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Located north of Stowe, Smugglers Notch is a unique resort that features plentiful family learning terrain, aggressive expert trails, and a chairlift infrastructure composed solely of fixed grip doubles.
Early Years
Smugglers' Notch ski area possibly dates back to the early 1950s as a small rope tow ski area. Not much is known about this development, but it is possible it was not located within the footprint of the present day resort.
On April 30, 1956, Smugglers' Notch Ski-Ways, Inc. was incorporated in Vermont. Dr. Roger Mann was elected President at the first annual meeting, held on June 4, 1956.
The never-constructed Snowflake Lodge |
In a stock offering document, the founders described Stowe as the "Ski Capital of the East" and that the new upstart and the Mt. Mansfield Company "will have lifts terminating on Sterling Mountain" which "will enable skiers to enjoy both sides" via a "ski across a lake." Initial trails and lifts were to be developed on Sterling Mountain, followed by a joint venture between Smugglers' Notch and Mt. Mansfield Company for a chairlift on Madonna Mountain. Morse Mountain and Whiteface Mountain were also slated for future development.
An elaborate building named the "Snowflake Lodge" was planned near the base of the ski area, featuring lodging, dining, a lounge, and a ski shop, all to be owned and operated by the corporation. The State of Vermont was to operate the parking lots and a snack bar.
Developed (with the help of Vermont Department of Forests and Parks and nearby Stowe) and managed by Warren Warner (formerly of Okemo), Smugglers Notch debuted for the 1956-57 season with two Poma lifts on Sterling Mountain. The state of Vermont built a 300 car parking lot and a 1,600 foot warming hut, while the ownership built a smaller building to host a ski shop and ski patrol. The Southwest Passage trail was cut to provide the connection from the new ski area's Sterling Mountain to Spruce Peak at Stowe, while the Northeast Passage trail provided a link from the top of Spruce Peak back to Sterling Mountain.
Smugglers Notch in the late 1950s |
The lower mountain was served by a 2,000 foot long Poma lift. From the top of that lift, skiers could ski over to a 3,300 foot long Poma, which then carried them to the top of Sterling Mountain. Trail names such as "Rum Runner," "Hangman's Noose," and "The Black Snake" were derived from smugglers who frequented Smugglers Notch during the War of 1812. The combined ride time of the two lifts was billed as 8 minutes.
Meanwhile, IBM CEO Thomas Watson Jr. and his family had a ski home in nearby Stowe. In 1957, IBM opened a facility in nearby Essex Junction.
Smugglers' Alley was added for the 1958-59 season, increasing the trail count to 6, ranging from beginner to expert. During the following off season, Warren Warner was hired as manager of the Belknap Mountain Recreation Area, which would soon become Gunstock.
The 120-day 1959-60 season was a profitable one, resulting in planning for future development of trails, lifts, and peaks. Caution flags were thrown following season when the area "suffered the severe washout of 1961" in February, which washed out slopes and skier visits and put operations in the red. Nevertheless, a new novice Poma lift was installed in 1961 and surveys conducted for the installation of a chairlift on Madonna Peak. In addition, the company pushed state officials to either begin winter maintenance of the road through the notch or construct a tunnel.
Becoming a Major Ski Area
Madonna Mountain in the late 1960s |
Allegedly a minority Stowe shareholder, Tom Watson became frustrated with a real estate issue perhaps around the turn of the decade. As the legend goes, one day Watson skied around to Sterling Mountain from Spruce Peak and saw the potential for a massive ski development in Smugglers Notch.
Watson joined the Smugglers Notch Ski-Ways Board of Directors circa 1962, providing outside vision and planning for the area as it reached a crossroads. Despite good natural snowfall during the 1961-62 season, sales growth had stagnated, as skiers began to seek chairlift served skiing. As a result, the company decided to go full steam ahead on becoming a chairlift served area.
In June 1963, Dr. Mann announced the Smugglers Notch had signed a contract to install what would be one of the largest chairlifts in the Eastern United States on Madonna Mountain. Installed by helicopter, the new lift expanded the ski area's vertical drop from about 1,500 feet to 2,150 feet. Three new trails were expected for the start of the season, with a few more soon to follow.
In 1964, Thomas Watson Jr. and his brother, IBM World Trade Corporation President Arthur "Dick" Watson, likely acquired a majority ownership stake in the ski area.
