way to relax and reconnect while surrounded by stunning scenery and a variety of activities. Families can find everything they need for a hassle-free time on the slopes of the best ski resorts in the United States and Canada. Read more...

Unofficial Networks The 10 Best Ski Resort Disc Golf Courses.
Smugglers' Notch Disc Golf receives:
#1 Brewster Ridge Disc Golf Course
#2 Fox Run Meadows Disc Golf Course
Read more...

Tennis Resorts Online — Top 100 Tennis Resorts & Camps
Each year, Tennis Resorts Online publishes its rankings of the best tennis resorts and camps world wide. We have broken the results down into two major categories: the Top 75 Tennis Resorts and the Top 25 Tennis Camps. All of the resorts and camps listed here have a proven record of catering attentively to the needs of avid tennis players. The choice comes down to one final issue: Which one suits you best? Read about Smugglers' Notch Award

Vermont Ski + Ride
This season, 2021-22, Vermont Ski + Ride took a page from our sister publication, Vermont Sports, and sent out the Black Diamond Reader Survey. The survey asked readers to rate the best ski areas in Vermont in 14 categories, including Best Overall, Best to Avoid Crowds, Best Snowmaking/Grooming, Toughest Trail, Best Ski Bar, Best Ski Town, and more. Here’s what our readers said was the: BEST SKI AREA FOR KIDS & FAMILIES. While so many areas try to be all things to all people, Smugglers' Notch Resort has focused its efforts and branding around one very important group: families with kids. That resonates with our readers —as well as with those of SKI Magazine who rated Smuggs the best ski resort in the East, ahead of Holiday Valley, NY and Killington. Read more ...

Vermont Business Magazine is proud to announce the 2022 Best of Business Awards (BOB Awards) winners. This awards program celebrates the best Vermont companies in more than 100 business-to-business categories. Best Downhill Ski Area: Smugglers’ Notch Resort

Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Winner — Congratulations Smugglers' Notch Resort on being a 2022 Travelers’ Choice Winner. Every year, we comb through reviews and ratings from travelers worldwide to find the best hotels on Tripadvisor—and this year, yours came out on top. You just won a 2022 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Award, our highest honor. You’re in the top 1% of hotels worldwide. You’ve won in the following award categories:
• Family - United States

2021 Awards
SKI Magazine: The 2021 SKI Magazine annual reader survey results are in and we're thrilled to announce that Smugglers' Notch Resort has been voted the #1 Overall Resort in the Eastern U.S., #1 for Service, #1 for Grooming, #1 for Family, and #1 for Overall Satisfaction! Smugglers' also received top 10 ranking among Eastern resorts in the categories of Access, Dining, Lodging, Après, Nightlife, Family, and Local Flavor.

Best Vacations for Kids: Parents' Travel Awards 2021 — Best Adventure Resorts for Kids, Best resort for kids of all ages: Smugglers' Notch, Jeffersonville, Vermont

The huge array of outdoor activities for toddlers to teens swayed the vote for this retreat affectionately known as Smuggs. "Our favorite was the hand-guided llama trek, where we explored the wooded trails with these cute creatures by our sides," says judge Erin Gifford, founder of Kidventurous, who also suggests zip-lining and disc golf. Nestled in the Green Mountains, the resort's condos fit families of all sizes.

Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Winner — Congratulations Smugglers' Notch Resort on being a 2021 Travelers’ Choice Winner. Each year, we comb through reviews, ratings, and saves from travelers everywhere, and use that info to award the very best. You’re part of an exclusive group, and we want to help you celebrate this major accomplishment. Smugglers' Notch is in the top 10% of hotels worldwide.

Hotels.com — Smugglers' Notch Resort is a winner of the Hotels.com Loved by Guests award for 2021! — This is an annual program to recognize partners who deliver exceptional service to our customers. The award is based solely on guest reviews, a true testament to your high standards and knowing how to keep your guests happy.

Vermont Business Magazine is proud to announce the 2021 Best of Business Awards (BOB Awards) winners. This awards program celebrates the best Vermont companies in more than 100 business-to-business categories. Best Downhill Ski Area: Smugglers’ Notch Resort
2016-2020 Awards
2020 Awards
SKI Magazine: The 2020 SKI Magazine annual reader survey results are in and we're thrilled to announce that Smugglers' Notch Resort has been voted the #1 Overall Resort in the Eastern U.S., #1 for Service, #1 for Terrain, #1 for Lodging, #1 for Family Friendly, #1 for Overall Satisfaction, and #1 for Local Flavor! Smugglers' also received top 10 ranking among Eastern resorts in the categories of snow, grooming, terrain, challenge, après, dining, on-mountain food, travel ease, accessibility, value, down-day activities, scenery, charm.

