Alpine climbing in Smugglers Notch, Day trip from Stowe

Nestled right above Stowe, Vermont in the scenic Green Mountains, Smugglers Notch is just waiting for the intrepid alpine adventurer to climb this pass!

Sitting on the ridge line between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, the mountain pass has an elevation of only 660 meters, but don’t let this fool you – climbing it can be quite a challenge.

After meeting up, we will head to the ridge by ascending through Easy Gully. This requires climbing over rocky terrain and through snowfields and ice bulges with crampons.

Once we’ve arrived at the top of the col, we will be rewarded with spectacular views back down toward Stowe and into the valley.

Heading back down the ridge can also be equally as challenging and often involves rappelling back down.

If you are interested in a different type of challenge, the Notch is full of other climbing spots as well. We could give French cramponing a shot and use a combination of ice axes and rope travel to traverse ice falls.

Whatever we chose to do, we’ll be afforded the luxury of having the Notch mostly to ourselves. While the ridge is packed with hikers in the summer, far fewer will be out in the winter.

So what are you waiting for? Book now for a fun and exciting day of alpine climbing in the stunning scenery of Smugglers Notch near Stowe, Vermont!

If you like the look of this trip then I think you will also enjoy our 1-day alpine climb of the iconic Mount Mansfield!