NASJA Honors Smugglers’ Notch Resort's Snow Reporter

Publication Date

Sep 22nd, 2025

Business

Location

Vermont

Article Summary

Hugh Johnson of Smugglers’ Notch Resort was honored with the Bob Gillen Memorial Award by the North American Snowsports Journalists Association (NASJA). This award recognizes his nearly three decades of dedicated work as the resort's snow reporter, providing daily updates, writing for the "Views from the Notch" column, and lending his unique voice to on-mountain activities. The accolade celebrates his significant contributions to snowsports communications and journalism.

Smugglers’ Notch Snow Reporter Hugh Johnson Honored by NASJA

The North American Snowsports Journalists Association (NASJA) has awarded its prestigious Bob Gillen Memorial Award to Hugh Johnson, a well-known figure at Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Vermont. This honor, a testament to his three-decade career in snowsports communications, celebrates his significant impact on the industry. Johnson has been the voice and the eyes of the resort for close to 30 years, giving skiers and riders the daily rundown on conditions and a personal look at life at Smugglers’ Notch.

The Bob Gillen Memorial Award is a highly regarded recognition in the snowsports community, named after the late Bob Gillen, a former editor of Ski magazine and a key marketer for iconic resorts like Crested Butte and Sugarbush. This award is presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to snowsports public relations and communications, and Johnson's career embodies these very qualities

The Voice of Smugglers’ Notch

Since he first began, Johnson has been a crucial part of the Smugglers’ Notch experience, connecting with guests through his distinctive daily snow reports and his popular column, "Views from the Notch" (formerly "Hugh's Views"). His work goes beyond just providing numbers; he adds a local’s perspective, sharing the heart and soul of the mountain through his writing, imagery, and on-mountain presence. This dedication has not only informed but also built a loyal following among the resort’s visitors, many of whom rely on his reports to plan their Vermont ski vacations.

For those planning a New England ski getaway, Smugglers’ Notch Resort is a premier destination, offering world-class slopes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Plan Your Vermont Winter Getaway

Hugh Johnson's recognition is a testament to the passionate professionals who make New England's resorts so special. Whether you're interested in a romantic getaway at a cozy inn, a family-friendly vacation at a full-service resort, or an adventure-filled trip, there's something for every traveler.