Resort Comparison

Smugglers' Notch Resort vs Waterville Valley 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 6 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

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

Waterville Valley Resort

New Hampshire, USA

$$Ikon

Family

Ski School Age

2.5+

3+

Full-Day Program

Beginner Terrain

9.0

8.0

Walkability

8.5

8.0

Village Vibe

9.5

8.5

Mountain

Vertical

2,610'

2,020'

Skiable Area

311 ac

255 ac

Green Runs

25%

20%

Trails

78

50

Lifts

8

11

Getting There

Airport

BTV

MHT

Drive Time

1h

1.3h

Road Ease

7.5

8.0

Cost

Passes

Independent

Ikon

Day Pass

$99

$109

Cost Tier

Moderate

Moderate

Village

Dining

Moderate

Moderate

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%

Waterville Valley Resort

87.9"

avg season

2024-25 season

79.6" total

91%

Season Accumulation (10-Year Average)

OctNovDecJanFebMarApr

88"44"0"

Smugglers' Notch Resort

Waterville Valley 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 Waterville Valley Resort's (8.0), making it better for families prioritizing beginner runs
Smugglers' Notch Resort's family village atmosphere score (9.5) exceeds Waterville Valley Resort's (8.5), making it better for families prioritizing family village experience
Smugglers' Notch Resort's ski school accepts children from age 2.5, while Waterville Valley Resort starts at age 3

Best For

Smugglers' Notch Resort

Parents with young children (ski school from age 2.5)
Budget-conscious families
Parents wanting full-day ski school programs

Waterville Valley Resort

Budget-conscious families
Parents wanting full-day ski school programs

More Comparisons

Killington Resort vs Smugglers' Notch Resort Bolton Valley Resort vs Smugglers' Notch Resort Smugglers' Notch Resort vs Sugarbush Resort Smugglers' Notch Resort vs Smugglers' Notch Resort Okemo Mountain Resort vs Smugglers' Notch Resort Smugglers' Notch Resort vs Stowe Mountain Resort

Explore More

Regions

British Columbia

Best For

Best for Beginners

Best for Toddlers

Guides

First Family Ski Trip Guide

Best Time to Go Skiing