Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont
ArborTrek, the latest addition to Smugglerss Notch is pure thrill no matter the season. The award-winning eco-adventure is a guided zipline tour through the canopy that Travel + Leisure called one of the world’s coolest. Options include up to eight zip lines plus sky bridges and rappelling, and range from one to three hours. For more challenge, try the treetop obstacle course and climbing programs. (Climbers must be at least 4 years old and weigh 40 pounds; those under eight have their own obstacle course.) Climbing ranges from $6 to $10 (plus taxes and fees). The full obstacle course is $55; kids eight and under are half that but only have access to their own area. Zip Line Canopy Tours are the big draw, and range from $60 to $100. They run rain or shine, meaning there’s no cancellation and refund if it starts to rain. (This does not apply if severe weather closes the course.) Zip Lines also have strict age, weight and height limits, and everyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. You can get all of the details ahead of time at Arbortrek.com.
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but a video is the best way to show you this one. Instead of a lame video of my feet while “someone” screams like a girl, please enjoy this (slightly cheesy) promotional video from Arbortek and Smuggs. (BTW: I don’t really scream like a girl. Usually.)
Smugglers’ Notch is also making a big splash (pun fully intended!) with their four waterparks, picked by Parenting magazine as a top destination for H2-OH! fun for families. Smuggs has eight pools, four massive slides, water playgrounds, and Rum Runners, a scenic six-acre mountainside reservoir with swimming, canoe and kayaking, fishing and the amazingly fun Aqua-launch water trampoline that sends you flying into your own splashdown. Access is included in the resort’s summer vacation packages; a limited number of day passes are available at $44/adults, $34/17 & under. Six and under are free with a paying adult, and Vermont residents get half-off with valid ID.
Awesome idea. I haven’t ever thought about Ski resorts as a summer destination. The rodeo sounds fun too (especially for families with young children). Thanks for posting. #WeekendWanderlust
Hi Allison – thanks for stopping by the blog! I grew up in the southwest, where summers were really hot, so we used to go up into the mountains for summer vacation a lot. Turns out those ski slopes are great for hiking and biking, but the resorts have added so much more over the years! Now it really is like summer camp for the whole family! I’ll have to keep checking your blog to see where you guys go and all the fun you’ll have! 🙂