Hugh's Views - Smugglers' Notch Vermont

0

Snow in the forecast

Posted February 24, 2018 at 5:59 pm

Going big in the Zone

Tomorrow’s forecast is calling for snow and sleet early with up to 3 inches of accumulation possible, then a chance of mix later in the day with temperatures between 25 and 36 degrees. Tomorrow we plan to have top to bottom skiing and riding on all 3 mountains with all 8 lifts operating. Tonight we plan to groom 36 trails including Upper FIS, Smugglers’ Alley, and Snow Snake for a grand total of 139 acres of freshly groomed terrain.

Sterling seen from Midway

Tomorrow we have our Free Family Fun Race on Lower Madonna Liftline from 11 am till 2 pm being sponsored by Hearthstone Stoves. Find out who’s the fastest in your family. Tomorrow the Black Bear Tavern Apres Sport Party is featuring Fiddlehead and live music from Jammin’ Sam starting at 2 pm.

Zone Terrain Park

Getting the grab

0

Dusting of new snow

Posted February 24, 2018 at 11:50 am

Upper Chilcoot

We have top to bottom skiing and riding on all 3 mountains with all 8 lifts operating. We have 37 trails open with terrain for all ability levels. 36 trails have been groomed for today, that’s 138 acres of freshly groomed terrain. Today’s forecast is mostly cloudy skies with a chance of flurries and temperatures between 24 and 38 degrees.

0

Family Time

Posted February 23, 2018 at 3:32 pm

Miles and Todd

I was at the base of the Mogul Mouse Magic Lift this afternoon when I noticed a father and son sitting in the snow. They were exchanging boots. The father Todd was taking snowboard boots off and putting ski boots on. I was curious, so I walked over and asked why the change? The son Miles usually snowboards and the dad Todd usually skis. They have the same boot size, so they decided to switch for a run. Miles told me that he did pretty well skiing, but his dad was ready to take the snowboard boots off and go back to skiing. Todd told me that he was not giving up on snowboarding, but next time he is going to start on Sir Henry’s Learning Hill. Miles and Todd told me that they have been coming to Smuggs for years and they really like it here! I think that it is great that they were willing to try another sport. I guess this gives new meaning to “You don’t know what it is like until you walk a mile in their boots or should I say ski or ride a run in their boots!”

Tomorrow we plan to have top to bottom skiing and riding on all 3 mountains with all 8 lifts operating. We have 37 trails open with terrain for all ability levels. 36 trails will be groomed for tomorrow, including Upper FIS, Bootlegger, and Snow Snake for a grand total of 138 acres of freshly groomed terrain. Tomorrow’s forecast is calling for partly to mostly cloudy skies with a chance of flurries early and temperatures between 25 and 38 degrees. Birch Run, Log Jam, and Zone Terrain Parks are all open.

0

Smugglers’ Notch Adaptive Program

Posted February 23, 2018 at 12:13 pm

S.N.A.P. Ski Instructor Sean Hayes

Our adaptive program provides therapeutic recreation for children and adults of all abilities. Experiences are tailored to meet the needs and goals of each individual. Some campers/students may require two counselors/instructors, while others may be appropriately paired with one counselor. We also offer an inclusion program with our ski and snowboard programs for children. This gives a child with special needs the opportunity to socialize with his/her peers while still maintaining the support he/she needs through the adaptive program. There is no age limit for the program. Half and full day lessons are available. Our highly trained instructors will evaluate each individual’s needs and goals and determine their equipment requirements. Smugglers’ Adaptive Program maintains an inventory of adaptive equipment including mono-skis, bi-skis and a slider. Snowboarding is also available.

What guests are saying…

“By far the best program we have found! Above and beyond our expectations – the staff was amazing and the quality of the program made our vacation!”

“As a father of a daughter with disabilities I am used to having to conform to the typical world, your program and the people involved in it adapted to my family and its needs. It was heartwarming for me. Thank you so much for your services.”

