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Resort Comparison

Mad River Glen vs Smugglers' Notch Resort

Mad River Glen excels for families prioritizing family features. Mad River Glen offers better value, while Smugglers' Notch Resort caters to those seeking a premium experience.

The Verdict

Mad River Glen leads with 3 wins
Best for Families
Mad River Glen

Family-focused experience

Best Snowfall
Smugglers' Notch Resort

92.8" average season

Best Terrain
Smugglers' Notch Resort

Impressive mountain

Best Value
Smugglers' Notch Resort

$0 day pass

Easiest Access
Mad River Glen

1h from BTV

Best Village Vibe
Mad River Glen

Pleasant base area

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

Family

Ski School Age
4+
-
Full-Day Program
-
Beginner Terrain
3.5
5.0
Walkability
6.0
5.0
Village Vibe
6.5
5.0

Mountain

Vertical
2,037'
2,531'
Skiable Area
115 ac
0 ac
Green Runs
30%
15%
Trails
53
110
Lifts
5
9

Getting There

Airport
BTV
BTV
Drive Time
1h
2h
Road Ease
7.5
5.0

Cost

Passes
Indy
None
Day Pass
$99
$0
Cost Tier
Budget
Moderate

Village

Dining
Limited
Limited
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

92.8"

avg season

2024-25 season

96.3" total

104%

Season Accumulation (10-Year Average)

OctNovDecJanFebMarApr
93"46"0"
Mad River Glen
Smugglers' Notch Resort

Key Insights

Mad River Glen excels for families prioritizing family features. Mad River Glen offers better value, while Smugglers' Notch Resort caters to those seeking a premium experience.

Key Differences

  • Smugglers' Notch Resort's beginner terrain score (5.0) exceeds Mad River Glen's (3.5), making it better for families prioritizing beginner runs
  • Mad River Glen's walkability score (6.0) exceeds Smugglers' Notch Resort's (5.0), making it better for families prioritizing walkability
  • Mad River Glen's family village atmosphere score (6.5) exceeds Smugglers' Notch Resort's (5.0), making it better for families prioritizing family village experience
  • Mad River Glen offers more terrain variety (115 acres vs 0 acres)
  • Mad River Glen is budget-friendly while Smugglers' Notch Resort falls in the moderately priced category

Best For

Mad River Glen

  • Families wanting a charming, kid-friendly atmosphere
  • Advanced skiers seeking terrain variety (115 acres)
  • Parents with young children (ski school from age 4)

Smugglers' Notch Resort

  • Families with first-time skiers (fair beginner terrain)
  • Budget-conscious families

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Explore More

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