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Resort Comparison

Mad River Glen vs Smugglers' Notch Resort

Smugglers' Notch Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and walkability. 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
Smugglers' Notch Resort

88.3" average season

Best Terrain
Smugglers' Notch Resort

Impressive mountain

Best Value
Mad River Glen

$99 day pass

Easiest Access
Mad River Glen

1h from BTV

Best Village Vibe
Smugglers' Notch Resort

World-class village experience

Mad River Glen
Vermont, USA
$Indy
Smugglers' Notch Resort
Vermont, USA
$$Independent

Family

Ski School Age
4+
2.5+
Full-Day Program
Beginner Terrain
3.5
9.0
Walkability
6.0
8.5
Village Vibe
6.5
9.5

Mountain

Vertical
2,037'
2,610'
Skiable Area
115 ac
311 ac
Green Runs
30%
25%
Trails
53
78
Lifts
5
8

Getting There

Airport
BTV
BTV
Drive Time
1h
1h
Road Ease
7.5
7.5

Cost

Passes
Indy
Independent
Day Pass
$99
$99
Cost Tier
Budget
Moderate

Village

Dining
Limited
Moderate
Grocery
Spa
Pool
Add a third resort to compare

Snowfall Comparison

Live conditions

Mad River Glen

84.5"

avg season

2024-25 season

88.8" total

105%

Smugglers' Notch Resort

88.3"

avg season

2024-25 season

86.2" total

98%

Season Accumulation (10-Year Average)

OctNovDecJanFebMarApr
88"44"0"
Mad River Glen
Smugglers' Notch Resort

Key Insights

Smugglers' Notch Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and walkability. 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 Mad River Glen's (3.5), making it better for families prioritizing beginner runs
  • Smugglers' Notch Resort's walkability score (8.5) exceeds Mad River Glen's (6.0), making it better for families prioritizing walkability
  • Smugglers' Notch Resort's family village atmosphere score (9.5) exceeds Mad River Glen's (6.5), making it better for families prioritizing family village experience
  • Smugglers' Notch Resort offers more terrain variety (311 acres vs 115 acres)
  • Smugglers' Notch Resort's ski school accepts children from age 2.5, while Mad River Glen starts at age 4

Best For

Mad River Glen

  • Budget-conscious families
  • 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

Colorado
Utah
British Columbia

Best For

Best for Beginners
Most Walkable
Best for Toddlers

Guides

First Family Ski Trip Guide
Best Time to Go Skiing