If you read Monday’s post, then you know all about Smugglers’ Notch’s Ski Sports University (love) and the variety of winter and family activities that they offer and, hello, the spa services available. But there was so much more that made our family ski weekend such a success… and a fun time for all four of us, not just the kiddos.
CONDO LIVING
Smugglers’ Notch offers a bunch of condo options, and depending on your preference, you could stay in the village (where you can ski right from your back door) or opt for a more rustic, wooded area, which is what we had. And while we didn’t use it ourselves (we opted to drive), the resort has a fabulous shuttle service that will pick you up at your condo and bring you to anywhere in the resort community.
But let’s talk about the condo, which was located in Smuggs’ North Hill community.
And the views. WOW.
Seriously, it was amazing and so perfect for our family of four. There were three bedrooms (including a master suite with a private balcony and killer master bath with steam shower and whirlpool tub!), a second bath off the hall for the kids, a washer and dryer, a kitchen area and dining room, a screened porch, and a huge living/great room area with a sectional couch, flat screen TV, and gas fireplace with stone hearth — which my kids immediately made a beeline for (after claiming their bedrooms, of course).
Again, perfect for families. (Check out my album below).
And the kitchen, well, let’s just say it’s nicer than our kitchen at home. We brought cereal and milk from home, so it was easy to eat breakfast in our condo (thanks to the full supply of dishware and silverware, and — thank god — a coffee machine) and take our time in the morning, rather than rushing down to the village with everyone else. Although we didn’t cook anything while we there, there were plenty of pans and other accessories to whip up a quick meal if we had wanted.
It was just so nice to enjoy time away from home but not be on top of each other, like we would be in a hotel room. Plus, Dr. G. and I could stay up and lounge by the fire or watch TV after the kids went to bed.
And did I mention the steam shower and whirlpool?
RESORT PROGRAMMING
I have to admit, the extensive list of daily offerings at Smugglers’ Notch sort of reminded me of the resort in Dirty Dancing.
Honestly, there was so much we would have loved to have done but just didn’t have enough time in the 48 hours we were there. (Mimi is still sulking about the fact that we were all too exhausted to participate in Family Tubing Night, mostly because it concludes with a bonfire and — you guessed it — hot cocoa.)
And I was curious about “I Did a Sled,” an early evening activity when families use cardboard boxes and duct tape to construct their own sleds capable of carrying two people down a small hill. But by the time we got back to the condo after skiing/snowshoeing and got changed, we were all too pooped. Maybe next time.
A lot of the other activities the kids would have enjoyed (story time, cookie race, etc.) took place while they were taking lessons at SSU, but it would be perfect for those families who were signed up for the 2-hour lessons. And if the kids were older, we would have totally looked into the snowmobile tours or snowcat rides!
From wine glass painting and apres-ski festivities to a friendly pirate breakfast, there is truly something for everyone (and, in most cases, they are free of charge with your SmuggsPass and do not require advance registration).
LITTLE TOUCHES & CONVENIENCES
One thing I appreciated about Smugglers’ Notch is how they thought about every detail, about the things both parents and kids alike would want or need during their stay.
Like the bonfire in the Village Center, where I often sat and enjoyed my morning coffee after dropping the kids off at SSU.
And the covered wagons available for rent that parents could use to either cart their stuff around or, in some cases, cart their little ones around!
And the on-site dining options, which included Morse Mountain Grill (which we dined at on Saturday night), Ben & Jerry’s (which we hit on Friday afternoon to celebrate a successful first day of skiing), Green Mountain Deli (where I had lunch both days) and Riga-Bello’s Pizzeria, where we ordered two pizzas from for dinner on Friday night to enjoy in our condo picnic-style in front of the fire. Perfection.
Oh, and there was also an on-site convenience store called Country Store that had a decent beer selection along with a coffee bar, snacks, milk, magazines, Vermont souvenirs (hello, maple syrup!), and other goodies (including fresh-baked bread from a local bakery that looked amazing). As you can imagine, we popped in there several times during our stay!
In addition, Smuggs has 3 Mountain Rentals, where the kiddos got all their ski gear (and where Dr. G. tried out a demo snowboard). It was located just behind the Village Center, so it was super convenient.
SO WOULD WE GO BACK?
Absolutely. Yes. In a heartbeat.
Often, when you travel as a family, the vacation is planned around the kids (see Disney, amusement parks, etc.), which is fine, but at Smuggs, it was nice for Dr. G. and I to get to do the things WE wanted to do too, while allowing the kids to explore their interests at the same time. And when you factor in all the special touches and just the family-friendly vibe that can be felt throughout the entire resort, it was tailor-made for families like us.
We’ll definitely be back!
Disclaimer: Keeping Mommy Sane received complimentary lodging and resort activities (minus the spa service) to facilitate this review. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.