Jeffersonville, Vermont — Mountain resort operator Bear Den Partners has announced a significant investment in snowmaking infrastructure at Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Vermont ahead of the 2026–27 winter season.
The project will increase snowmaking capacity across the Smugg’s three mountain faces through the installation of 100 new snow guns, upgrades to pipelines, pumps and valves, increased water distribution from its existing snowmaking supply, and additional mountain operations equipment.
“Snowmaking is fundamental to the way we operate a mountain in Vermont, and this investment gives our team significantly more capability and flexibility. When the temperatures are right, we want to be able to take full advantage of those windows. Snowmaking is a tough job, and our crew works in some of the most challenging weather in Vermont to make snow. Anything we can do to make their work more efficient and improve the equipment they have available to them is important. At the same time, those operational improvements translate directly to a better, more consistent skiing and riding experience for our guests.” -Mike McAdoo, VP of Mountain Operations at Smugglers’ Notch Resort
Additional fixed snowmaking equipment will reduce the need to move equipment between trails, while new snowmobiles and additional backup equipment will support snowmaking crews working across the mountain.
“Smugglers’ Notch has a tremendous foundation, an exceptional team and a strong identity. Our role as owners is to build on that foundation thoughtfully and strategically. Investing in snowmaking at Smuggs is a fundamental investment in the resort and its future. We expect this to be the first of many meaningful projects that support our skiers and riders, homeowners, and the broader Smuggs community.” -Jon Schaefer, CEO of Bear Den Partners
Smuggs 2026–27 Snowmaking Improvements include:
- 80 new energy-efficient tower snow guns installed at key locations across the mountain to modernize equipment and expand fixed snowmaking coverage
- 20 new lower-air-demand mobile snow guns to increase snowmaking capacity during critical early-season temperature windows
- 1,100 feet of snowmaking pipe replacement, along with new and replacement valves, to improve system reliability
- A new Black Snake-to-Upper Rum Runner connection to improve water flow at the top of Sterling and provide the ability to make snow on both trails simultaneously when conditions require – improving early-season opening speed.
- Pump and motor upgrades and additional backup equipment to improve reliability and provide greater system redundancy
- Targeted trail-edge clearing to improve snowmaking coverage and restore usable trail width in select areas
- Nine additional snowmobiles to support snowmaking and mountain operations crews
The investment comes as Smugglers’ Notch Resort celebrates its 70th year of operation and its first full winter season under Bear Den Partners’ ownership.
