Skiing
It was named the most family-friendly ski resort in the East by Ski magazine.
A Vermont ski resort is entering “a new era,” officials announced on Wednesday.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Jeffersonville was acquired by Bear Den Partners, a Vermont-based independent resort operator. The company will take over ownership from Bill Stritzler, who has owned and operated the ski area for 29 years.
The Stritzler family will continue to have an ownership stake in the mountain, and Bill’s daughter Lisa Howe will serve as an advisor, according to the company.
Smuggs, as the resort is affectionately known, is billed as “America’s family resort,” and was recently named the No. 1 family-friendly ski resort in the East by Ski magazine. It first opened in 1956 and today offers 1,000 acres of skiable terrain across three mountains, 78 trails, eight lifts, and plenty of programming for children.
The deal was “a Vermont-wide community effort,” according to Jon Schaefer, CEO of Bear Den Partners, with hundreds of people in many different Vermont state agencies and businesses involved.
“We were intentional about finding an operator who truly understands what makes Smuggs special,” said Stritzler, in a statement. “We sought out Bear Den Partners as an equity partner because they share our belief that this resort is about families, employees, and community, not trends or shortcuts. This transition is about continuity and stewardship, and we’re confident Smuggs is in the right hands.”
Bear Den Partners has a guest-first, community-centered philosophy and the Smugglers’ Notch culture, values, and commitment to guests, employees, and the surrounding community will stay in tact, according to the company. Future plans include focusing on infrastructure, guest experience, supporting employees, and the long-term stewardship of the resort.
“Smuggs represents everything we believe skiing and riding should be,” said Schaefer, in a statement. “This is not about changing Smuggs, it’s about supporting what already works, investing thoughtfully, and protecting the experience that families have cherished for generations.”
Bear Den acquired Vermont’s Burke Mountain in 2025 and is considering reciprocal passes for future seasons, reported Powder magazine. The Schaefer family also owns and operates Berkshire East and Catamount Mountain Resort in the Berkshires.
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