Smugglers Notch Skiing and Ice Climbing + Videos

Before I started my new job, we took a week at Smuggler's Notch, known as the top family resort in the country. Thanks to Nana for taking care of Scarlet in NYC while we headed to Vermont.

http://www.smuggs.com/

Here is the Bear getting ready for his first day. He's been skiing a handful of times before, so we were excited to get him onto the slopes and have a week of solid skiing. Smuggs has a ski school that is a 2-minute walk from our lodge, so it was easy peasy to drop him off each morning.

We lucked out with some decent snow. Not too icy. The last time we were here, it was so cold that Alex and I had to take breaks in the warming hut in between runs.

We visited Bryson each day to see him ski. We were surprised that Bryson was already past the "Magic Carpet" and on the ski lift on day 2. Larry, his teacher, has quite the skills! We were able to catch Bryson and his class on their way to the ski lift, so we got to ride up with him and take some photos.

I also got a chance to take a ride up with the Bear too.

Big snow dump and beautiful trees.

Day 1 - Magic Carpet.

Day 2 - Jamming down the slopes.

Here he is in the Cookie Race. After you do the course, the kid gets a cookie. Except poor Mr. B because he is vegan...

https://vimeo.com/204871048

https://vimeo.com/204870105

Smuggs is an awesome family resort for many reasons. First, it's super convenient to get anywhere. You are staying on the slopes, so you can click in and head to a lift in a couple minutes. Not to mention dropping off the kid at ski school (or if they're tiny like Bryson was when we were first here - about 9 months, then you can drop them off at daycare). Second, they've got fun family nights.

Like this dance party - complete with people dressed up in character. Like the golf ball on the right!

Here's a video of the dancing.

https://vimeo.com/204870131

They also have things like Family Game night. When the host asked our family team, "What are kinds of food you would see on a menu," Mr. Bear said, "Filipino!" I think Lolo and Lola would be proud of that answer.

They've even got things like karaoke nights and Winter Carnivals (complete with syrup icicles, popcorn, and yummy snacks).

Here is the Bear playing cornhole.

https://vimeo.com/204870057


Here is the Bear watching the ice sculpture making.

https://vimeo.com/204870176

Another reason Smuggs is so great is that it is right next to ice climbing. So even if you have poor ski conditions, you can always head out to climb ice.

Here is the view from the top of the climb looking down. I am down there practicing the wave.

And here I am passed out on the snow. I have been known to take naps on the snow, no prob.

Smuggs also has a swimming pool that is a 5-minute walk away, fireworks, and super awesome customer service. I imagine we'll be spending a week at Smuggs each year.