Smugglers’s Notch - The east coasts only triple black diamond.
At this point in the tour, I am really going to be stepping into the extreme mountains.
Smuggs is stop number 18 on the tour, and also my 50th day on snow this season.
I could not have picked a better mountain to have my 50th day at.
You basically cannot see any of the mountain from the village.
After getting my ticket I was informed that the ‘main’ mountain was located up the road.
When I pulled into parking lot 1, I was greeted with my favorite parking lot ever.
Because the only access in or out was by ski trail.
A good way to start the day.
Best parking lot ever.
Ski in, ski out.
Again, I knew little of just how tough the mountain was at this point.
I headed straight for the summit.
All of Smuggs' chairs are very, very old and slow doubles.
The trip over sealed my decision, the powder skis were coming out ASAP.
It was an excellent small to medium sized park, with some real cool features.
Not all features are shown.
I zigged and zagged my way down the mountain, making my way to ‘The Zone’ park.
This was a medium to large sized park, although physically not particularly long.
It looked very nice, and all the parks were well maintained.
Very cool and unique.
I made my way back to the Madonna lift through many, many glades.
I frankly do not remember which were which because there are simply so many gladed runs.
Smugglers blue glades are harder than most places black diamond glades.
It was very cool.
I set off to find it immediately.
Down the main head wall, ‘Upper Liftline’.
I made my way to the entrance and found it closed, despite what Ski Patrol told me.
I made my way back up and asked the patroller why Upper liftline was closed.
“It’s not closed.”
“Its got the ropes up across it” Said I.
Someone was going to take those down, I guess no one dropped them, follow me!"
He pointed to to a tiny hole in the side of the trail.
“That is the entrance to Black Hole, have fun!”
and he skied off.
The entrance to Black Hole
Lets start with the Headwall, ‘Upper Liftline’.
This trail is gnarly.
Almost mandatory air time, a pitch of somewhere over 50 degrees, and rocks…lots of rocks.
I managed to find a way around the main drop that kept my skis intact.
It was still one hell of a ride though.
With what seemed to be untouched powder in front of me I dove in.
The Headwall
I did some research on the trail before writing this post, here is what I found.
Bringing the powder skis was a lifesaver.
I ducked and weaved my way through the forest.
If someone had not told me this was a ‘trail’ I would never have even considered skiing this.
Small drops and stumps litter the route like landmines.
At the midway point you cross another, less suicidal glade.
The drop back into Black Hole from there looks even less skiable than the entrance off the lift line.
I dropped in without hesitation and blasted my way through the trees.
I am pretty sure that this glade has officially ruined all other glades for me now.
Not a particularly smart move on his part.
He is lucky he did not impale himself.
Do not take these trails lightly.
Both the Liftline and Black hole are extremely, EXTREMELY difficult.
The Presidential Range, 75 miles away.
I bought a shirt from them.
I settled on a Black Hole T-shirt, and started the long drive back home.
I wish I had not waited so long to visit Smugglers' Notch.
I had an absolute blast.
It jumped very, very high up on my list of favorite mountains.
Despite the lifts being slow, I completely understand how it has won so many awards now.
On to some housekeeping stuff.
Keep an eye out though, I may be able to post one or two if I am lucky.
As always, keep on shredding!
