Smugglers' Notch & Snowball Effect Elevate Snow Sports, Community, & Culture in Vermont.

Smugglers' Notch Resort (Smuggs) is proud to announce a collaboration with Snowball Effect to advance Snow Sports programs and further its unique culture and community. As a leader in the industry and an independently owned, locally focused resort, Smuggs continues to set standards for family-friendly programs, instructor opportunities, and inclusive community engagement. With a shared commitment to community impact and Snow Sports growth, Smuggs, and Snowball Effect bring renewed focus to empowering guests of all ages.

Smuggs is more than a resort; it’s a community. As one of the few independently owned ski resorts, Smuggs prides itself on maintaining a locally focused, guest-centered experience. Known for its unmatched tree skiing, open boundaries policy, and commitment to sustainability, Smuggs provides a distinctive, authentic Vermont mountain experience. Guests and employees become "Smugglers," part of a vibrant culture where everyone feels at home. Our community focus extends beyond the slopes, supporting local schools, and businesses while fostering lifelong connections.

Upcoming Events for the Community

To bring interactive Snow Sports experiences to guests, Smuggs and Snowball Effect will host key events this season:

• Dec. 5, 2024 – Women’s Ski & Ride Kick-Off Night (5:00–7:00 pm): Join us at the Alpine Shop in South Burlington, VT, for an evening open to everyone interested in our six-week program. Participants will meet instructors, connect, and experience a welcoming environment to learn more about the program, scope the latest gear at Vermont’s largest, ski, snowboard, golf, tennis, and pickleball specialty retailer, and enjoy waffles and wine at Burlington’s only Waffle Cabin.
• Dec. 20, 2024 – Night School for Jibbing (4:30–7:00 pm): Join us for an evening jam session celebrating freestyle skiing and snowboarding! Open to all ages, this event offers a lively, family-friendly atmosphere with skill-building activities, interactive demonstrations, and opportunities for riders to try new tricks in a supportive environment. A perfect night for families, friends, and freestyle enthusiasts to come together and experience the excitement of jibbing under the lights.
• March 15, 2025 – A Day for Jake: Join us in honoring the legacy of snowboarding pioneer Jake Burton Carpenter with a celebration of his contributions to the sport. This special event will bring together riders of all ages to pay tribute to Jake’s impact on the snowboarding community. It’s a chance for the community to reconnect with the spirit of snowboarding, remember Jake’s passion for innovation, and inspire the next generation of riders.

Snow Sports Program Enhancements and Instructor Opportunities

Our collaboration includes a focus on the recruitment and retention of Snow Sports instructors. Becoming an instructor at Smuggs is more than a job – it's a calling. Instructors become part of our legacy, sharing in "Tales from the Notch" and inspiring the next generation. With benefits like paid training, season passes, equipment discounts, and world-renowned tree skiing, our team members get to live their dream job in a world-class setting. For more information on becoming a Smuggler, go to www.smuggs.com/jobs.

Key Program Areas of Growth:

• Recruitment & Retention – Snowball Effect will support Smuggs in attracting top talent, offering pathways for career growth and professional development within a supportive community.
• Community-Focused Events – Programs like Women’s, Night School for Jibbing, Indoor
  Elementary School Snowboarding Sessions, and A Day For Jake will bring Snow Sports closer to
  local families, making snowboarding accessible to kids of all backgrounds.
• Celebrate the Spirit of Smugglers’ Notch Resort- “Tales of the Notch” initiative shares
  inspiring stories from guests and instructors, turning them into ambassadors of the Smuggs community. Each story celebrates the unique spirit of Smugglers’ Notch, creating deeper connections with our guests and attracting those who share values of family, respect, and community. Once you’re welcomed into the culture, you’re not just a visitor—you’re a Smuggler.

Founded by winter sports veteran Jeff Boliba, Snowball Effect is strengthening connections across the Snow Sports industry as The Premier Connector in Sports. Guided by the vision to Empower Communities and Cultivate Momentum, Snowball Effect unites resorts, enthusiasts, and brands, fostering a vibrant sport culture that ranges from mountain peaks to city streets. Through dynamic partnerships, portable sports venues, and a commitment to community-focused sustainability, Snowball Effect creates lasting impacts that grow and build momentum with every connection. For more information, visit www.snowballeffectgroup.com.