Big changes were in store for their first full season in charge of the ski area.
For the 1964-65 season, a double chairlift was installed on Sterling Mountain, providing skiers with a modern ride to the summit as compared to the two Poma lifts. Now a major area, Watson decided to change the name of Smugglers Notch ski area to Madonna Mountain in honor of Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
Three more trails were added for 1966-67, while larger changes were working their way through the pipeline.
Becoming a Major Resort
Morse in the 1970s |
Rumors of a large 2,000 acre land acquisition via a Watson agent spread around New England in January 1967. In April of 1967, General Manager Rolland Vautour announced a dramatic 10 year, 8 phase expansion plan, which was expected to quadruple the size of the ski area. The first phase of this plan was realized immediately, as about $750,000 was spent to develop the Morse Mountain area.
The initial Morse Mountain development included a 5,155 foot Hall double chairlift, four new trails, and a two million gallon snowmaking pond. At the bottom of the new area, a large four season village was started. $300,000 was invested in Morse snowmaking infrastructure for 1968-69.
Watson Steps Down
Madonna Mountain circa the 1970s |
In November of 1970, owner Thomas Watson suffered a heart attack. Though he recovered from it, he cut back on his business interests, first stepping down as CEO of IBM in June of 1971. Three years after his heart attack, Madonna Mountain Corporation sold the ski area to a subsidiary of Stanmar, Inc., called Smuggler's Notch Corp. While Thomas Watson would still have more adventures ahead of him, such as becoming US Ambassador to the Soviet Union, Arthur Watson would die a few years later as a result of a fall at home.
Headed up by Stanley Snider, Smuggler's Notch Corp. focused on Snider's specialty, resort development. One of the first changes took place immediately, as the ski area was renamed Smuggler's Notch for the 1973-74 season.
Its first noticeable on-mountain addition took place in 1979, when the Madonna II chairlift was installed.
In January of 1987, former AT&T Vice President William P. Stritzler became Managing Director at Smugglers' Notch.
A second double chairlift, purchased from defunct Timber Ridge-Magic Mountain ski area, was installed on Morse Mountain for the 1993-94 season. The following year, a T-Bar was installed on the Sterling Practice Slope.
New Ownership
The Catwalk trail on Madonna Mountain (2004) |
Deciding to retire, Stanley Snider sold Smugglers' Notch to Stritzler in late 1996. Former Stanmar Comptroller Robert F. Mulcahy remained on board in upper management.
Three years later, the Morse Highlands complex was developed, served by a small double chairlift.
Though one of the largest ski areas in the state, Smugglers' Notch has had relatively modest lift infrastructure for decades. In fact, Smugglers' Notch is the only ski area in New England with a 2,000 foot vertical drop that has not replaced any of its original aerial lifts. To date, all of the chairlifts at Smuggler's Notch are Hall doubles, which have been kept in excellent condition thanks to modifications with Doppelmayr-CTEC parts.
NewEnglandSkiConditions.com Reports
| Month |
Average Percent of Terrain Open |
| November | 10% (1 report) |  | | December | 58% (23 reports) | | | January | 71% (43 reports) | | | February | 85% (37 reports) | | | March | 78% (34 reports) | | | April | 79% (12 reports) | |
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| Recent Conditions Reports |
 | Mar. 6, 2023 by rocket21
Packed Powder, Powder |
| Mar. 6, 2023 by brianna
Powder, Packed Powder |
 | Feb. 13, 2022 by rocket21
Loose Granular, Frozen Granular |
 | Jan. 10, 2021 by nhalex
Loose Granular, Frozen Granular |
| Jan. 9, 2021 by nhalex
Loose Granular, Wind Blown Snow |
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| Smugglers Notch on NewEnglandSkiConditions.com |
Expansion History
Image Gallery
Lifts
Click on lift name for information and photos
Maps
Year by Year History
Adult Weekend Full Day Lift Ticket; Adult Full Price Unlimited Season Pass. Window price, including RFID fee and taxes when known.
