Resort Comparison

Heavenly Mountain Resort vs Smugglers' Notch Resort

Smugglers' Notch Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and walkability, while Heavenly Mountain Resort offers more terrain for diverse skill levels. Smugglers' Notch Resort's ski school starting at age 2.5 may be decisive for families with young children.

The Verdict

Smugglers' Notch Resort leads with 4 wins

Best for Families

Smugglers' Notch Resort

Ski school from age 2.5

Best Snowfall

Heavenly Mountain Resort

175.5" average season

Best Terrain

Heavenly Mountain Resort

3,500' of vertical

Best Value

Smugglers' Notch Resort

$99 day pass

Easiest Access

Smugglers' Notch Resort

1h from BTV

Best Village Vibe

Smugglers' Notch Resort

World-class village experience

Heavenly Mountain Resort

California, United States

$$$Epic

Smugglers' Notch Resort

Vermont, USA

$$Independent

Family

Ski School Age

4+

2.5+

Full-Day Program

Beginner Terrain

6.5

9.0

Walkability

7.0

8.5

Village Vibe

7.5

9.5

Mountain

Vertical

3,500'

2,610'

Skiable Area

4,800 ac

311 ac

Green Runs

20%

25%

Trails

97

78

Lifts

28

8

Getting There

Airport

RNO

BTV

Drive Time

1h

1h

Road Ease

6.5

7.5

Cost

Passes

Epic

Independent

Day Pass

$230

$99

Cost Tier

Premium

Moderate

Village

Dining

Excellent

Moderate

Grocery

Spa

Pool

Add a third resort to compare

Snowfall Comparison

Live conditions

Heavenly Mountain Resort

175.5"

avg season

2024-25 season

151.4" total

86%

Smugglers' Notch Resort

88.3"

avg season

2024-25 season

86.2" total

98%

Season Accumulation (10-Year Average)

OctNovDecJanFebMarApr

176"88"0"

Heavenly Mountain Resort

Smugglers' Notch Resort

Key Insights

Smugglers' Notch Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and walkability, while Heavenly Mountain Resort offers more terrain for diverse skill levels. Smugglers' Notch Resort's ski school starting at age 2.5 may be decisive for families with young children.

Key Differences

Smugglers' Notch Resort's beginner terrain score (9.0) exceeds Heavenly Mountain Resort's (6.5), making it better for families prioritizing beginner runs
Smugglers' Notch Resort's walkability score (8.5) exceeds Heavenly Mountain Resort's (7.0), making it better for families prioritizing walkability
Smugglers' Notch Resort's family village atmosphere score (9.5) exceeds Heavenly Mountain Resort's (7.5), making it better for families prioritizing family village experience
Heavenly Mountain Resort offers more terrain variety (4,800 acres vs 311 acres)
Smugglers' Notch Resort's ski school accepts children from age 2.5, while Heavenly Mountain Resort starts at age 4

Best For

Heavenly Mountain Resort

Advanced skiers seeking terrain variety (4,800 acres)
Parents wanting full-day ski school programs

Smugglers' Notch Resort

Families with first-time skiers (excellent beginner terrain)
Those seeking a walkable village experience
Families wanting a charming, kid-friendly atmosphere

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Regions

British Columbia

Best For

Best for Beginners

Best for Toddlers

Guides

First Family Ski Trip Guide

Best Time to Go Skiing