What are you looking to get out of your vacation? Do you want to relax in a comfortable room? Do you want to adventure into nature and explore the woods and the mountains? Do you want to eat delicious meals at locally-owned restaurants? Look no further than Smugglers Notch Resort for all of your vacation desires.
Video by Jones Family Travels
This mountainside retreat offers the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations set in the wild adventure of Vermont’s Green Mountains. Take a look out your balcony or window and you will immediately be immersed in the serenity of nature. Thrill in the action of the ski slopes, and the hiking trails, or glide through the streaming river, then relax in the comfort of your cozy vacation suite.
At TZort, we are passionate about getting you into a place that feels like home. We want every person in your crew to feel comfortable to kick back and relax. At Smugglers Notch Resort, we offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom units to fit any family size. These units sleep five to ten guests. They are fully equipped with air conditioning and fireplaces to keep your rooms at a comfortable temperature. They were built with a fully equipped kitchen that includes cookware, dishware, glassware, and utensils. You won’t have to travel far for a good meal as you can join your whole family together to make one. One of the best meals we can ever have is one where we know how much love and care is put into them as a home-cooked meal would.
These units have a separate living area for you to relax and unwind at the end of each day. The rooms are set up to give you a good night’s sleep every time your head hits the pillow. The beds are dressed in top-of-the-line, clean and comfortable linens to ensure you are getting a night of quality sleep.
This experience is made possible by the Smugglers Notch Resort staff who work towards making you stay the best. They are available to answer any of your questions and are on call to fix any problems. They want to help and won’t consider any issue too big or small. If you are in need of more direction on what to do while in the area, they can direct you toward all the fun.
After indulging in the gorgeous views of nature from the comfort of your room, venture out into the resort to explore all of the amenities there are. Splash around in one of the eight heated outdoor pools. No matter the season, enjoy a dip in one of these pools! The aquatic area also includes four waterslides for you to race down. As you push off from the start, you will go down a series of twists and turns so fun and exciting you will be bent over in laughter. These pools have changing rooms, lockers, and showers so you won’t have to travel to and from in a wet suit. Instead of carrying that heavy pool bag around, just set it down in one of the lockers.
The resort offers an activities program to keep the entire family involved and entertained. This is a great way to get the kids interacting and socializing with other vacationers in fun activities. Another popular activity is the sports aspect of this resort. There are basketball and tennis courts for you to produce some friendly competition on. The fitness centers will give you that rewarding feeling of working out and working up a sweat.
No matter what you choose to do with your time while at Smugglers Notch Resort, we can guarantee it will be time well spent.
Nature’s Playground
The beautiful thing about Smugglers Notch Resort in Smugglers Notch, Vermont is that it isn’t just some big resort in the middle of nowhere. It is at the heart of all the adventure and fun that nature has to offer.
With such wondrous mountains and beautiful tall trees, Smugglers Notch has become known for its downhill and cross-country skiing scene. The mountains are so large and cover so much ground, which means the terrain on each slope gives you a little something different. Whether it’s your first day in the snow or this has been a favorite pastime of yours for years, this is the place for you. If you really want to put your knowledge on the slopes to the test, try out one of the terrain parks or racecourses.
Forgot your skis? Don’t worry! Equipment rental is available and easily accessible. If this is your first time skiing or you just want to feel more confident on the runs, instruction from trained professionals is also available. Maybe skiing isn’t your thing, and that’s okay! Try out snowshoeing or ice skating with equipment rental available. This way, you are still out and about and enjoying the day with your family.
When the snow melts away and the lifts stop running, Smugglers Notch does not stop. Instead, it becomes more alive as each season passes. The mountains become the perfect trails for an afternoon of hiking. Pack a bag, lace up your boots, and start your journey through the mountains. Keep your eyes open as the woods are home to some of the most beautiful creatures in nature. With birds soaring throughout the sky and animals running around on the dirt, you will feel one with your surroundings.
Smugglers Notch Resort is the perfect place to let your feet hit the ground and explore. Join in on the adventure and discover how you can plan the perfect four-day vacation getaway.
DAY 1: RIDE INTO NATURE at Smugglers Notch Resort
3.7 MILES VIA VERMONT RTE 108 N
They say nature is best enjoyed with a friend, so why not enjoy it with a furry friend? At Lajoie Stables, you can explore Vermont’s gorgeous landscape all on the back of a horse. Whether this is your first day on a horse or you have been a rider for years, we have something to fit everyone’s needs.
Your tour will be led by one of their experienced guides who will show you all of the area’s best sights. Your tour will begin on a hand-cut trail through their serene woodlands into their Christmas tree grove. This Christmas tree grove is home to many Blue Spruce and Pine trees. Once you have passed through that, you will begin to see the mountains peek out above the tree line. Mount Mansfield and Smugglers’ Notch will immediately catch your eye as they stand out in the sky. The last half of your trip will take you across Black Creek. In the fall time, this body of water is surrounded by the gorgeous warm tones of the season. This is definitely a sight you will not want to miss out on!
In the wintertime, try out one of the sleigh rides. Imagine the sights you saw in the fall, but with snow. These sleigh rides are powered by two gorgeous horses. These rides are private and average 45 minutes to 1 hour long. A blanket is provided to keep you warm and sheltered from the weather.
Join Lajoie Stables for a day of adventures with some of the greatest creatures on earth!
3.5 MILES VIA POLLANDER RD
158 Main Restaurant and Bakery is New England Style food with a specific palette of Vermont flavors. This place is a neighborhood diner in a vintage storefront to really make you feel welcomed and at home. They offer a traditional dining experience with a touch of innovation.
These meals are made with fresh and tasty ingredients that are locally grown. Their food is homemade, so you know you are always getting a meal that someone took the time to perfect. Their menu features a huge selection of anywhere from eggs to pizza to many international dishes.