Advanced reservations are required in order to meet each individuals needs. Due to popular demand we have limited space during our peak weeks. Reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. Please make your reservation as early as possible. The adaptive camp/lesson must be canceled at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund. No refund will be given within 24 hours of the start of camp/lesson. For further information about our school programs, pricing information, or to book a reservation please call the Smugglers’ Adaptive Program directly at (802)644-8502 or email Shawna Fatigate, Program Manager

0

Snowmaking overnight

Posted February 23, 2018 at 9:17 am

Groomer at the summit of Sterling Mountain Photo credit Jeff Spring of Snow Sport University

Last night our snowmakers laid down a nice blanket of new snow on Upper Rumrunner, Crossover, Treasure Run, and Lower Exhibition. This morning our grooming crew was smoothing out the snowmaking whales for your skiing and riding pleasure. Today we have top to bottom skiing and riding on all 3 mountains with all 8 lifts operating. We have 34 trails open with terrain for all ability levels. All 34 trails have been groomed for today, that’s a grand total of 145 acres of freshly groomed terrain. Today’s forecast is calling for increasing clouds light snow and sleet with a chance of mix later in the day, temperatures between 26 and 37 degrees. We could see up to 2 inches of new snow Saturday night into Sunday.

0

Full Circle

Posted February 22, 2018 at 3:22 pm

Connie with her class on Wanderer

I would like you to meet Connie Douthwaite. Connie is a member of the Snow Sport University here at Smugglers’ Notch. She is a ski instructor who works with 3 to 6 year old children. The neat thing is that 13 years ago Connie was a 6 year old child taking ski lessons here at Smugglers’ Notch. Connie told me that her instructor back then was Larry Arnold who still works here at Smugglers’ Notch as a ski instructor. It is wonderful to see someone who learned to ski here 13 years ago is now teaching the next generation!

Tomorrow we plan to have top to bottom skiing and riding on all 3 mountains with all 8 lifts operating. We now have 36 trails open with terrain for all ability levels. Tonight we plan to resume snowmaking on Upper Rumrunner, Crossover, Treasure Run, Lower Exhibition, and the Practice Slope. All 36 trails will be groomed for tomorrow, that’s 145 acres of freshly groomed terrain. Tomorrow’s forecast is calling for light snow and sleet a dusting of accumulation with a chance of mix later in the day and temperatures between 25 and 35 degrees. Tomorrow we plan to have the Log Jam, Birch Run, and Zone Terrain Park all open.

0

Snow Sport University

Posted February 22, 2018 at 12:48 pm

Garden Path

These little rippers are skiing down from the top of Morse for the first time!

0

Freshly groomed terrain

Posted February 22, 2018 at 7:55 am

3 Groomers on Morse Mountain this morning

Today we have top to bottom skiing and riding on all 3 mountains with all 8 lifts operating. We have 38 trails open with terrain for all ability levels. 38 trails have been groomed for today, including Upper FIS, Smugglers’ Alley, and Snow Snake for a grand total of 140 acres of freshly groomed terrain. Today’s forecast is partly sunny skies with a high of 32 degrees. Currently it is 18 degrees at the summit of Sterling Mountain with partly sunny skies and winds of 0 to 5 mph.

0

Top to bottom skiing and riding on all 3 mountains

Posted February 21, 2018 at 4:50 pm

Skiing Upper Rumrunner with Mount Mansfield in the background

The warmer weather that we saw today is on the way out and we have colder air moving in. The temperature has already dropped to 36 degrees at the summit of Sterling Mountain at 4 pm this afternoon. We have 38 trails open with terrain for all ability levels. Our groomers will be out in force tonight. We plan to groom 38 trails, including Upper FIS, Snake Bite, and Curley’s Cutback for a grand total of 140 acres of freshly groomed terrain. Tomorrow’s forecast is calling for partly sunny skies with temperatures between 20 and 32 degrees. We have many things happening this week and this weekend. Here is a list of our upcoming events:

Thursday, February 22
FamilyFun Magazine Winter Carnival – FamilyFun Magazine, Carmex® and Folgers® team up with Smugglers’ for this special Winter Carnival featuring music, face painting, games, a bonfire, and barbeque. The festivities are from 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm on the Village Green! Always a family favorite hosted by Goodtime Charlie, Mogul Mouse, Billy Bob Bear, and the Friendly Pirate!

