Resort Comparison

Smugglers' Notch Resort vs Telluride Ski Resort

Smugglers' Notch Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and walkability, while Telluride Ski 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

Telluride Ski Resort

107.1" average season

Best Terrain

Telluride Ski Resort

4,425' 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

Smugglers' Notch Resort

Vermont, USA

$$Independent

Telluride Ski Resort

Colorado, United States

$$$$Epic

Family

Ski School Age

2.5+

3+

Full-Day Program

Beginner Terrain

9.0

7.0

Walkability

8.5

9.0

Village Vibe

9.5

9.5

Mountain

Vertical

2,610'

4,425'

Skiable Area

311 ac

2,000 ac

Green Runs

25%

23%

Trails

78

148

Lifts

8

18

Getting There

Airport

BTV

MTJ

Drive Time

1h

1.2h

Road Ease

7.5

6.0

Cost

Passes

Independent

Epic

Day Pass

$99

$239

Cost Tier

Moderate

Luxury

Village

Dining

Moderate

Excellent

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%

Telluride Ski Resort

107.1"

avg season

2024-25 season

76.8" total

72%

Season Accumulation (10-Year Average)

OctNovDecJanFebMarApr

107"54"0"

Smugglers' Notch Resort

Telluride Ski Resort

Key Insights

Smugglers' Notch Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and walkability, while Telluride Ski 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 Telluride Ski Resort's (7.0), making it better for families prioritizing beginner runs
Telluride Ski Resort offers more terrain variety (2,000 acres vs 311 acres)
Smugglers' Notch Resort's ski school accepts children from age 2.5, while Telluride Ski Resort starts at age 3
Telluride Ski Resort has greater vertical drop (4,425' vs 2,610'), offering longer runs
Smugglers' Notch Resort is moderately priced while Telluride Ski Resort falls in the luxury category

Best For

Smugglers' Notch Resort

Families with first-time skiers (excellent beginner terrain)
Parents with young children (ski school from age 2.5)
Budget-conscious families

Telluride Ski Resort

Advanced skiers seeking terrain variety (2,000 acres)
Those seeking an upscale, premium experience
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