Travelers’ Choice Winner — Congratulations Smugglers' Notch Resort on being a 2020 Travelers’ Choice Winner. Each year, we comb through reviews, ratings, and saves from travelers everywhere, and use that info to award the very best. You’re part of an exclusive group, and we want to help you celebrate this major accomplishment. You’re in the top 10% of hotels worldwide.
2019 Awards
Vermont Business Magazine — Best of Business Award for Best Ski Resort! It is an honor to receive the 2019 Vermont Business Magazine Best of Business Award for Best Ski Resort! This award goes to businesses that offer the best customer service, that are willing to go above and beyond, and to pay attention to detail. From the Vermont Business Magazine website: This awards program celebrates the best Vermont companies in more than 100 business-to-business categories. VBM readers chose the winners! VBM surveyed its magazine and digital subscribers. We asked our readers – the business leaders of Vermont – who they trust to provide their services in over 100 different categories. After nearly 13,000 votes, we compiled the go-to list in the state for everything from Best Bank and Best Public Relations Firm to Best College for an Online Degree. Some of the questions and answers were based on a regional perspective while most of the categories were looking for statewide winners.

TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Resort — We are proud to receive recognition as a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Resort in addition to receiving their Certificate of Excellence. Travelers' Choice awards are the highest honor TripAdvisor can bestow. Based on millions of reviews and opinions from travelers around the world, these annual awards reflect "the best of the best" for service, quality, and customer satisfaction, from hotels and accommodations to destinations, attractions, and even brands and products. Thank you ALL for your reviews and hope to have you back soon at Smuggs!⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
2018 Awards
National Ski Patrol — Smugglers’ Ski Patrol Receives Prestigious NSP Award — "The 2018 National Outstanding Alpine Patrol award is presented to a patrol that demonstrates excellence in performance, leadership at the regional, divisional, and national levels. Individual accomplishments by the Smugglers’ Patrol weighed heavy into the patrol being awarded this annual prestigious award. The list of accomplishments is long and stood above and beyond the nearest 2nd place candidate patrol." — John Kane, Director, National Ski Patrol, Eastern Division
2017 Awards
SKI Magazine 2018 Resort Guide Reader Survey
#1 Kid Friendly, #1 for Service, and #1 OVERALL in the Eastern U.S. and Canada! Smugglers' also received top 10 ranking among Eastern resorts in the categories of lodging, snow quality, character/ambiance, dining/après sport, grooming, terrain variety, and terrain challenge.

Westchester Family Magazine — Westchester Family Favorite — We're excited to announce we have been chosen as Best Family Resort by the readers of Westchester Family Magazine! Up against other resorts in the New England, Pennsylvania, and New York area, Smugglers' was chosen for our convenient mountainside Resort village, many pool and waterslide options, children's programs, family activities, and of course, the new FunZone 2.0!

TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence: We're honored to have been selected for TripAdvisor's 2017 Certificate of Excellence, reflecting the positive reviews our guests have given their Smugglers' vacation experience on TripAdvisor. This award is only given to the top 10 percent of accommodations, attractions, restaurants, and vacation rentals listed on TripAdvisor.
2016 Awards
SKI Magazine 2017 Resort Guide Reader Survey — #1 Kid-Friendly Resort in the Eastern US & Canada; top 5 rankings in the East for overall satisfaction, value, lodging, service, terrain variety & challenge, and scenery!

TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence: We're honored to have been selected for TripAdvisor's 2016 Certificate of Excellence, reflecting the positive reviews our guests have given their Smugglers' vacation experience on TripAdvisor. This award is only given to the top 10 percent of accommodations, attractions, restaurants, and vacation rentals listed on TripAdvisor.

Macaroni Kid Family Travel — Macaroni Kid Gold Daisy Award- Best Children's Ski/Ride School

2016 OnTheSnow Visitors' Choice Awards: voted Smugglers' Notch the Most Family Friendly Resort in the East! Here's what they had to say about us:
"Smugglers' Notch is a year-round mountain vacation resort in Jeffersonville, over the hill from Stowe and only 30 miles east of the Burlington International Airport. If you are the nervous type, stay off The Black Hole, the only triple black diamond trail in the East, but rest assured, they have an entire mountain dedicated to green terrain as well, along with a multitude of intermediate and expert trails. Smugglers' Notch Resort covers more than 1,000 acres of accessible terrain, with over 300 acres marked and patrolled. The resort is consistently and justifiably rated as one of the top family destinations in the nation. Guests can enjoy a variety of Condominium Lodging in the Heart of Vermont's Green Mountains ranging from 1 to 5 bedroom condos. The 2,610 feet of vertical are accessed via 78 trails and 6 lifts. Skiers and riders can expect an average seasonal snowfall of 322 inches. In addition, visitors will find 58 km of cross-country and snowshoe trails."

