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Know Before You Go

#1 Overall Resort in the East - SKI Magazine Reader Survey 2021

We’re All In This Together.

A successful ski and ride season at Smuggs this winter depends on each of us accepting a shared responsibility when it comes to safeguards and procedures related to COVID-19.

For the easiest access to the upper mountains, go to the top of Morse Mountain then take the Midway trail over to Madonna and Sterling mountains.
To return to the Village from the upper mountains take the Meadowlark trail.
Shuttle service from the Village to the upper mountains is also available from the Welcome Sign in the Village.



Our commitment to providing a great skiing and riding experience has not wavered, even in the wake of COVID-19. We believe that getting out on the mountain is one of the best activities you can do this winter. The mountain is the perfect environment to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family or in solitude, while providing plenty of opportunities to socially distance ouselves. The health and safety of our guests and staff is our primary focus, and we will continue to follow the state of Vermont guidelines with regards to protocols and capacities.

To best prepare you for all our operational changes and protocols this winter, we have created web pages covering each of our operational areas. We expect that there will be changes to these plans throughout the season as we learn what does and does not work, so check back often for the latest information. Remember, we are all in this together, and it is up to each of us to ensure a ski season for all.

ALL guests purchasing a ticket to ski at Smugglers’ Notch must sign an attestation with the state of Vermont before every visit, for their pass to be activated. Season Pass holders must also complete this form when activating their passes.

ANYONE entering the state of Vermont from another state must quarantine, either prior to arrival at their own home or once they reach Vermont, before coming to Smuggs. The Vermont State Travel Guidelines can be found here.

Lift tickets are limited this winter due to social distancing in our corrals. The formula for keeping the number of skiers and riders manageable on the mountain is referred to as our “comfortable carrying capacity.” Once we have met this comfortable carrying capacity the daily sales of tickets will cease. Please refer to the Snow Report or Hugh’s Views for updated messaging on the resort reaching a sold out situation.

Health & Travel

Health & Travel Information

The following information contains details that you should be aware of before traveling to Smuggs in order to have a great experience during your stay.

Keep Up To Date

Face Coverings ⤋
Masks or face coverings will be required around the base area, while in the lift corral, loading and unloading areas; pretty much everywhere except for when skiing down the hill. Keep your distance from the staff; they’re essential and we need to keep them healthy if we’re going to be able to operate.

The science is clear: wearing face coverings AND maintaining physical distance are the best measures we can all take to prevent the spread of COVID-19, therefore:
  • Face coverings will be required at all times in all of our indoor spaces and as you move around the resort, per the State of Vermont. The only exceptions are when you are skiing or riding (whether uphill or downhill) or seated to eat in a restaurant or otherwise designated dining area.
  • Per the State of Vermont, face coverings must be worn as soon as you exit your vehicle in the parking lot AND as you walk from your car to the lifts/lodges, as you walk around the resort, in lift lines, while riding the lifts and all indoor spaces: lodges, hallways, restrooms, rental/retail shops, and all Food & Beverage locations when not seated at your table.
  • Again, the only places you will not be required to wear a face masks is while you are skiing or riding (whether uphill or downhill) or while sitting at a designated eating and drinking area.
  • You will be reminded politely to wear your face covering should you forget and we will have face coverings available for purchase on site in case you need one.
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Treat your car like the Base Lodge ⤋
Think of your vehicle as your personal home base. The Base Lodge capacity is very limited and open only to skiers and riders, however, this season, it is not intended as a place to boot up or get changed. The cafeteria will offer grab-and-go items with limited table seating available. Green Peppers and the Black Bear will require reservations. One way traffic through the lodge will be in effect, so please follow signs, as this will be different from the past. State requirements dictate that you limit your time in the lodge to 30 minutes or less. We ask that everyone remains respectful to these requirements. There will be no gear storage in the lodge. We recommend bringing an extra mask.

This season, Vermont ski areas are asking everyone to please boot up in the parking lot, go straight to the lift and back to their car without ever going inside the Base Lodge if possible. For your convenience, we have added outdoor heated restrooms in the Madonna/Sterling base area, Parking Lot One, and at the base of Village Lift and Mogul Mouse’s Magic Lift.

Please note: Keep a tight radius around your vehicle while booting up or eating as to not encroach on other parking spaces. Our tailgating policy is that you may congregate only with those in your traveling party. Please do not congregate with those outside of your party.

Click here for more information about Base Lodge dining.
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Lift Access ⤋
Getting on lifts will fundamentally be the same, but who you ride with will be different. We know that meeting new people and making new friends on the chairlift help make memories for a lifetime. However, this year we’re prioritizing your safety, so we’ll be designing our mazes, and loading chairlifts with physical distancing guidelines in mind.
  • Lift corrals will be spread out to allow for social distancing.
  • Partner up. Only people from the same traveling group or families should ride the lift together. Plan to ski/ride with someone you trust that you can ride the lift with.
  • Guests can ride chairlifts with their related parties, and no one will be required to ride with someone they don’t know.
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Health and Travel Information ⤋
Residents of other states must adhere to the quarantine guidelines:
* Travelers arriving to Vermont in a personal vehicle may complete either a 14-day quarantine or a 7-day quarantine, followed by a negative test in their home state to enter Vermont without further quarantine restrictions.
* Travelers arriving to Vermont via public transportation (plane, train, bus) or from further than a direct car ride would allow may complete either a 14-day quarantine or a 7-day quarantine followed by a negative test in a Vermont lodging establishment, or with friends and family (travelers must stay in their quarantine location for the duration of quarantine other than to travel to and from a test site).

As of November 24, 2020, the State of Vermont has suspended all social gatherings between multiple households. While in Vermont, you may not participate in social gatherings, this includes sharing an accommodation with another household outside of your own. Travelers may not stay with a Vermont host or stay in a Vermont lodging establishment or short-term rental with another household. Even if you have completed a quarantine, or intend to quarantine with another household, you may not gather with another household in Vermont. (Individuals who live alone may gather with members of their immediate family residing in a different household).

Please review the guidelines provided by the Vermont Department of Commerce and Community Development and read more about quarantining at the Vermont Department of Health website.
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Tickets, Passes, and Notch Card ⤋
Perks of Buying Online in Advance

Guaranteed Lift Access
Booking your tickets online and in advance of your visit guarantees you'll have access to the mountain.

A limited number of lift tickets are available for purchase each day and we may sell out due to comfortable carrying capacities with respect to social distancing. Don’t risk not being able to purchase a lift ticket by not buying online in advance.

We encourage everyone to buy their tickets online this year and, once you have a Notch Card you can reload lift tickets online as well. Go straight from your car to the lifts with your loaded Notch Card!
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Dining & Base Lodge

Reservations or call-ahead seating is required for all indoor restaurant dining.

Menus, Hours, and Reservation Information

Snow Sport University Lessons

Award-winning ski and snowboard programs for all ages at Smugglers' Notch. Due to limited demand for group lessons, we will only have private lessons available February 22 - April 4, 2021.

Lesson Information

Lodging at Smuggs

Lodging Package Details

Mountain Operations

Lift Hours, Mountain Policies & More

Have more questions? Our staff is happy to help you out.

800-419-4615
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