Jeffersonville, Vermont — Indy Pass saved its biggest new partner for last, and it’s one that will excite a lot of Northeast skiers and riders. Especially the people who keep posting the following photo in the Indy comments section.
Today, the Indy Pass announced that Smugglers’ Notch Resort will be a partner for the 2026-27 season. The partnership includes no blackout dates, allowing passholders to visit at any point in the season. To keep the resort within its comfortable carrying capacity, the Indy Pass will operate under a reservation system at Smuggs, giving passholders the option to ski at any point in the season. The first two days are free, with a third day being offered at 25% off. The partnership gives Indy access to more than 300 partners worldwide.
“Indy Pass gives us an opportunity to invite a new group of skiers and riders to come experience Smuggs for themselves,” said Brandon Swartz, General Manager of Smugglers’ Notch Resort. “Smuggs, Bear Den and Indy share a commitment to independent mountains, families, affordability and protecting the character of the skiing and riding experience. We believe this partnership can introduce more people to what makes Smuggs special while preserving the experience our resort guests, passholders and homeowners have valued for generations.”
Smugglers’ Notch passholders will also benefit from this partnership. Smugglers’ Notch Unlimited Core Season Pass members will have the opportunity to purchase an Indy Pass add-on at a discounted rate.
This partnership creates ski-trip potential, with 13 adjacent Indy partners, including Bolton Valley, Burke, Cannon, and Jay Peak.
“Smuggs is a world-class ski destination that has always belonged in the Indy Pass family,” said Erik Mogensen, Indy Pass Director, who himself grew up skiing at the resort. “Smuggs joining the Indy Pass is a clear statement that independent resorts continue to band together and push back on the corporatization of skiing.”
The news follows Bear Den Partners’ acquisition of the ski resort earlier this year. The group has already been investing in the mountain, announcing a snowmaking modernization project that will drastically improve snowmaking capabilities this winter. Bear Den Partners now owns/operates four ski resorts in the Northeast: Berkshire East, Burke Mountain, Catamount, and Smugglers’ Notch.
Indy Passes are now on sale to the general public, but are expected to sell out quickly. Click here to learn more about the 2026-27 Indy Pass.
Image/Video Credits: Smugglers’ Notch Resort
