Bear Den Partners Announce Snowmaking Upgrades at Vermont’s Smugglers’ Notch

As Smugglers’ Notch moves into a new era, each update brings a growing sense of anticipation. Smuggs is defined by its independent character and community roots. A transition in ownership naturally sparks curiosity about what to expect next. With winter fast approaching, each new announcement signals a future that honors the mountain’s legacy while delivering a strategic modernization plan.

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The new owners, Bear Den Partners, have just announced a significant capital investment in snowmaking ahead of the 2026-27 season. At the center of the project is a new pipeline connection linking Black Snake to Upper Rum Runner at the top of Sterling Mountain. Traditionally, when the resort starts spinning lifts around the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday in late November, the upper trails off Sterling are the first to welcome skiers and riders.

Because these trails serve as the primary artery to the rest of the mountain’s early terrain, the area sees significant skier and rider traffic. With the Black Snake and Upper Rum Runner lines connected, the snowmaking team will have the ability to blast both trails simultaneously. This strategic upgrade will optimize efficiency and allow the resort to build a durable, top-to-bottom base earlier in the season.

“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,” said Mike McAdoo, Smugglers’ Notch Vice President of Mountain Operations.

The snowmaking investment also reflects an employee-first ethos. Snowmaking in northern Vermont can be a grueling, round-the-clock dance with the elements, and these improvements will give the crew behind the magic increased support for daily operations. The addition of 80 energy-efficient tower snow guns and 20 low-air-demand mobile guns will allow the resort to maximize short temperature windows while improving environmental efficiency.

By placing more fixed equipment at bottlenecks, the crew will spend less time manually moving heavy gear across the mountain. To further support them, the investment includes a fleet of nine new snowmobiles and upgraded backup equipment to ensure reliability and safety in challenging weather conditions.

“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,” said Jon Schaefer, Chief Executive Officer of Bear Den Partners.

Smuggs has always been an amazing mountain resort. It has an effortless cool that is born, not manufactured. As it prepares for its 70th year of operation, Bear Den’s targeted approach shows that Smuggs’ future is being handled with attention to detail and a level of care that respects both the landscape and the operations team. By focusing on environmental efficiency, improved working conditions, and optimized snowmaking in high-traffic arteries, the new infrastructure sets a high standard for what independent mountain ownership can achieve.

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Smuggs’ improved snowmaking plan is more than a capacity upgrade. It is a practical investment in earlier coverage, better terrain reliability, more efficient operations, and a stronger experience for everyone who looks to Sterling to set the tone for the season.

2026–27 Snowmaking Improvements include:

• 80 energy-efficient tower guns at key mountain locations
• 20 low-air-demand mobile guns for early-season temperature windows
• 1,100 feet of replaced snowmaking pipe, plus new and replacement valves
• A Black Snake to Upper Rum Runner connection for simultaneous snowmaking on both trails
• Pump and motor upgrades, plus additional backup equipment
• Targeted trail-edge clearing to improve coverage and restore usable trail width
• Nine additional snowmobiles for snowmaking and mountain operations crews