Two East Coast ski resorts: One Epic, one independent

[RNCollins]

Two East Coast ski resorts: One Epic, one independent
https://www.travelweekly.com/Blogs/Dispatch/Two-ski-resorts-independent-and-eipc-pass

By Rebecca Tobin / Dispatch / Travel Weekly travelweekly.com / Mar 27, 2019

“Skiers cruising from the Sterling chair at Smugglers' Notch Resort in northern Vermont might be so focused on the signpost pointing the way down the mountain that they overlook a break in the trees to their left.

The tracks lead to Sterling Pond. And beyond the pond and through the backcountry is Stowe, Vail Resorts' newly acquired East Coast resort.

The ski areas are both partially in Mount Mansfield State Forest, and they're so close they practically touch. Way back in the day, those who skied the interconnect were even allowed a run or more at the other resort. But no longer. Skiing that out-of-bounds territory is not sanctioned, officially or otherwise. And in any case, Smugglers' Notch, or "Smuggs" for short, is not part of any ski collective, so a different lift ticket is required for both.

Not to mention the amenities and overall vibe of both resorts is completely different. A writer once called it the difference between "a Range Rover versus rusted old Subarus."

But still, the Vail purchase of Stowe from AIG has some wondering if at some point Vail could snatch up Smuggs, upgrade its facilities and make an uber resort out of the two. Could Stowe-Smugglers' Notch be a smaller, East Coast version of Whistler Blackcomb or Park City/Canyons?

Earlier this month I did back-to-back days at Smuggs and Stowe, and I was reminded that, for all their closeness, the distance between Smuggs and Stowe is still pretty great....”

A break in the trees is the only indication of an (off-limits) path that leads between two separate East Coast ski areas. Photo Credit: Rebecca Tobin

 

[WinniWoman]

I remember years ago when we first bought at Smuggs some of the ski instructors and other employees who lived on the other side of the mountain were able to ski to work at Smuggs. Then, it was closed off years later.

Then Vail came onto play. Now it remains to be seen what will happen. The locals are convinced Vail will take over the Smuggs ski operations. But a lot of people like it the way it is now- slow lifts and all.

Then there is Jay Peak- which is up for sale- so speculation there as to whether Vail will jump at that instead.

 

[bluehende]

I remember years ago when we first bought at Smuggs some of the ski instructors and other employees who lived on the other side of the mountain were able to ski to work at Smuggs. Then, it was closed off years later.

Then Vail came onto play. Now it remains t be seen what will happen. The locals are convinced Vail will take over the Smuggs ski operations. But a lot of people like it the way it is now- slow lifts and all.

Then there is Jay Peak- which is up for sale- so speculation there as to whether Vail will jump at that instead.

I don't see Vail having any interest in Smuggs. They go more for glitz. Jay would be interesting. Their terrain is excellent.

 

[Crafty71]

I love Smuggs...it is our home resort, my family has been going for the past 30+ years and we still go often (even for day trips...we live only an hour away).

While we went for a ski trip this past March to Park City and loved it, I wouldn't want Smuggs to change much...I like it the way it is...

This quote made me laugh: "Skiing that out-of-bounds territory is not sanctioned, officially or otherwise". I guess the author has never been back there on any given ski day...there are usually dozens (if not more) of back-country skiers enjoying themselves...my wife and I snowshoe there regularly...

Cheers!