Smugglers’ Notch Resort announced a new partnership with the Indy Pass on Tuesday that will allow Indy Pass holders access to one of Vermont’s largest independent ski areas during the 2026–27 winter season with no blackout dates.
What the deal offers skiers and riders
Under the agreement, Indy Pass holders may redeem two days of skiing or riding at Smugglers’ Notch Resort and receive a third day at 25% off. The resort said advanced reservations will be required for Indy Pass visits so it can maintain its long-standing Comfortable Carrying Capacity, a policy intended to preserve its uncrowded mountain experience.
- Season: 2026–27 winter season
- Days included: Two days with Indy Pass, third day 25% off
- Blackout dates: None for Indy Pass holders
- Reservations: Advanced reservations required for Indy Pass visits
Regional hub for independent mountains
Smugglers’ Notch will join more than 300 independent alpine and Nordic destinations already on the Indy Pass. Resort officials described Smugglers’ Notch as a natural hub for a regional Indy Pass trip, pointing out that 13 participating alpine and Nordic ski areas are approximately two hours or less from the mountain, giving passholders the opportunity to combine visits across northern Vermont and neighboring areas.
General Manager Brandon Swartz emphasized how the move aligns with the resort’s identity and values. In a statement, Swartz said the partnership offers a chance to introduce new skiers and riders to Smugglers’ Notch while safeguarding the character that long-term guests and homeowners have come to expect.
“Indy Pass gives us an opportunity to invite a new group of skiers and riders to come experience Smuggs for themselves,” said Smugglers’ Notch Resort General Manager Brandon Swartz.
Indy Pass leadership framed the addition as a long-awaited fit. Erik Mogensen, Indy Pass director, noted his personal ties to the mountain and described Smugglers’ Notch as “a world-class ski destination that has always belonged in the Indy Pass family.”
Reservation rules and capacity limits
Smugglers’ Notch has long used a Comfortable Carrying Capacity (CCC) model to control daily numbers on the mountain and preserve an uncrowded guest experience. The resort said the reservation requirement for Indy Pass days is intended to maintain that balance.
Resort officials did not provide precise daily caps in the announcement. They did say, however, that the advanced reservation process will enable Smugglers’ Notch to uphold its CCC while participating in the wider Indy Pass network.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Indy Pass days at Smugglers’ Notch | 2 days + third day 25% off |
| Blackout dates | None |
| Reservations | Required for Indy Pass visits |
Implications for Vermont skiing and tourism
The move cements Smugglers’ Notch’s place among independent ski areas that have joined cooperative pass programs to broaden access and attract visitors. For Vermont, the partnership may boost visitation from Indy Pass holders looking to sample multiple nearby mountains in a single trip.
Local lodging operators and lift-ticket vendors typically watch such partnerships closely because pass-holder traffic can shift patterns of midweek and weekend demand. Smugglers’ Notch leaders framed the partnership as consistent with a commitment to family-friendly, affordable skiing while retaining the resort’s character.
Indy Pass’s network model can expand opportunities for skiers who prefer smaller, independent mountains rather than large corporate resorts. Smugglers’ Notch’s inclusion increases the number of higher-profile Vermont destinations available to that market.
Next steps for visitors
Indy Pass holders planning to visit Smugglers’ Notch for the 2026–27 season should be prepared to make advanced reservations once the resort announces its reservation system and available dates. The resort and Indy Pass did not release a timetable for when reservations will open or detailed limits for daily entries; riders and skiers should monitor both organizations’ websites for updates.
The partnership joins Smugglers’ Notch with the other mountain resorts in the Bear Den Partners roster and expands options for winter recreation across the region, while signaling continued collaboration between independent mountains and third-party pass programs.
Reporting for this story relied on the partnership announcement from Smugglers’ Notch Resort and statements from Indy Pass leadership.
