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Smugglers' Notch
Smugglers' Notch, Vermont
Smugglers' Notch in 2004
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| Smugglers' Notch Details |
| Status: | Open |
| First Year of Operation: | 1952 (unverified) |
| Vertical Drop: | 2,610 feet |
| Lifts in Operation: | 6 doubles, surface lifts |
| Lifts Removed/Non Operational: | Surface lifts |
Smugglers' Notch ski area likely dates back to the early 1950s as a small, surface-lift only ski area.
In 1956-57, Dr. Roger Mann and Warren Warner opened a Poma-lift serviced area to the top of present day Sterling, allowing for connection to the Spruce Peak area of Stowe. The parking lot and warming hut were built by the State of Vermont.
In 1963-64, a chairlift was built to the summit of Madonna Mountain, bringing Smugglers' to major resort ski area status. In 1964, Tom Watson Jr. of IBM fame purchased the ski area, investing millions in expansion and changing the name to Madonna Mountain.
After about a decade of ownership, Watson sold the area. It would later revert back to Smugglers' Notch and eventually focus on becoming a family destination resort.
Expansion History
Lift Timeline
| Season | Lift Name | Type | Event | Notes |
| 2000s |
| 2002-03 | Madonna I | Hall-CTEC Double Chairlift | Rebuilt | Rebuilt by CTEC |
| 1999-00 | Morse Highlands | Hall Double Chairlift | Installed | From Loon, NH |
| 1990s |
| 1993-94 | Mogul Mouse's Magic | Hall Double Chairlift | Installed | From Timber Ridge, VT |
| 1980s |
| 1979-80 | Madonna II | Hall Double Chairlift | Installed | New install |
| 1960s |
| 1967-68 | Village | Hall Double Chairlift | Installed | New install |
| 1964-65 | Sterling | Hall Double Chairlift | Installed | New install |
| 1963-64 | Madonna I | Hall Double Chairlift | Installed | New install |
Ticket Price History
Weekend Full Day Lift Ticket
| Season |
Price |
Source |
| 2010s | | 2011-12 | $66.00 |  | smuggs.com | | 2010-11 | $64.00 | | smuggs.com | | 2009-10 | $62.00 | | smuggs.com |
| 2000s | | 2008-09 | $62.00 | | smuggs.com | | 2007-08 | $60.00 | | smuggs.com | | 2006-07 | $58.00 | | smuggs.com | | 2005-06 | $58.00 | | smuggs.com | | 1999-00 | $48.00 | | Boston Magazine |
| 1990s | | 1997-98 | $44.00 | | smuggs.com |
| 1980s | | 1982-83 | $23.00 | | Rand McNally Winter Recreation Map |
| 1970s | | 1978-79 | $15.00 | | Brochure |
| 1960s | | 1963-64 | $5.00 | | Buxton's Eastern Ski Slopes | | 1962-63 | $5.00 | | Buxton's Eastern Ski Slopes |
External Links
Smugglers' Notch - official site
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Last updated: April 17, 2012
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