Signature SKI EVENTS This Winter
12/22/2025 03:49PM ● By Best of Central Vermont
SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH WINTER MAGIC
Northern Vermont’s Smugglers' Notch Resort is bursting with new energy this season, offering powder-filled mornings and family adventures on the slopes of Madonna, Sterling, and Morse. Whether you’re chasing first tracks or sharing laughs on gentle runs, every day starts with the promise of fresh snow and mountain memories.

The welcoming entrance to Smugglers' Notch Resort.
NIGHTS SHINE BRIGHT
The weekly Ignite the Night festival transforms Thursdays into a spectacle—bonfires crackle, fire dancers mesmerize, and fireworks light up the sky. This event has quickly become the emotional highlight of winter, drawing locals and visitors together for a celebration that’s as warm as it is dazzling.
When the sun sets, the excitement continues. Night School invites kids to experience illuminated skiing, adding a magical twist to their mountain adventures. Meanwhile, parents can unwind with cocoa under a canopy of stars, soaking in the peaceful mountain atmosphere.


Enjoy powder-filled mornings and family adventures on the slopes of Madonna, Sterling, and Morse
A TASTE OF VERMONT
The Winter Market at FunZone 2.0 brings the best of Vermont’s artisans and treats right to the resort. Guests can browse local crafts, sample delicious snacks, and enjoy the festive spirit that fills the air.

At the Winter Market at Smugglers', guests can sample local brews after a day of fun on the slopes.
STAY JUST A BIT LONGER
With the “Free Night” deal—book three nights, get one free—guests have even more reason to extend their stay and explore all the mountain has to offer. Whether it’s discovering new trails, joining in on family activities, or simply relaxing by the fire, Smugglers’ Notch makes every moment count.
From the postcard-perfect charm of the Notch to the resort’s commitment to authenticity, natural snow, and family connection, Smugglers’ Notch is the place where winter magic comes alive for all ages.
STOWE MOUNTAIN ENTERING A NEW ERA
As November’s cold arrives, Stowe undergoes its annual transformation. The town’s atmosphere shifts in anticipation, and the silhouette of Mount Mansfield signals the start of a new season. This year, Stowe Mountain Resort is entering a new era, blending its historic legacy with renewed energy, updated facilities, and a stronger connection to Vermont’s culture.

CELEBRATING 90 YEARS
Stowe, recognized as the site of one of America’s earliest ski schools, celebrates its 90th anniversary this season. To honor this legacy, the resort is introducing commemorative elements, including vintage insignias, instructor recognitions, and storytelling events that connect its history with the present.
The newly renovated Midway Lodge features modern mountain design and serves as the home of Tower 5 Bar, which blends historic charm with contemporary alpine style. Additionally, the culinary offerings have expanded with Base Camp Bites, a food truck serving Asian fusion cuisine, providing guests with unique dining options on the mountain.

Embracing winter adventures at Stowe Ski Resort—where fresh powder, thrilling slopes, and the joy of friends playing in the snow create unforgettable memories in Vermont.

SEASONS AT STOWE
For the first time, Stowe is introducing a yearlong cultural series, Seasons at Stowe, celebrating Vermont’s music, food, community, and winter lifestyle. Signature winter events include:
• Pass Holder Appreciation Weekend, featuring live music and exclusive early-morning First Tracks
• The Pride Run on the Gondolier trail during January’s Winter Rendezvous
• The 30th Anniversary Slopestyle Event, reviving the spirit of the early terrain park era
• Sunrise Service, the historic marking of Easter with a dawn gathering on the snowy ridgelines
• Pond Skim, the popular spring skiing tradition known for its festive atmosphere
SUGARBUSH PLAY MORE, CHILL HARDER
At Sugarbush Resort, winter is more than a season—it’s a celebration. As the Mad River Valley transforms into a snowy playground, anticipation builds for Opening Day at Lincoln Peak. The snap of cold air, the buzz of skiers, and the first perfect corduroy set the tone for months of adventure.

BIG KICKER AND SUGARBASH
The excitement doesn’t stop after the first run. The Big Kicker at Mt. Ellen lights up the valley with rail jams, bonfires, and live music, turning the mountain into a festival of energy and excitement. Throughout the season, après-ski jams at Castlerock Pub and Gate House Lodge keep the good times rolling, while December’s SugarBash unleashes ugly sweaters, wild dancing, and pure winter joy.


From breathtaking snowy mountain scenes to the vibrant merch in the gear shops and the excitement of Pond Skimming—Sugarbush’s slopes deliver unforgettable adventure, style, and thrills with every visit.
HOLIDAY WEEK MAGIC
Families and friends gather for Holiday Week, when Sugarbush becomes a snow globe of festivities and New Year’s revelry. The resort sparkles with tradition, laughter, and a swirl of winter magic that brings everyone together.

As the season peaks, Sugarbush’s legendary terrain and the spring Pond Skim keep spirits high until the last slushy turn. From the first lift ride in November to the final carve in April, Sugarbush is where you play more, chill harder, and make every winter moment count.
Stowe Mountain Resort
5781 Mountain Road
Stowe, VT
Smugglers’ Notch Resort
4323 Vermont Route 108 South
Jeffersonville, VT
Sugarbush Resort
102 Forest Drive
Warren, VT
(802) 552-4007


