Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Smuggler's Notch Vermont

I happened to have an opportunity to do some work in Vermont this week and of course had to get a little skiing in. I chose Smuggler's Notch and let me tell you right now that it was an excellent choice! Nestled in the Green Mountains, the resort stretches over three mountains, with the center mountain, Madonna, being the tallest. It was an incredible morning! Bright, sunny, but brutally cold at -15 degrees. Thank God it was not windy as well.It had been snowing steadily for the entire week before I arrived and I was delighted to find tons of fresh powder awaiting me. I was expecting  icy conditions comparable to Whiteface, but was ecstatic to find conditions that were reminiscent of mountains out west. This resort was rated 9th best in the East by Ski magazine, but I was told by the locals that the skiing is every bit as good as Stowe nearby, which was ranked 3rd, right behind Whiteface. Granted, they have slow lifts, no gondola, and the shopping, on-mountain food, après-ski vibe may not be as good, but they sure delivered the goods as far as snow, terrain variety,challenge, and scenic beauty.I highly recommend this place to skiers and riders of all abilities, as the three mountains have something to offer for everyone. It is also ranked 1st in the East for family programs.Highly recommended to all skiers and riders who have a chance to travel there!                 

The mountains were encased in arctic -like cold   
A  bright, bright, bright, sunshiny day! 
Upper Exhibition  lift on Sterling mountain
Madonna Lift 
Summit of Madonna 
Upper Chilicoot blue run 

Cccccccccooooolllllldddddd! 
Madonna summit 
 Skiing in a...
...winter wonderland!
Trail Map