2015/2016 Family Vacation Critic's: "10 Best Ski Resorts for Families in 2015/2016":
"Smugglers' Notch in Vermont is a dream destination for skiing families -- and with good reason. The resort offers several incentives for families, such as Kids' Night Out, a childcare service with dinner and activities, and a FamilyFest Package that includes lodging, lift tickets, activities and more. Children as young as 2 and a half can learn to ski, and all new skiers are placed in lessons with other children their age. When teens aren't ice-skating, snowmobiling or Airboarding, they can hang at Teen Alley, where there are video games, music, movies, organized events and new friends to meet."
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2010-2015 Awards
2015 Awards
SKI Magazine 2016 Resort Guide Reader Survey — #1 Kid-Friendly Resort in the Eastern US & Canada; top 10 rankings in the East for overall satisfaction, value, lodging, service, terrain variety & challenge, grooming, off hill activities, terrain parks & more

GRAND Magazine — Smugglers' Notch is GRAND Magazine's #1 Choice Award for Best Family Resort!

Family Vacation Critic — Ten Best Family Ski Resorts

USA Today — Readers' Choice Top 10 Winner - Best Family Resorts

Green Mountain Awards for Environmental Excellence - Green Up Program
The Green Mountain Awards for Environmental Excellence were launched by the Vermont Ski Areas Association (VSAA) in 2013, with judging by representatives of VSAA, Efficiency Vermont and Green Up Vermont. In 2015, Smugglers' again was recognized for its longstanding Green Up Day efforts. Smugglers' holds its own Green Up Day just prior to Vermont's official effort in early May, which gives employees the opportunity to participate in their hometown's program in addition to greening up at work. Employee clean-up teams organize and fan out over the resort property, with coverage of the upper mountain parking lots in addition to the Village and Base Lodge areas. Typically 2 to 3 one-ton truckloads of trash are collected during this yearly effort, which has been in place for at least 12 years.

The Boston Parents Paper annual Family Favorite Awards — We're proud to be selected as a Top 5 winner for Summer Resorts for Families in The Boston Parents Paper annual Family Favorite Awards for Summer 2015!

Vermont Ski Areas Association — Green Mountain Awards for Environmental Excellence - Green Up Program

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence — TripAdvisor honored Smugglers' with a 2015 Certificate of Excellence. "This achievement is a direct result of your consistently great reviews from TripAdvisor travelers." — TripAdvisor.com
2014 Awards
SKI Magazine 2015 Resort Guide Reader Survey — #1 Kid-Friendly Resort in the East & #1 Overall Resort in the Eastern U.S.; top 10 rankings in the East for value, lodging, terrain variety & challenge, off hill activities, scenery & sustainability

Resort Condominiums International — RCI Gold Crown Resort (since 1993)

Trekaroo — Visitors to family travel site Trekaroo chose Smugglers' as the Best Ski Resort for Families with School-Aged Kids in the site's annual Best Family Ski Resorts poll!
2013 Awards
SKI Magazine 2014 Resort Guide Reader Survey — #1 Overall Resort & #1 for Family Vacations (for the 15th year) - Eastern U.S. and Canada. Top ten rankings for overall satisfaction, service, value, lodging, snow, terrain variety & challenge, terrain parks, off-hill activities, scenery, weather, character & digital presence

Trip Advisor — Certificate of Excellence

Vermont Ski Areas Association — Green Mountain Awards for Environmental Excellence — Green Up Program — The Green Mountain Awards for Environmental Excellence were launched by the Vermont Ski Areas Association (VSAA) in 2013, with judging by representatives of VSAA, Efficiency Vermont and Green Up Vermont. In 2013, Smugglers' was recognized for its longstanding Green Up Day efforts.

FamilyFun Magazine — We're proud to be a FamilyFun Magazine Top 10 Family Resort! For their 2013 Travel Awards, FamilyFun Magazine checked in with the experts - families who travel. The magazine asked 2000 moms with children ages 3 to 12 to rate 360 popular destinations. We are very proud to be included in the Top 10 Family Resorts! Thank you, FamilyFun readers!

Parenting Magazine -— In 2013, Smugglers' was named a top destination for "H2-OH!" fun for families in Parenting magazine!