| 2020s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 2024-25 | | | | | | December 5 | | | | | | 2023-24 | $106.00 | | $746.24 | | 7.0 days | November 24 | April 14 | | | | | 2022-23 | $95.40 | | $746.24 | | 7.8 days | November 25 | April 9 | | | | | 2021-22 | $94.34 | | $687.94 | | 7.3 days | December 2 | April 10 | | | | | 2020-21 | $89.00 | | $730.34 | | 8.2 days | December 10 | April 10 | | | | | 2019-20 | $82.00 | | $698.54 | | 8.5 days | November 29 | March 17 | | | |
| 2010s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 2018-19 | $79.00 | | $698.54 | | 8.8 days | November 23 | April 14 | | | | | 2017-18 | $81.00 | | $687.94 | | 8.5 days | November 24 | April 15 | | | | | 2016-17 | $72.00 | | $709.14 | | 9.8 days | November 25 | April 16 | | | | | 2015-16 | $72.00 | | $709.14 | | 9.8 days | November 27 | April 3 | | | | | 2014-15 | $70.00 | | $687.94 | | 9.8 days | November 22 | April 19 | | | | | 2013-14 | $68.00 | | $687.94 | | 10.1 days | November 29 | April 20 | | | | | 2012-13 | $66.00 | | $656.14 | | 9.9 days | November 23 | April 14 | | | | | 2011-12 | $66.00 | | $656.14 | | 9.9 days | December 4 | March 25 | | | | | 2010-11 | $64.00 | | | | | November 27 | April 17 | | | | | 2009-10 | $62.00 | | $634.94 | | 10.2 days | December 8 | April 6 | | | |
| 2000s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 2008-09 | $62.00 | | $656.14 | | 10.6 days | November 28 | April 12 | | | | | 2007-08 | $60.00 | | $634.94 | | 10.6 days | November 23 | April 13 | | | | | 2006-07 | $58.00 | | $613.74 | | 10.6 days | December 5 | April 15 | | | | | 2005-06 | $58.00 | | | | | November 25 | April 16 | | | | | 2004-05 | | | | | | | April 17 | | | | | 2003-04 | $54.00 | | $592.54 | | 11.0 days | | April 11 | | | | | 2002-03 | $54.00 | | $586.95 | | 10.9 days | | | | | | | 2001-02 | $48.00 | | $544.95 | | 11.4 days | November 23 | April 15 | | | | | 2000-01 | $48.00 | | $523.95 | | 10.9 days | | April 22 | | | | | 1999-00 | $48.00 | | | | | | April 9 | | | |
| 1990s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1998-99 | | | | | | November 27 | | | | | | 1997-98 | $44.00 | | $369.00 | | 8.4 days | November 22 | | | | | | 1996-97 | $42.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1995-96 | $36.00 | | | | | | April 21 | | | | | 1994-95 | | | | | | November 26 | April 16 | | | | | 1992-93 | $36.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1991-92 | $36.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1990-91 | $33.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1989-90 | $33.00 | | | | | | | | | |
| 1980s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1988-89 | $30.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1987-88 | $30.00 | | | | | November 28 | | | | | | 1984-85 | $25.00 | | $525.00 | | 21.0 days | | | | | | | 1983-84 | $24.00 | | $475.00 | | 19.8 days | | | | | | | 1982-83 | $23.00 | | $475.00 | | 20.7 days | | | | | | | 1981-82 | $21.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1980-81 | $19.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1979-80 | $16.00 | | | | | | | | | |
| 1970s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1978-79 | $15.00 | | | | | December 15 | | | | | | 1977-78 | $13.00 | | | | | November 25 | | | | | | 1976-77 | $12.00 | | | | | November 25 | | | | | | 1975-76 | $11.00 | | | | | November 25 | | | | | | 1974-75 | $11.00 | | | | | November 25 | | | | | | 1973-74 | $7.50 | | | | | | | | | | | 1972-73 | $7.50 | | | | | | | | | | | 1969-70 | $8.50 | | | | | | | | | |
| 1960s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1968-69 | $7.50 | | | | | | | | | | | 1967-68 | | | | | | November 23 | | | | | | 1964-65 | $6.00 | | $90.00 | | 15.0 days | | | | | | | 1963-64 | $5.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1962-63 | $5.00 | | | | | | | 35,813 | | | | 1961-62 | $5.00 | | | | | December 15 | April 14 | 31,760 | | | | 1960-61 | $5.00 | | | | | December 21 | | 27,740 | | | | 1959-60 | $5.00 | | | | | December 19 | April 16 | 37,650 | | |
| 1950s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1958-59 | | | | | | December 6 | April 12 | 35,000 | | |
Visitor Memories
| "My husband knew Marguerite E Lichtenthaeler M.D. she was under management back in the 60-70's does anyone remember her? If so could you reach out to my email tami_urban@yahoo.com would love any Information possibly " | | Jeff Urban, Jan. 2, 2024 | | "My Childhood memories 95% start with "While at Smuggs".... My parents moved back to VT when I was 4, in the shadow of the mountain in Cambridge. Unfortunately my first year memory skiing is breaking my left leg on the Sterling Practice slope. This was before the lift was put in and was a tow-rope. How we hated the rope..... My mom would drop off my 3 older brothers and I in the AM with a bag lunch and pick us up at when the lifts closed. A season's pass for Cambridge residents was $25 and my parents wanted their money's worth.....seriously. Tree skiing while being chased by the ski patrol, building jumps, first tracks when it snowed heavy, and so much more fun. This continued through LUHS, VTC/UVM and working at IBM in Essex. While I may ski a bit slower now and then....my favorite trail combo is still Upper FIS, Lower Glades, Goat Path, Lower lift line. Back in the day, I would head to the chair for more. Now I head to the bar...:)
I hope the next generation enjoys as much as I did.
