Smugglers v. Stowe
 

Trying to decide between the two for first week in January. Smugglers is a bit pricey--is it worth it? Any ideas on where to stay in Stowe? Thanks PS 2 adults, one non-skiier & 1 12 yo intermediate.

I'd go with Stowe--it has more to do for the non-skier in your group (in my opinion anyway!). Check out www.gostowe.com and www.stowe.com for ideas on lodging. The Inn At the Mountain (I think thats the name!) is nice, as is Trapp Family Lodge (very expensive though), Golden Eagle and Topnotch. I've also heard good things about Stoweflake Resort. For a good casual meal after a hard day of skiing, go to The Shed. They have great microbrews too.

I'll probably take some heat for this, but I think Smuggler's Notch is over-rated. We found it very expensive compared to the amenities, services and lodging we've experienced at other ski resorts. I'd stay in Stowe. It's a very quaint village with nice shops and a good selection of restaurants and lodging. There's also a shuttle to Smuggler's that you can catch in town if you'd like to ski there.

I'd agree that Stowe is the best choice of the two. Smugglers is fine for families with young children, but it isn't my choice now that our kids are older. In Stowe, our family has stayed at the Golden Eagle and the Mountain Road Resort. Both have web sites you can check out. I believe the Golden Eagle has a shuttle service to the ski resorts.

Stowe - I agree. We also stayed at The Mountain Road Resort and have been back. The service is top-notch and the rooms are very cozy. You can always ski Smugglers for a day - that's what we did and enjoyed it very much.

But where on Earth are you guys talking about ?

They are both ski resorts in VT.

Skmugglers is better for families and especially kids and or those learning to ski. The instruction and facilities are excellent. It is a contained resort and you won't have to leave. In fact in the winter when the Mtn Road is closed through the Notch, it will take you 30 min to get into Stowe. <BR>Stowe is better for things to do other than the mtn. Much more variety in Restarurants and activities. There are also topnotch resorts there as mentioned above. <BR>Your 12 year old will meet lots of kids in Smugglers. For nonskiers there are swimming pools both indoor and outdoor(heated). In door tennis. There are also planned activities. <BR>It depends on what you want.

I've never been to Smugglers Notch but did go by myself to Stowe several years ago. I stayed at the Andersen Lodge (an Austrian Inn) which was in a good location between the slopes and downtown...nice restaurant. Unfortunately, for skiing I was disappointed because the slopes were iced over and eventually closed. Guess I'm spoiled with Colorado powder.

We stayed just outside of Stowe at http://www.fitchhillinn.com/ - it was great - and if you go with Stowe - be sure to eat at the Ten Acres restaurant - risotto was out of this world - we still talk about it.

I have never skied at Stowe, but I have heard it can be icy. I have skied at Killington and Sugarbush and would highly recommend Sugarbush. There is a great place to stay called the Sugarbush Inn - it is quaint hotel-type lodge with restaurant; other accomodations in the area are mainly condos or B&Bs. The skiing at Sugarbush is great, and they recently upgraded to all high-speed quad chair lifts with a lift connecting the two mountains.

I prefer stowe-aways to smugglers because they just hide themselves, not illegal drugs, when travelling. <BR> <BR>Fallon Donna Onmybuttski

Definitely Stowe. We live in upstate NY and ski in that area about 4 times a year. Someone here said Smugglers was overated and I have to agree. It cost us about $1500 for three nights--this didn't include rentals or lifts. Then they add-ons (indoor pool use charge etc.) The ski school is very good, but other VT resorts have some fine programs too. We like to stay at the Golden Eagle. It's only about a half mile from the village and they do have a ski shuttle.

I definitely recommend Stowe as well. If you have a non-skier I'd suggest staying closer to the Village than the mountain. There's a shuttle that services all the hotels & inns and I think it's a $1 each way. I'd recommend the Green Mountain Inn in the Village. It's close to shops & restaurants that you can walk out your door. The town has a website with info about restaurants & lodging, it's www.gostowe.com