You never know what you will see out on the mountain

Bonfire, torchlight parade and fireworks – Join us for the fun as we light up the night sky with a bonfire, dramatic torchlight parade starring our Snow Sport University instructors, and fireworks against the backdrop of the Green Mountains! The Village Green offers a great vantage point for watching the action. 8:00 pm.

Friday, February 23
Black Bear Tavern Après Sport Party – The location for Upper Mountain off-slope fun! Check out the expanded draft line-up featuring Fiddlehead. Beginning at 2:00 pm, Jammin’ Sam plays guitar and sings. It’s a great place to meet other riders and skiers and some of the locals. Ages 21 & older.

Saturday, February 24
FREE Family Fun Race – Who’s the fastest in your family? Find out on our timed race course sponsored by HearthStone Stoves! 11:00 am – 2:00 pm on Lower Madonna Liftline.

Smugglers’ Notch Snowshoe Festival – Join us for the 2nd Annual Snowshoe Festival at the Smugglers’ Notch Nordic Adventure Center! Enjoy FREE snowshoe demos from Atlas and Tubbs Snowshoes, family-friendly games, and more! This family-friendly event is FREE and open to all ages and ability levels! Sign up for guided treks throughout the Smugglers’ Notch Nordic trail network featuring beginner, intermediate, and advanced options, and don’t miss the kid-specific obstacle course, game after game of corn hole, and FREE hot chocolate around the outdoor fire. Special thanks to sponsors Atlas and Tubbs Snowshoes and Marmot outdoor apparel and equipment!

Black Bear Tavern Après Sport Party – The location for Upper Mountain off-slope action! Check out the expanded draft line-up featuring Fiddlehead. Beginning at 2:00 pm, Goodtime Charlie hosts with trivia, bar games, prizes, and music. It’s a great place to meet other riders and skiers and some of the locals. Ages 21 & older.

Sunday, February 25
FREE Family Fun Race – Who’s the fastest in your family? Find out on our timed race course sponsored by HearthStone Stoves! 11:00 am – 2:00 pm on Lower Madonna Liftline.

Black Bear Tavern Après Sport Party – The location for Upper Mountain off-slope fun! Check out the expanded draft line-up featuring Fiddlehead. Beginning at 2:00 pm, Jammin’ Sam plays guitar and sings. It’s a great place to meet other riders and skiers and some of the locals. Ages 21 & older.

0

Smuggs Family

Posted February 21, 2018 at 9:27 am

Victoria in front of the Madonna I Lift

I would like you to meet Joyce Vandersommen and her daughter Victoria. They both work here at Smugglers’ Notch. Joyce works at the Morse Highlands lift and Victoria works at the Madonna I lift. These two wonderful ladies are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. They are originally from South Carolina. A family tragedy caused the loss of their husband/ father and son/brother. They felt that they could no longer stay in South Carolina. Joyce put her house on the market and set out to find a new place to call home. Joyce and Victoria visited Smugglers’ Notch and fell in love with the people and this beautiful place. They both got jobs

Joyce loading chairs at the Morse Highlands Lift

as lift operators and bought a townhouse here in the Village. They knew that they had found their new home and their new family. Joyce has a son Collin who is active duty in the Army. Collin visits frequently and considers Smuggs his home base. Joyce also has a military background. She is a combat war veteran. She retired in 2006 with 20 years in the Air Force Reserves. She plans to return to her nursing career as Director of Surgical Services in the near future, but Smuggs will remain her home. Victoria is a recent graduate from the University of Alaska in Anchorage where she received her degree in Environmental Science. This summer Victoria plans to resume her position as a wilderness guide for a tour company in Prince William Sound. If you see Joyce or Victoria make sure to say hello!