Indy Pass Anchors Northeast Lineup, Welcoming Smugglers’ Notch Resort, VT, for 2026-27

Ever since Bear Den Partners’ acquisition of Smugglers’ Notch in February 2026, the question across the region has been as persistent as a late-April East Coast powder storm: “Is Smuggs joining the Indy Pass?” As of this morning, the answer is officially: yes! Indy Pass has shared in a press release that it added Smugglers’ Notch Resort to its lineup for the 2026-27 season, anchoring the network’s presence in the Northeast.

• Related: Smugglers’ Notch Resort, VT, Purchased by Bear Den Partners

The announcement arrives as Smuggs enters its 70th year of operation and its first full winter under Bear Den. By joining the pass, the resort aligns with the rest of Bear Den’s regional portfolio, which includes Burke Mountain in northern Vermont, alongside Western Massachusetts ski areas Catamount and Berkshire East.

Smuggs has maintained a distinct identity in its seven decades of operation by ignoring trends and focusing on local ski culture, accessibility, and iconic terrain. While celebrated for its award-winning programming, Smuggs is also one of only two resorts in the Northeast to feature a designated triple black diamond trail — a distinction shared with fellow Indy Pass partner Mont Sutton, just north of the border in Quebec’s Eastern Townships.

For skiers and riders planning a regional road trip, the addition positions Smuggs as a central Indy Pass hub. Smuggs sits within a two-hour radius of 13 Indy Pass alpine and Nordic destinations. Passholders can easily link days at nearby mountains like Bolton Valley and Burke, or cross the border to Mont Sutton, Owl’s Head, or Montreal’s family favorite Mont Saint-Bruno.

“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. “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.”

For Indy Pass leadership, the addition has a personal connection. “Smuggs is a world-class ski destination that has always belonged in the Indy Pass family,” said Indy Pass Director Erik Mogensen, who grew up skiing the slopes of the resort. In a letter addressed to the passholder community, Mogensen stated that “Smuggs joining the Indy Pass is a clear statement that independent resorts continue to band together and push back on the corporatization of skiing.”

Access, Capacity, and General Public Pass Sales

Passholders will receive two days of access at Smugglers’ Notch, with a third day available at a 25% discount. There are zero blackout dates. To prevent overcrowding, advanced reservations will be required for all Indy Pass visits. This booking process allows the mountain to maintain its Comfortable Carrying Capacity (CCC), ensuring lift lines remain manageable.

Smugglers’ Notch Core Season Pass holders are also eligible to purchase the Indy Add-On Pass at a discounted rate. This unlocks a global network of over 300 independent ski resorts. For the general public looking to secure a pass, the buying window is narrow. Following a limited priority access window for waitlisted consumers, the public tier officially resumes this morning, September 8, at 10:00 a.m. ET.

• Related: The Soul of the Notch: Why Smugglers’ Notch, VT, Stays Uniquely Memorable

Remaining passes are expected to disappear quickly before the waitlist closes for the season. Pass volumes are strictly capped to maintain the mountain experience, so act now. The countdown to first chair for 2026-27 just got a little more agonizing, and winter in the Northeast has never looked better.