Smugglers' Notch is not the efficient choice, and that is part of the appeal. The lifts are slower, the layout takes a little patience, and the whole place feels like it belongs to families and skiers who already know why they are there. It is the Stowe alternative for people who do not need Stowe's polish.
The mountain has a split personality in the best way. There is enough family terrain to make a trip work, but the upper mountain can still challenge strong skiers, especially when natural snow fills in. It feels more local and less packaged than many resorts with similar name recognition.
You do give something up. Lift speed matters on cold days, and mixed groups can spend time sorting out where everyone belongs. But if your goal is a more human Vermont ski day, Smuggs has a better story than most resorts trying to sell authenticity.