Stowe/Smuggs

[crippitylip]

Can you get from Spruce Peak to Smuggs? How far of a hike is it? Do they have any combo lift pass arrangements? Thank you in advance!!

 

[Admin]

Can you get from Spruce Peak to Smuggs?

Yes.

How far of a hike is it?

About a half mile or so, mostly downhill except for a pole-and-skate across Sterling Pond.

Do they have any combo lift pass arrangements?

Not any more, as far as I know. Unless things have changed, though, you can buy single-ride tickets at each resort to access the other side.

 

[riverc0il]

no combo ticket but you can get back and forth from the top of the lifts. you are in for a rather long hike through the notch without a ticket on the other side though.

 

[crippitylip]

Thank you for the replies. I am asking because I will be staying in Stowe and have never been to Smuggs and I hear it is a long drive around in winter. I can buy a one lift ticket at Stowe, ride down to smuggs, pay for a lift ticket there for the day. Would it then be a hike back uphill from Smuggs to Stowe? Sorry for the confusion and thanks again.

 

[crippitylip]

Thank you for the replies. I am asking because I will be staying in Stowe and have never been to Smuggs and I hear it is a long drive around in winter. I can buy a one lift ticket at Stowe, ride down to smuggs, pay for a lift ticket there for the day. Would it then be a hike back uphill from Smuggs to Stowe? Sorry for the confusion and thanks again.

 

[Admin]

I can buy a one lift ticket at Stowe, ride down to smuggs, pay for a lift ticket there for the day. Would it then be a hike back uphill from Smuggs to Stowe?

Mostly downhill, aside from a pole/skate across Sterling Pond.

 

[Southern freshies]

If you can buy the single lift ticket from Stowe it is possible to do it although as far as I know the trails are no longer "officially" open. I understand that the new lift on Spruce has been moved a little further down from the peak and I'm not sure how that will effect the ski over which in the past was much less hiking then the way back over the lake. Depending on where you are staying and the road conditions the trip around is about 50 minutes. I'm a long time skier of Smuggler's Notch (35 yrs) and if conditions are good it's certainly worth the trip.

 

[billski]

Thank you for the replies. I am asking because I will be staying in Stowe and have never been to Smuggs and I hear it is a long drive around in winter. I can buy a one lift ticket at Stowe, ride down to smuggs, pay for a lift ticket there for the day. Would it then be a hike back uphill from Smuggs to Stowe? Sorry for the confusion and thanks again.

I stay with friends at Stowe. I've done both the ski across to Smugglers and have driven. Unless it is snowing heavily, the roads will be fine. It will take you the same amount of time to skin across the top as to drive. Unless you either want to save the planet(less gas) or just say you've crossed the top, I vote to get up early and drive over. You'll get more time skiing by not losing the time hiking across the top.

 

[Knuckle Dragger]

There is some killer BC terrain in between the two as well.

 

[Admin]

I stay with friends at Stowe. I've done both the ski across to Smugglers and have driven. Unless it is snowing heavily, the roads will be fine. It will take you the same amount of time to skin across the top as to drive. Unless you either want to save the planet(less gas) or just say you've crossed the top, I vote to get up early and drive over. You'll get more time skiing by not losing the time hiking across the top.

I've got to respectfully disagree with this. Skinning? Never had to. It's no big deal, IMO, although Southern Freshies may have a point with the Spruce lift realignment -- I haven't been there since the new lift and can't comment on that.

 

[Patrick]

although Southern Freshies may have a point with the Spruce lift realignment -- I haven't been there since the new lift and can't comment on that.

That was also my understanding with the new lift. I didn't go this year, but from what I was able to see last March, the liftline and arrival would be lower than where the Spruce Double stopped.

I didn't know you could still buy single lift ticket at Stowe? Does this exist on the Smuggs side also?

Ah yes, there is definately some awesome stuff between Sterling and Spruce. I know a friend that would always ski there a few years back.

 

[billski]

I stay with friends at Stowe. I've done both the ski across to Smugglers and have driven. Unless it is snowing heavily, the roads will be fine. It will take you the same amount of time to skin across the top as to drive. Unless you either want to save the planet(less gas) or just say you've crossed the top, I vote to get up early and drive over. You'll get more time skiing by not losing the time hiking across the top.

I've got to respectfully disagree with this. Skinning? Never had to. It's no big deal, IMO, although Southern Freshies may have a point with the Spruce lift realignment -- I haven't been there since the new lift and can't comment on that.

sheesh , bad choice of words.
My point about time spent still stands.

 

[Southern freshies]

Smugglers does not sell single rides. In the past you would be able to ski down either side and the lifties would let you ride up once for free. I don't know anymore.

There is excellent tree and gully skiing between the two area's but don't go without someone experienced there are cliffs as well. Enjoy your visit I'll be up next week hoping for some new snow