Uphill & Closed Trail Policies
Our #1 goal is your enjoyment!


On Mountain Safety
At Smuggs, your enjoyment and well-being are our top priorities. To ensure everyone has a fantastic and worry-free experience, we have additional important policies in place. These guidelines help us create a welcoming and secure environment for all our guests. Thank you for taking a moment to review them!
Uphill Usage Policy
Smugglers’ Notch Resort has seen a rise in uphill access demand, and we are happy to accommodate. However, we need to prioritize certain conditions due to 24/7 operations and equipment use on the mountain. Check the Snow Report daily by 4:00 pm for updated routes, times, and conditions.
Night Access
Morse: Friday-Wednesday, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Madonna: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sterling: Saturday, Tuesday, & Thursday, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Morning Access
Sterling: Daily, 5:30 am – 7:30 am (Must be off the hill by 8:00 am)
For access availability please visit the Daily Snow Report.
Uphill Access Rules
- Use at your own risk; assume all liability.
- There are no resort emergency services from 4:30 pm – 8:00 am. Call 911 in emergencies.
- Respect snowmobile and snowcat activities.
- Use designated routes. Avoid trails with snowmaking and grooming operations.
- Robin’s Run, Freefall, Madonna Liftline(above Link) and any other closed trails are off limits.
- Wear reflective clothing and a headlamp at night.
- NO pets allowed.
- Pack out all trash.
- Park in Lot 3 only
- Uphill Usage Policy subject to change at anytime
- Failure to follow guidelines may result in loss of resort access. For questions please email [email protected]
Thank you all for your cooperation-here’s to a great winter!
Smugglers’ Notch Resort is dedicated to providing an enjoyable skiing and riding experience for everyone. While occasional hazards and less-than-ideal snow conditions can add to the challenge, we take great care in balancing fun and caution when opening trails and glades. Closed trails are marked for reasons that may not be visible from the lift or trail entrance. Skiing or riding on closed trails increases risk for you and potential rescuers. Therefore, we strictly enforce a No Skiing On Closed Trails policy. Violators may lose their lift privileges.
> First violation will be the loss of skiing/riding privileges for the remainder of the day or the next day if it occurs after 3:00 pm.
> Second offense will result in loss of skiing/riding privileges for 7 days. Subsequent offenses could result in loss of skiing/riding privileges for the remainder of the season with no refund.
Wooded areas between named trails and glades are not marked in any way, are not patrolled, and have no skier/snowboarder services. If you decide to ski or snowboard in wooded areas, within the ski area boundary, you are solely responsible for yourself. You should be an expert skier/snowboarder and you should stay in groups of three or more. Do not ski or snowboard on or across closed trails.
Much of the land Smugglers’ trails are located on is owned by the State of Vermont. The lease held by Smugglers’ Notch Management Company that permits operation of skiing services stipulates that Smugglers’ is responsible and liable for the maintenance and safety of the mountain at all times. The lease gives resort officials the ability to grant, limit, or terminate property use at any time. Smugglers’ Notch Management requests that those enjoying our terrain police their own behavior and abide by the following rules. Failure to abide by this code of conduct will result in more restrictive policies.
- Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
- People ahead of downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
- Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
- Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
- You must prevent runaway equipment.
- Read and obey all signs, warnings and hazard markings.
- Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
- You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
- Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.
Smugglers’ Notch Ski Patrol is dedicated to keeping our slopes fun and accessible for all. Whether providing first aid, responding to emergencies, or promoting responsible skiing and riding, this highly trained team is always ready to help. Look for their signature red jackets on the trails, ensuring every adventure is both thrilling and worry-free. If you need assistance, call (802) 644-1182.
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