Smugglers Notch Intermediate Skiing

Intermediate trails make up the majority of the marked terrain on Smuggler’s Notch, and are spread out across all three mountains. Both Madonna and Sterling Mountains feature summit descents on blue-rated trails that wind their way around some of the steeper, expert terrain and offer excellent views of nearby Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak.

Intermediates looking to get into the woods will also be delighted by six separate intermediate gladed areas featuring mellow slopes and widely-spaced trees. Snow found on the trails at Smuggs ends up blowing around quite a bit, so intermediates will enjoy their opportunities to find powder stashes in woods areas that suit their ability level.

While the blue-rated terrain found at Smugglers’ Notch is aptly rated and provides enjoyment for intermediates, the runs may begin to blur together after a weekend on the mountain. Faster skiers may also relent that quick runs on groomed trails must always be followed up by long lift rides back to the top. Still, a clear day offers great views of the surrounding Green Mountains that are unrivaled in the Northeast. Try the Chilcoot or Drifter trails off of the Madonna Mountain summit lift to enjoy a nice cruise of the area, or go back to the bootlegging roots of the Notch by flying down Sterling Mountain’s Rumrunner trail. All of this is ideal intermediate skiing, but despite the high proportion of blue trails, there will still be a lack of mileage for serious skiers intent upon skiing more than a couple of days at the resort.