If you’re planning a trip to Smugglers’ Notch and want to skip the hotel scene, Jeffersonville and Cambridge, Vermont offer some of the best cabin and chalet rentals in the state. 

Just two miles from the resort, these small villages give you direct access to skiing, hiking, disc golf, and paddling — with a cozy base to come home to at the end of the day.

This guide covers what to do in the area year-round, and introduces showcases 6 of our top pet-friendly chalets all within two miles of Smugglers’ Notch Resort, bookable directly with no platform fees.

About the Jeffersonville and Cambridge Area

Smugglers’ Notch Resort sits in a dramatic mountain pass in northern Vermont, between Madonna Mountain and Sterling Mountain. It’s long been ranked among the top family ski destinations in the Northeast — three interconnected mountains, terrain for every level, and a relaxed atmosphere that skews friendlier than the busier resorts to the south.

Jeffersonville sits at the base of the Notch on the Cambridge side, about two miles from Smugglers’ Notch Resort. It’s a working Vermont village rather than a resort town; there’s a grocery store, a few good restaurants, an art gallery, and canoe rentals on the Lamoille River. The surrounding area feels genuinely off the beaten path, even though the resort is just up the road.

One thing worth planning around: the Notch Road — the scenic pass that connects this side of the mountain to Stowe — closes seasonally from roughly mid-October to mid-May. When it’s open, Stowe is about 20 minutes away. When it’s closed for winter, the drive around is approximately 50 minutes. During ski season, most visitors find there’s more than enough to do without making that detour.

Things to Do Near Smugglers’ Notch by Season

One of the reasons this area draws repeat visitors is the range of activities across all four seasons. Here’s what to expect:

Winter

• Skiing and snowboarding at Smugglers’ Notch Resort — three interconnected mountains with terrain for every level
• Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing through old-growth forest
• Ice skating and family activities at the resort village

Spring

• Fly fishing the Brewster River as snowmelt brings cold, clear water
• Hiking the Long Trail — several of the cabins below sit within walking distance of trailheads
• Watching the Notch Road reopen, which locals treat as a proper seasonal milestone

Summer

• Disc golf at Brewster Ridge — internationally ranked and one of the best courses in North America
• Canoeing and kayaking on the Lamoille River from Jeffersonville village
• Ziplining and aerial adventures at Smugglers’ Notch Resort
• Swimming holes, waterfall walks, and mountain biking on local trails

Fall

• Peak foliage drives through the Notch and into the Champlain Valley
• Apple picking and farm visits in the surrounding towns
• Hiking with ridgeline views of the fall color from the Long Trail

A Note on Disc Golf

The Brewster Ridge disc golf course near Smugglers’ Notch deserves a specific mention because it’s not widely known outside disc golf circles despite being ranked among the best courses in the world. The course threads through Vermont hardwoods with serious elevation change, making it a memorable round for players of any skill level. The Notch Lodges chalets are just minutes away, and at least one chalet even has a disc golf basket on site.

Cabin and Chalet Rentals Near Smugglers’ Notch to Consider

All five properties are in Jeffersonville or Cambridge, within two miles of the resort. They’re all pet-friendly, all bookable directly through Stay with no service fees, and available to be combined for groups who want separate spaces on the same trip.

1. Charming Vermont Log Cabin — Jeffersonville, VT

Sleeps 6 · 3 bed · 2 bath · From $202/night

The log cabin sleeps six across three bedrooms and is well-suited for families or groups. It has a gas fireplace, a firepit with seating for six, a gas grill, a fully equipped kitchen, and an in-unit washer and dryer. Located 2 miles from Smugglers’ Notch, with easy access to the village of Jeffersonville for dining and grocery shopping.

2. Blue Jay’s Blue Chalet — Jeffersonville, VT

Sleeps 4 · 2 bed · 1 bath · From $127/night

A peaceful streamside chalet less than 500 yards from Smugglers’ Notch Resort and minutes from the Long Trail. There’s even a disc golf basket on the property for a warm-up round. Note that the upstairs bedroom is accessed by a steep, narrow staircase, which adds to the character but isn’t for everyone.

3. Vintage Chalet — Jeffersonville, VT

Sleeps 4 · 2 bed · 1 bath · From $127/night

A romantic, wooded retreat with a fireplace, a streamside setting, and a loft bedroom reached by a spiral staircase. Ideal for couples or two couples traveling together who want a quiet, cozy base. The spiral staircase is not suitable for children under 8, and most dogs are more comfortable staying on the main floor.

4. By the Brewster Chalet — Jeffersonville, VT

Sleeps 4 · 2 bed · 1 bath · From $144/night

Overlooking the Brewster River, this chalet has a king bedroom, a second bedroom with two singles, a dedicated workstation, and a secluded backyard despite being a 3-minute drive from the resort. Good option for remote workers who need a desk setup alongside their outdoor time.

5. Copper Roof Chalet — Cambridge, VT

Sleeps 5 · 2 bed · 1 bath · From $144/night

An open-concept chalet set alongside a babbling brook, with a firepit, gas grill, and a layout designed for spending time together. The main bedroom has a queen bed; the loft sleeps three with a double and a single. Three minutes from both Smugglers’ Notch Resort and the Brewster Ridge disc golf course.

Ready to Plan Your Vermont Trip?

Whether you’re coming for a ski weekend, a summer hiking trip, fall foliage, or a group getaway, the Notch Lodges chalets offer a comfortable, well-located base with no booking fees and a host who knows the area well.