Vermont Sports Magazine — In 2013, Smugglers' was voted Best Mountain for Kids in Vermont Sports Magazine's annual reader survey to award the Black Diamond of Excellence!

Yankee Magazine Editors' Choice — Our pools, waterslides, and Rum Runners' Hideaway reservoir received a 2013 Yankee Magazine Best of New England - Editors' Choice award!

The Mother of All Trips. — 13 Best Family Ski Resorts for 2013 — In January 2013, family travel experts from around the country rounded up the 13 best family ski resorts in North America. Smugglers' was recommended by Mara Gorman, author of the award-winning family travel blog The Mother of All Trips. Here's what Mara had to say about Smugglers': "Smugglers' Notch Resort is a great Vermont skiing destination for families - Smugglers' Notch Resort is tops on the East Coast for an all-around fun family New England ski vacation. The resort has varied terrain on three mountains including an extensive area full of easy, well-groomed trails and kid-friendly features like small jumps and tunnels. Instructors at the award-winning ski school are nothing short of inspiring. Stay slopeside in one of the fully outfitted condos and enjoy amenities like indoor pools and the FunZone, an enormous indoor play area. Other non-skiing activities include ice skating, tube sledding, and a year-round zip line course. New for 2012-2013 at Smuggs is the all-day snowboarding camp for 3 to 5 year olds in the Burton Riglet Park."
2012 Awards
SKI Magazine Reader Survey — #1 for Family Programs (for 14th year!), top ski resort in Vermont and #3 in the East! Top ten rankings for value, overall satisfaction, off hill activities, snow, grooming, terrain variety & challenge, weather, scenery and character.

Trekaroo — "Smugglers' Notch Resort Camps are a model for camp programs. They have the location, environment, staff and programming that come together to create a magical outdoor experience for your child. We talked to people who come back year after year and wouldn't think of going anywhere else." August 2012

Family Vacation Critic — Ten Best Family Ski Resorts

Pit Stops for Kids, February 2012
Family travel website Pit Stops for Kids visited Smugglers' in February 2012 with one goal: "to put Smuggs' legendary family-friendliness to the test"! Read about the experience on pitstopsforkids.com

Mountain Magazine, Resort Guide 2012
Smugglers' is included in the magazine's profile of "35 surefire, blower powder, start drooling, big winter adventures": While Smuggs has run with its status as the most family-friendly resort in the East, only the locals know how good the steep north facing trees off the Madonna lift are. Deeper still, Smugglers' has actively opened up access for those looking to find powder in the trees. "You can hike up a little bit and ski into the Notch now," says Smuggs Heidi Noonan. "Smuggs has been really good about opening up all of that so you can ski at your own risk." Back to the families: This season a new on-snow play area developed by Burton called a "Riglet Park" introduces children ages three and up to snowboarding. A tree house in the center of the park features an elevated platform with ramps for kids to ride down. Notable: It's the second season for an eight-zipline canopy tour, the latest in a multitude of indoor and outdoor activities to keep families occupied.
2011 Awards
SKI Magazine Reader Survey — #1 for Family Programs (13th year!) and #3 overall in the East. Top ten rankings for overall satisfaction, value, service, lodging, snow, terrain variety and challenge, weather, off hill activities, character and digital presence.

American Baby — One of the 10 most baby-welcoming destinations — American Baby April 2011

50 best ski resorts October 2011, The Independent, United Kingdom
Selected by a panel of UK ski experts.

"Unless there's a special deal, I don't think there's any point going to a big-name resort for your first week," says Patrick Thorne, founder of www.thesnowhunter.com. "Similarly, I don't think you can go wrong in North American resorts for their 'we've thought of everything and we think you're great' confidence-boosting attitude. A New England resort like Smugglers' Notch in Vermont is a good choice - relaxed, friendly, affordable and not too long a flight."

Parenting Magazine - "Smuggs, as fans of this classic family ski resort call it, has just as much to thrill adventurers in the summer. The Via Ferrata experience through the Green Mountains is extreme fun at its best." July 2011

OnTheSnow.com — Smugglers' Notch Resort was named the Northeast's most Most Family-Friendly resort by visitors to OnTheSnow.com, Orinda, California: What's the most family-friendly Northeastern ski resort according to visitors to OnTheSnow.com, the oldest and most-visited snow sports portal on the Internet? It's Smugglers' Notch in Vermont. The Web site, which attracts an audited 1.2 million individuals monthly during the winter, gave its visitors the opportunity to write reviews of all North American resorts and rank them in five categories.

