When I first walked into the condos at Smugglers’ Notch the unmistakable thing that stood out was the immense space. We were lucky enough to stay in one of the newer, premium three bedroom condos in the North Hill Community at Smuggs. This community is at the top end of the accommodations at Smuggs and well worth it! For this family’s first ski trip with kids, we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect place to stay and here’s why you should take your family to Smuggs.
Family Friendly Extras at Smuggs
It’s the extra things that are included in the lodging at Smuggs that make a parent appreciate that families are a top priority at Smugglers’ Notch.
Storage
Some of the condos at Smuggs have ground floor storage units for skis so there’s no lugging gear up to the condo – super nice perk! The spacious condo entranceway, complete with bench, helped my family get their gear situated and boots off without making a mess of the rest of the condo. This extra space also made it easier to keep the living area of the condo free of the three G’s (gloves, goggles, and gaiters). Condos have different layouts but all provide enough storage and space to keep your gear clear of your downtime.
Cozy Comforts
After you’ve unloaded your family’s ski paraphernalia and let your kids do laps around the condo, you can start turning on the cozy gas or wood burning fireplaces offered in most condos. I think the fireplace in the master bedroom was by far my favorite extra special feature – tied only with the extra-large whirlpool tub in the master bath! After a particularly cold day, a post kid’s bedtime soak with a glass of wine and some Cuban jazz on Pandora made this mama’s day! Another huge plus parents will love is that many of the condos have a washer and drying within the individual units.
All condos at Smugglers’ Notch come complete with homey touches such as board games, puzzles and magazines that you’ll feel right at home and in complete nesting mode at night with the family. My daughter and husband had some sweet downtime in the evening completing puzzles together while my younger one was hooked on the LeapPad in front of the fire. There was definitely enough room for everyone to unwind.
Kitchens
If you’re looking to save money on meal time, the condos at Smugglers’ Notch all include full oven, fridge, plates, flatware, more drinking utensils than you will ever use, plus lots of small appliances such as blenders and toasters. We brought all of the fixings for breakfast and snacks to keep everyone content and well fed. Our favorites included a sweet vanilla pancake mix we made at home from scratch, bacon and the fan-favorite cinnamon buns. The Country Store in the Village at Smuggs also carries just about everything you could image from cake mixes to frozen foods.
Off Slope Fun
You and your kids will always have something to do as Smugglers’ Notch has all ages covered with off slope activities. From the bounce-house craziness at the Fun Zone, to the ice skating rink, the large indoor pool and sauna or the family friendly parties and entertainment at night, there is something for everyone. If you’re looking to take in the beautiful New England scenery, the Nordic and Snowshoe Center can get you outfitted on a snowshoe trek of the area. Maybe you’re looking for something more fast paced? Give the ArborTrek zip lines and obstacle course a trip or the guided snowmobiling trips might be more your family’s speed. There is so much to do at Smugglers’ Notch when not on the slopes. The only problem might be trying to fit it all into your stay!
Transportation
Regardless of where your condo is located at Smugglers’ Notch, the amazingly prompt shuttle service at Smuggs is a quick phone call away. This has to be one of the most prompt shuttle services I’ve ever experienced with our longest wait time around three minutes.
Location, Location, Location
Depending on what your family is looking for in a Smugglers’ Notch condo, there are a number of options to choose from the 600 condos on site. The condos are largely situated near or on Morse Mountain. Many of the condos can comfortably fit multiple families as well.
Best Trailside – If you’re looking for your temporary home away from home to be trailside, look into condos in the West Hill or Highland Hill communities. Highland Hills includes the large Trailside Executive condos and an outdoor heated pool. You can ski both Alpine and Nordic directly to many of the condos in this community.
Closest to Smuggs Central
Although a bit older, the condos in the East and West Village communities are located right in the Smugglers’ Notch Village area (commonly referred to as Smuggs Central) and the heart of the resort activities. Many of these condos are multi-story, which is great if traveling with multiple families, and come with either gas or wood burning fire places. Both the East and West Village communities are situated within walking distance to all of the Village restaurants, entertainment, and activities.
Premium Lodging with Private Pool Complex
The last lodging area at Smuggs (and where we had the privilege to stay) is the new North Hill Community. With its picturesque balcony condos with views of Sterling, Madonna Mountains, and the historic Smugglers’ Notch pass and cross country ski trails, the North Hill Community provides the relaxation we all crave with the thrill of being in a beautiful ski resort. The master bathrooms in many of the condos in North Hill include extras such as steamer showers and oversized whirlpool tubs. North Hill also has its own private indoor aquatic complex and fitness complex restricted to only guests staying in the community. The complex includes a Splash Playground for the kids, two hot tubes, a large lap pool, lockers and fitness center. This premium lodging area will make you never want to leave the posh, yet homey, accommodations.
If you are looking for resort like ski accommodations with all of the comforts of home (or maybe even nicer than home), Smugglers’ Notch has you covered. Your family will love the roominess of the lodging, the off slope activities and the beautiful Vermont scenery at Smugglers’ Notch.
Adrienne Veglia Mazeau is the mom of two school age children, and loves taking them on adventures with her attractively geeky archaeologist husband. She writes about balancing a demanding full time career and family travel both close to her home in Upstate New York and beyond.
Although currently on a hiatus from blogging, her writing strives to inspire others balancing family and demanding careers to carve out time to travel together. Adrienne began skiing at age 12, but lost touch with one of her favorite pastimes when her career and family demanded much of her time. Now many years later, she is back on the slopes again and teaching her children to embrace winter and develop a love of skiing.
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