Experience a taste of Vermont and prepare to be satisfied during your meal at 158 Main.
DAY 2: ADVENTURES IN THE SNOW
5.3 MILES VIA VT-15 E
Calling all outdoor junkies and lovers of all things snow! Join in on the fun at Green Mountain Snowmobile Adventures. These exciting tours are packed with fun and will take you through the Vermont High Country. The trails you will go on are part of the hilly and mountainous region between Jeffersonville and Stowe. Depending on your preference, these tours will last up to one or two hours.
There are three options to choose from in terms of what you’re looking for. The first is the Evening tour. This tour starts in the Village of Smuggs and goes up Meadowlark. It then makes its way to the Sterling/Madonna base lodge and continues on its path to Smugglers Notch State Park. On the latter of your trip, you will experience a view only a few can see in the wintertime. You will go on to Stowe and eventually turn around and head back. This option is perfect as you can often catch the sunset and watch the scenery change right in front of your eyes. The second option is the Daytime tour which offers a remote ride on the scenic Vermont snowmobile trails. This will take you over hills and through the woods as you tour local rail trails. The third option is to get the entire family involved and gives a mini snowmobile “tour” for kids ages 6-12. These tours take place on Sir Henry’s Learning Hill.
Your trip will include 10 sleds with two guides. The experienced guides are here to show you the ropes and get you feeling confident on the trails. They will be taking you through lush forests that will eventually lead you to some spectacular views of Mount Mansfield and Smugglers Notch State Park.
5.3 MILES VIA VT-15 W
After conquering the terrain, there is one more thing for you to conquer: your hunger. The Family Table is the best place to satisfy your hunger. This restaurant has a special emphasis on what matters most in life: family and a good meal. They offer new American meals in a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere.
Their extensive menu features meals expertly prepared with fresh and local ingredients. They also offer an extensive wine list with great beer selections and cocktails. Start your meal off with one of their appetizers like the Crab Cakes or the Baby Arugula Salad. Something heavy enough to satisfy your hunger but light enough to keep you hungry for your main entrée. Their list of entrees combines Vermont flavors with classic American favorites. Try the Maple Pork Chops or the Shrimp Angel Hair Pasta.
Whatever you choose to indulge in at The Family Table will be the right choice!
DAY 3: MAN’S BEST FRIEND
24 MILES VIA VT-15 E
Eden Mountain Dog Sledding offers more than a typical “dog sledding” experience to make your time with them well worth the drive. They have found the perfect balance of fun and education by making their practices ethical. They focus on getting everyone involved to make your time as personalized as possible. This kennel is one of the only free-range, no-chain places in North America.
As you begin your journey at Eden Mountain you will learn about the sport of dog sledding and the dynamics of the dogs you will be riding with. You will meet the Alaskan Huskie dogs and harness and hitch your own team. The trails you will ride on are private and protected. During your ride, it will feel like you are a part of nature. As you enter the beautiful woods, you will notice how quiet and serene they are. You will be taken through open fields with a long-range view of the Lowell Mountains. After your tour, you are able to feed and play with your new furry friends. These dogs are well-trained and great around people of all ages.
The best part about this activity is that it can be done at any time of the year. In the summertime, check out Dogsledding-On-Wheels. This is an experience uniquely found at this Vermont location. How many people have you met who can say they went dog sledding in the summer? You can be the first!
3.2 MILES VIA VT-108
Back by the resort, you can enjoy a meal at Martell’s At the Red Fox. This restaurant is family-owned and operated and welcomes you to indulge in their well-crafted food and enjoy locally brewed Vermont beer. This dining experience is only made better by the live music playing while you enjoy your meal.
Their menu features Vermont favorites and flavors in every section. Their appetizers, soups and salads, burgers, and sandwiches are packed with flavor and are crafted with care. Starting the meal off with the toasted French baguette and maple butter is the right choice. This bread comes out warm and is just waiting for you to indulge in the sweet maple flavor. For a unique but tasty entrée, try the portabella sandwich with goat cheese, caramelized onions, baby arugula, and chipotle aioli. These meals keep your taste buds satisfied with every single bite!
DAY 4: RELAX IN THE RIVER
1 MINUTE VIA VT-15 W
You don’t have to travel far for some fun. Vermont Canoe & Kayak is just a short walk from the resort and has something for every member of your crew. Depending on the day you are there, they have eight options for you to choose from.
For everyone, there is the Morning River kayak: the perfect way to start your day! This 2-hour-long journey will take you through a 4.5-mile scenic stretch of river at a leisurely, comfortable pace. As you glide through the water, you will soak in the morning sun and see the gorgeous nature all around you. You will have your choice of single or tandem kayaks. Children as young as four may ride at the front of the tandems. This is a good way to introduce them to the water without them being completely alone. The Water & Wine tour is an hour-and-a-half paddle on the Lamoille River from the outpost to the Boyden Valley Winery. Upon reaching the winery you will enjoy a glass of wine accompanied by authentic Vermont Cheddar. Here you can sip on this Vermont-made wine while taking in the stunning views of the Green Mountains’ landscape. The Ice Cream Float is popular with kids and anyone who is a kid at heart as it combines an hour and a half of paddling and a stop for your choice of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream and frozen treats.
These are just a few of the options available for you to explore. This company offers a plethora of experiences to be had. Whether you want to try canoeing and kayaking or standup paddleboarding, you are able to do so here at Vermont Canoe and Kayak.
In Smugglers Notch, Vermont, there is so much fun and adventure to be had. With so much natural landscape to explore, there will never be a dull moment in your trip. And what better place to experience nature and relax than Smugglers Notch Resort?
