# Smugglers' Notch Resort mountain guide

Source: https://skibudsapp.com/resorts/smugglers-notch
Updated: 2026-10-01

Smugglers' Notch Resort is in Jeffersonville, Vermont. Smugglers' Notch has three mountains and two principal ski bases. Morse is beside the resort village, while Madonna and Sterling share an upper-mountain base lodge. These are different meeting destinations, particularly when some friends need beginner lessons and others want more demanding runs.

- Morse, Madonna and Sterling mountains
- Village and upper-mountain bases
- Winter route avoids the closed Notch Pass

## Terrain and ability

The first-visit guide directs beginner and intermediate guests toward Morse and more advanced guests toward Madonna and Sterling. Choose runs using the current winter trail map and report; a three-mountain visit does not require everyone to ski the same terrain.

## Arrival, bases and lessons

Follow the resort's winter directions rather than a route through Smugglers' Notch Pass, which closes in winter. The main 3 Mountain Equipment rental shop is in the village at Morse, with more limited equipment at the Madonna/Sterling lodge. Match arrival to the booked service.

## Plan a meetup

Name Morse Village or Madonna/Sterling Base Lodge in the invitation. Use a village landmark for rental pickup and first-time lessons, then coordinate a later break. Check the current upper-mountain shuttle arrangement if friends start at different bases.

Use the [meetup message planner for Smugglers' Notch Resort](https://skibudsapp.com/guides/ski-buddy-meetup-checklist?resort=smugglers-notch#meetup-planner) to agree on your date, terrain, pace and meeting point.

## Official sources

- First-visit terrain, rentals and winter directions: https://www.smuggs.com/first-time-here/guide/
- Madonna/Sterling base lodge services: https://www.smuggs.com/facilities/madonna-sterling-mountain-base-lodge/
- Official site: https://www.smuggs.com