America’s #1 Resort for Families is Just a Car Ride Away

Smugglers’ Notch, voted the top resort for families in the U.S., is just under six hours from Manhattan.

| 19 Sep 2025 | 01:21

Smugglers’ Notch offers the best slopes in the northeast – but the Jeffersonville, Vermont getaway is much more than a ski destination; it’s been named #1 resort for families time and time again by Trip Advisor, Good Housekeeping, Travel & Leisure and Ski Magazine.

And when you check out their programming, it’s easy to see why so many families vacation at Smuggs year after year; the resort offers something for every age group, from a trusted daycare, to a “Fun Zone” indoor park and a teen activity center.

“We have a lot of families who have made the trip here each winter for over a decade,” said Steve Clokey, Chief Marketing Officer of Smugglers’ Notch Resort. “It’s been awesome to watch them grow up over the years at Smuggs.”

Here’s why Manhattan families choose Smuggs for winter vacation:

1. An easy, exciting getaway

Smuggs’ lush forests, snowy mountains, and tranquil lodging feel worlds away from New York’s skyscrapers and bustling streets — yet the resort is less than a six-hour drive from Manhattan.

Getting there is easy, and once you arrive, there’s no need to leave; there are top-notch dining options, a jam-packed schedule of daily activities to choose from, and free on-call shuttles to ferry families around the resort.

2. Engaging lessons

When it comes to ski and snowboard lessons, Smugglers’ Notch is unmatched. Lessons are offered and designed for all skill levels and take place on Smuggs’ most approachable peak with a variety of terrain for learners to hone their skills.

Smuggs vacationer Maya Fitz is one of many parents who saw her child’s skiing evolve after just one day of group lessons. “We came to Smugglers’ with Ryan skiing down by a harness but we left with him able to ski down independently and turning,” she said. “It was amazing.”

Another huge plus is where the ski lessons are held at Smugglers’ Notch; there is no bumping into chair lift or base traffic on Sir Henry’s Hill, where beginner lessons take place.

3. Fun Zones for All Ages

Smuggs offers the ultimate après-ski for any child: FunZone 2.0. This massive indoor entertainment complex features interactive activities for children of all age levels, including an inflatable slide and bouncy house, arcade games, an obstacle course, rock climbing, laser tag, and mini-golf.

And while there’s plenty of entertainment for teens at the FunZone, they also have access to “The Alley,” a supervised space for ages 13-18 complete with video games, high-speed internet, pool and ping-pong, and more games and socializing with fellow teenagers.

4. Trusted Childcare

At Smuggs, parents can take to the slopes while knowing their little ones are in capable hands. Treasures Child Care Center is staffed by certified caregivers and has been trusted by families for generations. Treasures caters to children aged 6 weeks to 3 years in a cozy, nurturing environment, and includes play zones, a nap area, and a viewing window so parents can check in.

And for older children, the resort’s Discovery Dynamos program offers full-day care with an emphasis on outdoor play and beginner skiing lessons.

5. Glow tubing, scavenger hunts & more

Smuggs is so much more than skiing and snowboarding. A full schedule of events and activities keeps kids and parents entertained at all hours of the day. Favorites include...

Glow Tubing: Sir Henry’s Hill turns into a magical evening adventure, lit up with LED lights for nighttime tubing

Snow Sport University: Smuggs’ award-winning children’s ski and snowboard program for ages 3-13.

Swimming in the indoor pool

Ignite the Night: A special event Thursday evenings with bonfires, s’mores, fire dancers, music, games, giveaways, and fireworks

Snowshoeing: Families can choose from snowshoeing scavenger hunts, private lessons, or a series of fun, guided treks at Smugglers’ Notch. On the Maple Snowshoe Trek, for example, visitors learn the Vermont art of maple sugaring while exploring a trail of maple-lined trees.

Save up to $650 on your winter getaway

Smuggs has a variety of winter vacation packages to choose from. Visit smuggs.com/vacation-packages to get started today.