Vermont Business Environmental Leader
- Recognition from the Governor's Small Business Development Center

Smugglers' is very proud to be the first resort in Vermont to receive the designation of Environmental Leader, and the second business overall in the state. The Environmental Leader designation recognizes an exemplary environmental management program focused on compliance and minimization of environmental impacts.

Best family-friendly resorts — USA TODAY

Smugglers' Notch, VT was #1

"Even 4- and 5-year-olds can sign on for the snowboarding camp, and the resort offers private lessons for 2-year-olds. The resort also offers weekly fireworks, winter science programs and kids' night outs. Pre-skiers ages 6 weeks to 3 years old can stay at a day-care center with a staff of 20. Teens can choose from two centers to hang out at - no parents allowed."
Smugglers' topped the list that included both Snowmass and Winter Park, Colorado.

2010 Awards
SKI Magazine Reader Survey — #1 for Family Programs (for 12th year!), top ten rankings for terrain variety & challenge, value, service, lodging, off-hill activities, scenery and overall satisfaction

Fodor's Travel — Fodor's Choice 2010 Recipient

www.familyskihub.com — Top 20 Family Ski Destinations
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2000-2009 Awards
2009 Awards
SKI Magazine Reader Survey — #1 for Family Programs in the East, #1 for Overall Satisfaction and Lodging in the Eastern United States, and #1 for Service in Vermont!

www.familyskihub.com — Top 20 Family Ski Destinations

2008 Awards
SKI Magazine Reader Survey — #1 Resort for Family Programs in North America - 10th year!

Family Travel Forum — Top Country Resort in "Top Ten Getaways for Tiny Travelers" Awards — This award, received in 2008, honors Smugglers' efforts to cater to the special needs of new parents with children under age 5. According to Family Travel Forum, "This award reaffirms Smugglers' Notch Resort's superior hospitality to families, especially those with infants, over the past ten years."

Seven Days Weekly Newspaper, Readers' Pick — Best Ski Area in Vermont

The Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence and Pollution Prevention — Smugglers' receives recognition for carbon footprint reduction (2006-2007) — In April 2008, Smugglers’ received the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence and Pollution Prevention for the Resort’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. In these annual awards, the Vermont governor recognizes businesses, non-profits and individuals whose efforts have shown a level of commitment to and leadership in waste reduction and pollution prevention, incorporating health and safety benefits, innovative approaches and economic efficiency.

2007 Awards
Family Travel Forum — Top Country Resort in Annual "Top Ten Getaways for Tiny Travelers" Awards

SKI Magazine Reader Survey — #1 Resort for Family Programs in North America - 9th year!

2006 Awards
Fodor's Choice Recipient — Awarded by the editors of Fodor's Travel at fodors.com. Fodor's Choice selections recognize the top sights, properties, and experiences that Fodor's editors and updaters have found in their travels. According to Fodor's, a longtime respected resource for travelers, these places are the "best of the best," providing a remarkable experience in their price range or category.

Agency for Natural Resources — Environmental Leader Designation

Skiing Magazine — Top Ten Resorts in East

SKI Magazine Reader Survey — #1 Resort for Family Programs in North America - 8th year! — #1 Resort Overall in the Eastern US, #1 for Service and Lodging

Vermont Business Environmental Leader - 2006 - Smugglers' Receives Recognition for Environmental Efforts

Smugglers' is very proud to be the first resort in Vermont to receive the designation of Environmental Leader, and the second business overall in the state. This recognition was awarded by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and the Vermont Small Business Development Center, recognizing Smugglers' continuing efforts as part of the Vermont Business Environmental Partnership program.

The Environmental Leader designation recognizes an exemplary environmental management program focused on compliance and minimization of environmental impacts.

"Smugglers' Notch Resort, a four season family resort, was chosen because it has methodically examined its operations to identify its environmental impacts, and then developed initiatives to minimize those impacts," said Chad Cliburn, of the Department of Environmental Conservation.

2005 Awards
Plenty Magazine — Top Ten Eco-Ski Resorts

2004 Awards
North American Snowsports Journalists Association — Best in the East for Families

2003 Awards
SKI Magazine — #1 Resort for Family Programs in North America

Family Travel Forum — Top Snow Resort for Families Annual "Top Ten Getaways for Tiny Travelers" Awards

The Good Skiing and Snowboarding Guide, UK — Children's Ski School of the Year

SKI Magazine — Silver Eagle Award for Environmental Excellence in Water Conservation

Burlington Free Press — Readers' Choice Award

Mountain Sports Media's Ski Magazine Silver Eagle Award — 2003 Excellence in Water Conservation — Conservation of our water resources at Smugglers' Notch Resort ranks high on our list of environmental priorities for a number of reasons. Daily operations at the Resort rely heavily on water resources; therefore, we try to limit usage so that we do not impose any adverse impacts on the surrounding environment. Water conservation also has an added component of energy conservation, which is apparent in the low-flow appliances we use in our commercial and residential buildings. These appliances use less energy annually than other appliances that have been used in the past. Our snowmaking infrastructure has been designed to relieve stresses on aquatic biota during the Winter months when there is less water in the streams.

The Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence in Pollution Prevention — The annual Vermont Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence recognizes innovative individuals, organizations, institutions, public agencies, businesses and industrial facilities whose efforts have contributed to the protection of Vermont's environment, the safety of its citizens, and the health of its economy.

Smugglers' Notch Resort has many on-going pollution prevention, environmental protection and resource conservation initiatives that include leasing state-of-the-art snowmaking air compressors in order to keep abreast of current emission control technologies, a construction scrap reuse program that is the first in the resort industry and a construction program that builds to Energy Rated Homes of Vermont 5 star specifications since 1996.

Smugglers' received the 2003 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence for innovations such as:
()()()()()* Using water conservation devices and appliances in all new construction
()()()()()* Conducting yearly water audits to ensure low flow fixtures are in place in all homes
()()()()()* Updating older model appliances with newer water saving models

2002 Awards
Efficiency Vermont — Vermont EnergyStar Homes "Best of the Best" Award — First Place for multi-family homes — On February 14, 2002 Smugglers' Notch Resort received the "Best of the Best" award for multi-family construction at the Building Solutions Annual conference held at the Sheraton Hotel in Burlington, VT. The award highlights a building that is an exceptional example of quality design, construction, and energy efficiency.

Smugglers' new Falcons building incorporates eighteen two and three bedroom condominiums with an exercise facility and outdoor hot tub. This building was chosen for the award because it represents the durability and value that an energy efficient design can yield when executed with quality construction.

This award is presented by Efficiency Vermont, Vermont's own energy efficiency utility. Efficiency Vermont was created by the Vermont Legislature and the Vermont Public Service Board to help Vermonters save energy, reduce energy costs, and protect the environment. It is operated by an independent, non-profit organization under contract to the Public Service Board.

"We are constantly trying to improve our energy effectiveness by exceeding industry standards," said Mark Delaney, Vice President of Corporate Development. "We have been working closely with Efficiency Vermont for over six years to achieve the Vermont Energy Five Star Rating on all new homes constructed on site." Smugglers' Notch Resort currently has over one hundred Energy Five Star homes. Environmentally friendly features of the Falcons include: energy efficient fluorescent lighting, LED exit lights, high efficiency HVAC plants, water conservation fixtures, high insulation values, appliances that save up to 35% on operation costs, water conservation appliances such as front-loading clothes washers that save as much as 50% on water consumption, and the highest rated sound attenuation possibilities.

SKI Magazine — #1 Resort for Family Programs in North America

FamilyFun — #1 Family Resort in the Northeast

2001 Awards
The Vermont Business Environmental Partnership - 2001 Designation highlights Resort's sound environmental practices

The Vermont Business Environmental Partnership is a voluntary, environmental assistance and business recognition program offered by the Environmental Assistance Division of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and the Vermont Small Business Development Center. The Partnership joins efforts of the public and private sectors to achieve environmental and economic goals simultaneously. The goals of the Partnership are to achieve greater environmental and economic performance and to promote public recognition of environmental excellence.

The Vermont Business Environmental Partnership allows participants to be recognized as an Environmental Partner when they achieve a set of core environmental standards and a total of six elective standards.

Vermont Ski Areas Association
Environmental Resort of the Month — November 2001
Each month, Ski Vermont highlights environmental initiatives from resorts throughout the state. Smugglers' was recognized in November 2001 for its habitat protection initiatives to help preserve black bears, as well as its preservation of wetlands and planting of native species in its landscaping.

