Smugglers Notch: Villmarksauna Review
TGT Rating: 9.0/10
This past spring, my family and I had the pleasure of spending a week at the Smugglers' Notch Resort in Vermont. We stayed at the Villmarksauna condo unit, and while we had initially planned to go with another family, last-minute changes meant it was just the three of us. When I initially booked at the resort, I couldn’t really find any reviews on this particular unit - so, here's an in-depth review of our stay at Villmarksauna unit.
We arrived at Smugglers' Notch in early March, ready for a week of skiing and relaxation. The resort's staff were exceptionally friendly and accommodating right from the start. We had called ahead to request specific bedding arrangements, and they were more than happy to fulfill our request. If you have any special needs or preferences, I highly recommend giving them a call in advance.
The Unit
Villmarksauna is a charming condo building that offers a cozy, rustic experience reminiscent of an old European chalet. While the interior isn't modern by today's standards—with outdated TVs and furniture—the overall ambiance adds to the charm.
Our unit was on the second floor, which we didn't mind, but it's important to note that there are no elevators in this building. If you have mobility concerns or simply prefer not to deal with stairs, you might want to request a ground-floor unit or a building with elevator access.
Upon entering the unit, you're greeted by a foyer equipped with a coat hanger and space to take off your ski boots. This was a great feature, especially after a day on the slopes. The unit also had a ski locker on the first floor, which made it easy to store our equipment without cluttering the living space.
The condo had two bedrooms and two bathrooms, providing ample space for our family. The master bedroom was particularly impressive, featuring a king-sized bed, a pull-out sofa, a small terrace, and an en-suite bathroom. This room could easily accommodate a small family on its own.
The second bedroom, while smaller, was still quite spacious. It had a queen-sized bed and twin-sized bunk beds, making it perfect for kids or additional guests. The layout of the bedrooms ensured everyone had their own space, which was a significant plus.
The living room was one of our favorite spots in the condo. With two large couches and a rocking chair, it was the perfect place to unwind after a day of skiing. The gas fireplace added a cozy touch, and we spent many evenings relaxing by the fire.
Adjacent to the living room was the dining area, which featured a large table that could easily seat twelve people. Although it was just the three of us, this space would be ideal for larger groups or families traveling together.
The kitchen was well-equipped with everything we needed, including plates, utensils, knives, cups, baking pans, bowls, and mugs. All the appliances worked perfectly, and having a washer and dryer in the unit was a huge convenience. We could wash our clothes and swimwear regularly, reducing the amount we needed to pack.
While there was an old coffee machine, we didn't use it. If you're particular about your coffee, you might want to bring your own machine or plan for other options.
Distance from the Village
One of the best features of staying at Smugglers' Notch is the convenience. The slopes are just a five-minute walk from Villmarksauna, making it easy to hit the trails without much hassle. For those who prefer not to walk, the resort offers an on-call shuttle service. The shuttle would pick us up right at our unit's door and take us anywhere within the resort. This service was quick and incredibly convenient.
Bottom Line:
Our stay at Villmarksauna was fantastic. The unit's rustic charm, combined with the friendly staff and convenient amenities, made for a memorable family vacation.