Resort Comparison

Smugglers' Notch Resort vs Sunday River

Smugglers' Notch Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and walkability, while Sunday River 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 5 wins

Best for Families

Smugglers' Notch Resort

Ski school from age 2.5

Best Snowfall

Smugglers' Notch Resort

88.3" average season

Best Terrain

Impressive mountain

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

Smugglers' Notch Resort

Vermont, USA

$$Independent

Maine, United States

$$Ikon

Family

Ski School Age

2.5+

3+

Full-Day Program

Beginner Terrain

9.0

8.5

Walkability

8.5

7.0

Village Vibe

9.5

7.5

Mountain

Vertical

2,610'

2,340'

Skiable Area

311 ac

870 ac

Green Runs

25%

30%

Trails

78

135

Lifts

8

18

Getting There

Airport

BTV

PWM

Drive Time

1h

1.5h

Road Ease

7.5

7.0

Cost

Passes

Independent

Ikon

Day Pass

$99

$139

Cost Tier

Moderate

Moderate

Village

Dining

Moderate

Good

Grocery

Spa

Pool

Add a third resort to compare

Snowfall Comparison

Live conditions

Smugglers' Notch Resort

88.3"

avg season

2024-25 season

86.2" total

98%

Sunday River

84.7"

avg season

2024-25 season

69.4" total

82%

Season Accumulation (10-Year Average)

OctNovDecJanFebMarApr

88"44"0"

Smugglers' Notch Resort

Sunday River

Key Insights

Smugglers' Notch Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and walkability, while Sunday River 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 walkability score (8.5) exceeds Sunday River's (7.0), making it better for families prioritizing walkability
Smugglers' Notch Resort's family village atmosphere score (9.5) exceeds Sunday River's (7.5), making it better for families prioritizing family village experience
Sunday River offers more terrain variety (870 acres vs 311 acres)
Smugglers' Notch Resort's ski school accepts children from age 2.5, while Sunday River starts at age 3
Smugglers' Notch Resort has more beginner/intermediate terrain (81% green and blue), while Sunday River skews more advanced (34% black and double black)

Best For

Smugglers' Notch Resort

Those seeking a walkable village experience
Families wanting a charming, kid-friendly atmosphere
Parents with young children (ski school from age 2.5)

Sunday River

Advanced skiers seeking terrain variety (870 acres)
Budget-conscious families
Parents wanting full-day ski school programs

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Explore More

Regions

British Columbia

Best For

Best for Beginners

Best for Toddlers

Guides

First Family Ski Trip Guide

Best Time to Go Skiing