SKI Magazine — #1 Resort for Family Programs in North America

FamilyFun — #1 Family Resort in the Northeast

Burlington Free Press — Reader's Choice Award

Agency for Natural Resources — Environmental Partner Designation

2000 Awards
Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce — Community Excellence Award to Peter Ingvoldstad,
Snow Sport University Director

SKI Magazine — #1 Resort in North America for Family Programs

FamilyFun — #1 Family Resort in the Northeast

The Good Skiing and Snowboarding Guide 2000, U.K. — Family Resort of the Year in North America

Family Tree Magazine — #1 Resort in North America for Family Reunions

Burlington Free Press — Reader's Choice Award

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1990-1999 Awards
1999 Awards
VT Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services & Foster Parent Association — Local Community Business Award for 1999

Vermont Magazine — Best Family Area

SKI Magazine — #1 Family Resort in North America
1998 Awards
Condé Nast Traveler (Readers' Poll) — #1 Ski Resort in New England and #2 in the Northeast

Governor Howard Dean — Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence - Pollution Prevention

Mountain Sports & Living(formerly Snow Country) — #1 Ski resort in the East — Top 10 in North America — #1 in the East for Customer Service
#1 — for Children's Programs in North America — #1 Ski School in North America — Top Reservationists

Burlington Free Press — Reader's Choice Award

National Ski Patrol — Eastern Division Outstanding Alpine Ski Patrol of the Year Award

Lamoille Economic Development Council — Caddy Brooks Award for Business Acumen And Community Volunteerism

Vermont Chamber of Commerce — Deane C. Davis
Outstanding Vermont Business of the Year Award

Family Fun — Family Friendly Travel Award

Parents Magazine — Great Family Resorts

Boston Magazine — Best Ski Areas for Families

SKI Magazine — Best Family Resorts

The Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence
in Pollution Prevention - 1998
The annual Vermont Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence recognizes innovative individuals, organizations, institutions, public agencies, businesses and industrial facilities whose efforts have contributed to the protection of Vermont's environment, the safety of its citizens, and the health of its economy.

Smugglers' Notch Resort has many on-going pollution prevention, environmental protection and resource conservation initiatives that include leasing state-of-the-art snowmaking air compressors in order to keep abreast of current emission control technologies, a construction scrap reuse program that is the first in the resort industry and a construction program that builds to Energy Rated Homes of Vermont 5 star specifications since 1996.

Smugglers' received the 1998 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence for innovations such as:
()()()()()* Using the most efficient compressors for snowmaking available
()()()()()* Recycling construction scrap material (for example, 5.8 tons of sheet rock in 1998)
()()()()()* Building to Energy Rated Homes of Vermont Five Star specifications
()()()()()* Using bullhead catfish as part of the sewage treatment process.
1997 Awards
Family Travel Network(AOL) — Best Family Ski Resort

Travel & Leisure — Best Ski Resort for Families

Skiing for Women — The Best Place for Women with Children

SKI Magazine — #1 for Family Programs

Snow Country — #1 in North America for Ski School — #1 in North America for Children's Programs — #1 in North America for Lodging — #1 in North America for Family
1995 Awards
Snow Country — Reader's Poll — National Ski Area Design Awards Honorable Mention for Mogul Mouse's Magic Lift and Magic Learning Trail
1994 Awards
Snow Country — Readers' Poll
1993 Awards
Snow Country — Readers' Poll

Lamoille County Planning — Overall Excellence in Community Service and Commission Project Design for Recycling and Composting Project

Better Homes & Gardens — 30 Favorite Family Resorts
1992 Awards
Resort and Commercial Recreation Association — Premier Property Award
1991 Awards
Lamoille Regional Solid Waste Management — Environmental Action Certificate for Recycling

Family Circle Readers — Family Resorts of the Year Award — National 1991/1992 — Regional 1990
1990 Awards
Better Homes & Gardens — 50 Favorite Family Resorts
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Other Accolades
New England with Love — December 21, 2023 — Are you looking for the best ski resorts in New England? You’re in the right place! New England’s weather and terrain make this the perfect area for your next ski trip. You’ll find New England ski resorts for all skill levels and ages like Smugglers’ Notch in Vermont, offering specially-tailored, kid-friendly ski programs... Read the article here.

The Manual — December 1, 2023 — Forget the Ikon pass or an Epic ski pass – ski or snowboard these Vermont mountains for a quarter of the price ... Read the article here."

Parents — May, 2021 — New England has 3 of the best kid-friendly destinations in America, according to Parents magazine. “With many families starting to think about and plan their first trips in quite some time, we know that health and well-being is top-of-mind,” Julia Edelstein, editor in chief of Parents magazine, said in a statement. “This year’s list features destinations that bring families close to nature, offer lots of adventure, and above all else, provide a safe environment for the entire family.” Smugglers’ Notch, affectionately known as “Smuggs,” was named the best resort for kids of all ages due to its zip-lining, disc golf, and variety of outdoor activities for everyone from toddlers to teens. The destinations were chosen by Parents staff and family travel judges, who nominated more than 150 places within the U.S. that offer outdoor activities, plenty of space for social distancing, and enhanced safety protocols due to the coronavirus pandemic. Staff and judges then voted on the nominations, “with an eye on value and wow factor for kids.”