JW" | | John Wyckoff, Feb. 13, 2017 | | "I worked as a cocktail/food service waitress back in the late 60's when the restaurant on Morse was called the 'SnowSnake Lounge'. Dixie Noll was the operator back then.I had a wonderful time working for the mountain..I was there for 3 Winters. Nice memories and lots of fun...I'm now 70 years old...and still remember the people I worked with." | | Marlou Ordelt, Feb. 13, 2016 | | "smuggs is amazing. I'm 15, and my family has been going since I was I don't know, 5 maybe? Maybe younger! I have a ton of fantastic memories! Here's a few :) 1. To this day, I met a girl when I was about 7 I believe... Smuggs is where I met my first best friend!2. Johanna and Eric! So my brother and sister started snow boarding before me with Johanna and I would go with Eric ( they both don't work there any more) but they are amazing!!!! They showed me So much! 3. Rob!!! Now, I have rob as my instructor, he is so nice!! 4. EVERYONE is friendly. Doesn't matter where you live, when you get to smuggs, be ready to have a ton of friendly people looking to help you or assist you for whatever you need! That's just 4 reasons why I love smuggs. Here, I'm 15 and smuggs is 5 hours away from my house. I am stuck with my older brother and sister in a car for 5 hours. But honestly? For smuggs, I would PROBLEY drive all day! It's totally worth it!!! " | | Molly Cooper, Jun. 1, 2015 | | "My memories skiing Madonna Mt. go back to the early 1970's Skied Madonna several times. Loved that it was not like other places where the NYC sophisticates invaded (Stowe and the like.) If you wanted to be challenged there were plenty of minimally groomed trails back then. I recall having a fantastic basket lunch at the mountain top where what appeared to be a frozen lake oe bowl. There was a narrow trail that connected Madonna to Stowe, You literally could go up slope at Madonna and ski down Stowe ( though I never tried it.) I remember lodging at the Smugglers Notch Inn. Their breakfast was fantastic; home made cinnamon buns were out of this world. A small bar in the basement decorated in alpine wood was a perfect place to tell tales of the runs we took during an afternoon of skiing Madonna. WOW talk about a time travel through memory lane ! Forever a warm spot in my heart. " | | Ron Zeman, Nov. 30, 2014 | | "my grandparents owned a house in Jeffersonville in the 60's and seventies. they were among the origioal plank owners when it was started. someone came around selling shares door to door the push was that the jeff high school ski team shouldn,t practice at thier opponents hill[stowe] the first year they opened I was 5 through the 50's and 60's vacations were a week at acadia and a week or two at jeff I learned to ski at the notch and will always consider this as my 'home hill' i'm 62 now and when I die I want my ashes scattered on the rum runner I want to spend eternity on sterling mountain '" | | eric laier, Oct. 11, 2013 | | "My husband Steve and I met at Smugglers 36 years ago while working at the Red Fox Ski Dorm. Life " | | Grace McKearin, Feb. 22, 2013 |
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External Links
Smugglers' Notch - official site
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Last updated: December 18, 2018
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