Smugglers' Notch Disc Golf Center8:00 am - 6:00 pm
PDGA B Tier event, part of the DGVTour
200+ Player field spread across two courses, players play one course per day
Continuing best practices from previous ...
#1 Resort in the East - SKI Magazine Reader Survey 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
from Snow Sport University (SSU)
Can parents tag along and watch their children? Parents cannot tag along with lessons to watch their children. We understand that parents want to see their children learning and having fun. However, this can be disruptive to the class and can negatively affect the experience of the other children in the group. The instructor can typically provide key locations where parents can watch from a distance without disruption. If a parent needs to be with their child in the lesson, a semi-private lesson is recommended.
What is the ratio for child to instructor in lessons/camps? The ratio varies from program to program. Group sizes generally range between 6-12 students to one instructor. Supervisors take great care in assigning instructors to group sizes that are appropriate for the best guest experience.
Are the groups larger during the holidays? Group sizes may be larger during busier times. If the group size is important, the best option is to choose a 1:00 pm lesson or a private or semi-private lesson. Group sizes are not guaranteed. There are several contributing factors when facilitating group size, which include: the instructor, age of students, and skiing/riding ability.
What does a full day of camp entail? The advantage of the camp program is your child will progress more in their skills as a skier or rider. Kids learn better when they ski or ride with other kids. Instruction is mixed in with exploring the mountain and the terrain. Long lasting relationships with other kids develop more in the all-day program. The day starts with skiing and riding in the morning. Then the groups will take a lunch break with their instructor. Then out on the slopes for more skiing and riding in the afternoon. When the on-snow portion of the day is complete around 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm, parents/guardians can pick up in the greeting area for ages 5 and older and in the Meeting House for ages 3-4 years.
Can I put both my kids in camp/lessons together? Ex: Can my 5 year old & 8 year old stay together? If siblings want to be together the older child needs to be in the younger child's group. We recommend that children go with their own age group to get the most out of their experience. Younger children cannot go with older groups. Our experience has proven that this does not work. Children need to learn at a pace that is appropriate for them socially and developmentally. Many times when siblings start their week together they end up moving into other groups.
What do you do when it is "too cold" to ski? It is rarely too cold to ski or ride. Prior to the start of the program our ski school professionals will assess preparedness and may offer suggestions for additional gear resulting in a more comfortable experience (i.e. goggles, neck warmers, hand and/or toe warmers, dress in layers, etc.). On colder days additional breaks are also provided. There are several buildings at the base and some summits of mountains for groups to warm up. Select indoor locations offer hot chocolate breaks as well!
Are helmets required? Helmets are not required but are highly recommended. There are advantages to wearing a helmet including a decrease in the severity of a head injury, they keep your head and body warm, and of course style with all the cool helmets and covers for adults and kids it makes wearing a helmet more fun! We are proud to say a significant number of our guests wear helmets.
What happens if my child doesn't like it or gets cold? On colder days, extra breaks are taken. It is important to dress children properly, in layers, and with appropriate gear to help alleviate the cold and provide the best experience. Don’t be discouraged, some children just are not ready for the on-mountain experience. If this is the case then we may guide them to a different program, such as a Private Lesson.
How are the kids divided into the different groups? The children are divided by age and ability level; typically with, 3 & 4 year olds together and 5 & 6 year olds together. The 7-15 year olds are dependent on the number of students for each level. When participation permits, children are grouped with their peers and most importantly they are matched by skills, experience, and development.
Where do I take my First Day skiers and riders to start? The beginner learning terrain is located in the greeting area behind the Meeting House. Due to the wide open space, the greeting area is the best place to start a "never-ever." As the student progresses, movement to Sir Henry's Learning Hill is appropriate.
How do guests request an instructor? Requests are not available for group lessons. Private Lesson requests are available at the time of booking. All Private Lesson requests are considered high priority with every attempt made to fulfill the request.
What is considered appropriate clothing? A number of lighter layers allow you to adjust your clothing as the temperature changes, wear a base layer of long underwear or tights, synthetic or wool is best. Synthetics and wool wick moisture away from you and retain their ability to trap heat even if they get wet. Polypropylene type clothing and fleece are also recommended, Polypro wicks moisture away from the skin, also keeping you warm and dry. Avoid cotton whenever possible, including socks, cotton absorbs moisture and will make you cold!
Dress in layers A number of lighter layers allow you to adjust your clothing as the temperature changes. Multiple thinner layers will be much more comfortable than a jacket that looks like a blimp.
Wear a base layer of long underwear or tights. Synthetic or wool is best. Avoid cotton if at all possible. Synthetics and wool wick moisture away from you and retain their ability to trap heat even if they happen to get wet.
Next a warm shirt, turtleneck, sweater or fleece.
Water and wind resistant pants are best, you will be very glad you have them on those cold days. Snow or ski pants are ideal. Avoid sweat pants, they get wet very quickly! Pants should be wide enough at the bottom of the legs to fit over large boots. Do not put pant legs into boots, it will cut off the circulation to the feet.
A jacket or shell with a high collar, once again water and wind resistant is best.
One pair of synthetic or wool socks is best — trust us on this one. Too many socks will cut off your circulation resulting in cold feet. Cotton will get wet quickly from perspiration. Avoid socks with big, thick seams whenever possible.
Eye protection Either sunglasses or goggles. 100% UVA and UVB please. Dark sunglasses without 100% UV protection are actually worse than no sunglasses at all. Why? Because your eyes open up to compensate for the lower visible light levels allowing more UV in than normal.
Gloves or mittens Gloves allow more freedom of movement, but mittens are warmer because your fingers can share the heat - either way waterproof is best. Avoid knit and cotton gloves, they get wet very quickly. Be very careful with kids gloves - if they look fuzzy, cold hands will follow.
Warm hat or helmet that covers your ears The old saying "If your feet are cold, put on a hat" is true!
Sunscreen and lip balm, SPF 15 or greater. Even on cloudy days it is very easy to get too much sun when on the snow. Snow reflects nearly the entire spectrum of light (that's why it looks white).
Be sure to bring extra clothes to change into for the ride home.
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