Smitten with Smuggs

Covered bridges. Rolling hills. Tiny white steeples. Grazing cows. The
picturesque two-hour drive to Smugglers Notch, Vermont, is almost as
enjoyable as the time youll spend on the slopes. Almost.

stay
There is no hotel per se at Smugglers Notch. Instead: A
network of ultra-cozy condominiums, all boasting fully stocked kitchens,
access to heated pools and an on- demand shuttle service to take you to
the slopes or village. Find rates here.

do
There are actually three mountains to ski at
Smuggs, providing a wide variety of terrain. Beginners are spoiled with
Morse Mountain and an awesome ski school program while intermediates and
experts will adore Sterling and Madonna Mountains: Think long, winding
cruisers (Chilcoot, Rumrummer and Drifters are dreamy) and gorgeous
glades. Want an off-slope adventure? Try ziplining, snowshoeing,
snowmobiling, tube sliding, ice skating, airboarding and the list goes
on! Boredom? Not an option.

eat
In the evening, grab your honey/bestie/kiddos
and take a seat by the fireplace in Hearth
& Candles dining room for a culinary trip through Vermont.
Ingredients are fresh, delicious, and, best of all, local. Must-have
dishes include the plate of cheeses from the Green State (from $10), the
Wild Boar Gnocci ($28) and the Hearth and Candle Oscar ($36), a
scrumptious take on surf and turf. Finish with the cheesecake of the day
($9) if youre lucky, itll be Red Velvet. Christine Laroche

Smugglers’ Notch Resort, 4323 Vermont Route 108 South, Smugglers’ Notch,
VT, 1-802-644-8851,
www.smuggs.com