Panelist Pick - FamilyFun Magazine - A Disney Publication — "Smugglers' Notch bills itself as 'America's Family Resort' and those who've visited back-up that claim... Summer or Winter, the focus is on the outdoors with a strong emphasis on parent-child activities... and in Winter, skiing, snowboarding, tube sliding, and bonfires with hot cocoa... Smugglers' offers instructional programs and has won awards for snow-sports training, child care and more."

10 top learn-to-ski and ride programs
www.MyFamilyTravels.com
— Vermont's Smugglers' Notch Resort, rated "No. 1 Family Resort in North America" by Ski magazine for 13 years running, is New England's finest children's learning center for two reasons: its scenic beginner terrain is safely segregated on Morse Mountain (one of the resort's three peaks), and these guys know how to make it Fun.

Vermont Business Environmental Leader!
Smugglers' Notch Resort is very proud to be a
Vermont Business Environmental Leader!
Recognition from the Governor's Small Business Development Center

This award reflects an ongoing commitment to pollution prevention, regulatory compliance, and exemplary environmental management practices including recycling from guests and employees. Only one other business in the state of Vermont has received this prestigious award. Smugglers' has held this designation since 2006.

Top 10 Resorts for Teens — familyvacationcritic.com:
Recognizing that teens are "hard to please at times and with minds (and itineraries) of their own," this ranking of the worlds top vacation spots for teens gives special recognition to Smugglers' Notch Squad, High Adventure Camp, Teen Centers, and variety of activities in Summer and Winter for this age group.

#1 Family Resort in the Northeast — FamilyFun Magazine A Disney Publication - For years now, Smugglers’ has won this #1 spot in the Top Picks for Family Resorts in The Northeast! Why is Smugglers’ the winner? “Families cite... outdoor pools, tubing, kids’ program, and family packages... biking, hiking and more.”

Top 10 U.S. Family Resort - independenttraveler.com:
In the Summer months, Smugglers' Notch Resort takes advantage of its Green Mountain location to focus on the outdoors. Summer day camps give children ages 3 through 17 the chance to mountain bike, hike, canoe, fish and rock climb. In specialty programs, older children can up their adrenaline by skateboarding and kayaking. Nature lovers can explore nearby beaver ponds and wetlands, while artsy kids can paint, create jewelry and make clay sculptures. Even children ages six weeks to three years can get in on the fun at TREASURES, a state-licensed child care facility.

But kids aren't the only ones having fun. With wildflower walks, golf outings and local wine tastings, parents will never grow restless. The entire family can cool off at water play pools equipped with sprays and slides. In Winter, Smugglers' offers instructional programs for kids in skiing and snowboarding, plus such homegrown fun as sledding and bonfires with hot cocoa.

"The granddaddy of all family resorts" — MSNBC.comVermont - the #1 U.S. destination — National Geographic Traveler#1 Family Resort in the U.S. — independenttraveler.com
"... it is the employees at Smugglers'" - the people - who put the family in the atmosphere." — The New York Times "Smugglers' Notch children's programs have become the standard by which others are measured." — Yankee Magazine "Everything is self-contained...
you park your car... and forget about it." — Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse Magazine
"One of the best and most
complete children's programs anywhere..." — Boston Globe
"A neighborhood of your dreams." — Yankee Magazine "...the perfect family resort." — Ladies Home Journal
"Frenetic Fun, Sunup to Beyond Sundown" — The New York Times "...you'll be able to socialize with a lot of other families with kids of similar ages and interests." — McCall's Magazine Outstanding Vermont Business of the Year Award — Vermont Chamber of Commerce
Best in the East for Families — North American Snowsports Journalists Association "Perhaps the most beautiful corner of Vermont." — The New York Times "... happy kids are Smugglers' claim to fame... Great family moments are guaranteed." — The Tampa Tribune
"If you're looking for a vacation resort with an emphasis on family programs, top spots include Smugglers' Notch..." — Newsweek RCI Gold Crown Resort — Resort Condominium International
11 time winner of the highest rating awarded worldwide!
Top 10 U.S. Family Resort independenttraveler.com
Readers' Choice Top 10 Winner — 10best.com a division of USA TODAY Travel "An affordable, fun family summer resort." — American Baby Magazine “Top 10 Summer Family Resorts in the U.S.!” — Parents Magazine
"... is very cool for family summer fun..." — The Philadelphia Inquirer #1 Resort in North America for Family Reunions - Family Tree Magazine "An affordable, fun family summer resort." - American Baby Magazine
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