Skiers have long known the joys of Vermont Winter in the "Stowe-Smugglers Notch" region of Northern Vermont, also known as the "Ski Capital of the East," where you'll find the iconic Stowe Mountain Resort above the town of the same name, Stowe.

The "quiet side of the mountain," as locals sometimes refer to it, includes one of Vermont's most popular ski resorts - the family-friendly Smugglers' Notch Resort in Jeffersonville.

"Smugglers' Notch" is a winding pass at the foot of Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, between Stowe and Jeffersonville. The road through the Notch, Route 108, is one of two officially designated scenic highways in the state and is closed during the winter, from about mid-October through mid-May.

Follow SnoCountry's current Vermont ski reports right here on Vermont.com, then click on a resort for more details. It's Vermont Winter.

Ski it.

Snowboarding, as we know it today, began when a young man named Jake Burton Carpenter started manufacturing fiberglass snowboards out of his garage in 1979. Of course, Jake is the namesake of the market-leading Burton Snowboards Company, with its headquarters in Burlington, located just west of the "Stowe-Smugglers' Notch" region" region.

Today, participants who ski or snowboard co-exist together on both, Smugglers' Notch Resort and Stowe Mountain Resort, observing a national Skiers and Snowboarders Responsibility Code. Snowboarding lessons are offered at both resorts, with professional snowboard instructors, and both resorts have terrain parks, where riders - even relative beginners - can learn and practice tricks.

Snowboarding in Northern Vermont. Ride it.

Is snowmobiling your passion? The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) maintains a "vast" network of scenic snowmobile trails throughout the "Stowe-Smugglers' Notch" region of Vermont. Eighty percent of the VAST trails are on private land, so staying on those trails is very important. Snowmobiling on these private lands is indeed a privilege to be respected.

It's easy to access VAST's trails. You will need a valid trail pass, state registration, and insurance. You can also take a guided tour from one of Vermont's many snowmobile tour operators. You do not need to re-register in Vermont if you are already registered in your home state or province, but you must join a local club and purchase a trail pass.

Snowmobile Clubs of the "Stowe-Smugglers' Notch" region include the Gihon Trak Packers in Eden, the Lamoille County Snow Packers in Morrisville, the Smugglers' Notch Snowmobile Club in Jeffersonville, the Sterling Snow Riders in Johnson, the Stowe Snowmobile Club, and the Wolcott Snow Travelers.

Snowmobiling in Northern Vermont. Ride it.

The "Stowe-Smugglers' Notch" region of Vermont is a great place to enjoy cross country skiing. Gliding across pastures, fields, and through the woods on cross country skis is as serene or exciting as you want it to be.

Some wonderful old New England inns and ski resorts have great access to cross country skiing, such as the Stowehof Inn & Resort and Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont.

Cross country skiing in Northern Vermont. Glide it.

You can choose to unwind or windup after your day in one of the most relaxing and romantic places in the world. Classic inns such as the Stowehof Inn & Resort, the Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa, and the Green Mountain Inn can be found in the "Stowe-Smugglers' Notch" region.

Most winter days are pleasantly cold. Enjoy the sun when it pokes through beautifully once March rolls around, offering a truly delightful spring skiing experience.

And when you see the sun or moon sparkling on the Northern Vermont fields of snow, or glistening off Mount Mansfield, the photograph in your mind never will go away. It's easy to say, "I love you" in Northern Vermont Winter.

Love it.