My family and I recently returned from 3 days (Jan. 26 - Jan. 28) of skiing at Smugglers' Notch. On our trip up, we drove through a torrential downpour. The rain lasted through most of the day (Jan. 25th). The next day, there were only ~20 trails open, none of which were especially challenging - no black trails, no glades, nothing ungroomed. However, what was open was in pretty good condidition, so I tried to stay positive and reminded myself that this was, after all, a family vacation and that it could still be fun. Later that day it started to snow, and kept on snowing through the night. The next day the trail count had shot up to 60+ trails. It was really a remarkable turnaround. For those of you familiar with the area, most of the really, really challenging stuff on Madonna Mtn was closed. My wife and I stuck to Sterling for the most part, since the snow seemed to be better there. There had not been quite enough snow to make it a full on powder day, but it was still really, really good. The glades were fun, and there were several narrow black runs that skied very well. My wife's favorite run was Thomke's Express, a blue that would probably qualify as a black in the Mid-Atlantic. Day 3 was more of the same.

We went to Smuggs based on its rep as a place with great kids' programs and they definitely did not disappoint. This was my 4 year old's first time on skis, and he really enjoyed it. He was skiing by the end of his first day. The childcare for my 20 month old seemed top notch.

The people at the resort were friendly and helpful. Overall it was a very positive experience. The terrain was good and the kids' programs lived up to its billing. I am pretty sure that we will be looking to Smuggs for our future ski vacations.

Glad you were able to squeeze the joy out of "variable" conditions. I have a memory of ripping Black Snake trail on Sterling Mtn in 8" of powder that has stuck with me for 20 years.

Smuggs was my College ski hill. You get a season pass with your student activity fee at my Alma Mater. Madonna... Oy... I remember -26 one day at the place. You'd get the horse blankets when you went up the lift. I wish I could have gone literally on the other side of Stowe, but unlike when I went to College, the cross-resort trails are now closed...

The smuggs-stowe connector trail always sounded cool to me - sorry to hear that it is closed.

Smuggs is one of my favorites. I think I took the connector trail one of the last years it was open. a lot of work but fun to say you did it! Glad to hear you were rewarded for a good attitude by the snow gods .