Smugglers' Notch isn't the efficient choice, and that's 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're there. It's the Stowe alternative for people who don't need Stowe's polish.
The mountain has a split personality in the best way. There's 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. If you want slower lifts, family terrain, and a hill that still has serious upper-mountain skiing, Smuggs has a clearer case than most of the polished northern Vermont options.