Big Burke announcement

[VTKilarney]

I strongly disagree with this. There is one dead month in each shoulder season, but I've found the place to be reasonable busy during summer and most fall week-ends.

We definitely disagree. First, weekends are only two days out of seven. Second, I have been there on summer weekends when we leave an hour before closing and we are the very last people in the park.

Just looking at admissions may not be that accurate. Our family pass is $250 and is good for just short of seven months. Even if we go just ten times in those seven months, we've only paid just $6.25 per person per visit. On a typical summer weekend we recognize a lot of same faces, which suggests that many people are there on summer passes.

Just the cost of pumping all of that water must be massive. And there are a ton of lifeguards and other staff. That place is not cheap to run.

On the other hand, I definitely agree that the place is hopping in the winter.

 

[VTKilarney]

Moving forward, I'm willing to bet that Jerry Davis will file a foreclosure action on the hotel to enforce his lien. At this point he has to know that he's not getting anything from Stenger/Quiros, so he doesn't have any other options.

If he doesn't file a foreclosure action, this could be a sign that a buyer is in the wings. I doubt someone has come forward already, but who knows.

 

[fbrissette]

We don't use the park in the winter (too busy) but we also have a pass in the summer. I have never ever seen the place even close to being empty, but we're not there at closing time either.

The have stated 220 000 entries per year (not that I believe anything they say anymore). Even at an average of 10$ this is more than the 2M$ mentionned earlier. It is also used to bring tournaments, weddings and hotel nights so for all we know it could be a loss leader.

 

[BenedictGomez]

That is what I always thought was stupid design wise. They should have tried to build up Tramside as a village like Tremblant or Stratton. Keep all the lodging and amenities close together so that everything is easily accessible within walking distance of each other. Instead they spread everything out with half the amenities and a hotel over at Stateside which makes no sense. They should have left Stateside as just a base for day skiers only.

Agreed. Not only that, but Jay Peak has become a bit of an eyesore with all the development all over the place. It's not even recognizable from what it was 10 years ago. Would have been much better off if all the development was contained.

In that same vein, I'd love to know what their true occupancy rate is between hotels and condominiums, because my suspicion is that they overbuilt and are now oversupplied - which real is easy to do when you're feloniously building with "free money".

I have a feeling that in 5 or 6 years, instead of staying with family in Franklin County, I'm going to be staying at Jay Peak because the discounted lodging may be so cheap.

 

[JPTracker]

Anyone think about the timing of this lien and how it occurred shortly before this whole mess.

It's like Jerry Davis knew this was coming.

 

[VTKilarney]

Anyone think about the timing of this lien and how it occurred shortly before this whole mess.

It's like Jerry Davis knew this was coming.

My opinion: Jerry Davis went public when he knew that the house of cards had completely fallen. Up until then he was VERY careful to keep pleasing Stenger and Quiros.

 

[oldtimer]

ALL of the players had to know this was coming. You cannot do the forensic accounting and all the other investigative work that has been done without interviews, subpoenas etc. I suspect that one of the reasons the JR has been SO UNPLEASANT and such an ass is that he/they have known this day was coming and he is trapped. The guy I marvel at is Stenger. He has been working HARD at trying keep Jay Peak running, trying to get jr to do the right thing at Burke & still out there trying to drum up EB-5 money. He is either incredibly good at hiding what he is thinking or he didn't fully understand how bad this is/was.

Anyone think about the timing of this lien and how it occurred shortly before this whole mess.

It's like Jerry Davis knew this was coming.

 

[BenedictGomez]

The have stated 220 000 entries per year (not that I believe anything they say anymore). Even at an average of 10$ this is more than the 2M$ mentionned earlier.

No way. That's 600 people per day, 365 days per year, including mud season. I cant imagine that's possible.

Maybe that's bodies past turnstiles, including employees, including the 13 year old kid who entered/exited 7 times per day, etc.., but I cant imagine that's unique/paid visits.

 

[thetrailboss]

ALL of the players had to know this was coming. You cannot do the forensic accounting and all the other investigative work that has been done without interviews, subpoenas etc. I suspect that one of the reasons the JR has been SO UNPLEASANT and such an ass is that he/they have known this day was coming and he is trapped. The guy I marvel at is Stenger. He has been working HARD at trying keep Jay Peak running, trying to get jr to do the right thing at Burke & still out there trying to drum up EB-5 money. He is either incredibly good at hiding what he is thinking or he didn't fully understand how bad this is/was.

I honestly think that if he told us the truth he would say that the end (a better Jay Peak) justifies the means. And that everything would turn out fine, everyone would get their money back, and everything would be great. I think he was just simply overwhelmed trying to manage this huge thing that he created.

 

[oldtimer]

VIOLATION of the rules of web forum fighting: who brings a calculator to these rumbles? definitely a violation.

No way. That's 600 people per day, 365 days per year, including mud season. I cant imagine that's possible.

Maybe that's bodies past turnstiles, including employees, including the 13 year old kid who entered/exited 7 times per day, etc.., but I cant imagine that's unique/paid visits.

 

[BenedictGomez]

VIOLATION of the rules of web forum fighting: who brings a calculator to these rumbles? definitely a violation.

I dont buy a loaf of bread without building an Excel spreadsheet.

<----dork

 

[thetrailboss]

VIOLATION of the rules of web forum fighting: who brings a calculator to these rumbles? definitely a violation.

:lol:

 

[thetrailboss]

And because of BG's lead, I did some digging and found this newly released footage of the Receiver interviewing Ary and Mike for their jobs.

First, Ary:



Then big Mike:



And finally, the remaining janitor at the mountain who does "the bare minimum to not get fired" by Ary:

 

[burski]

How would Jerry Davis know anything??? (Jerry left / Bill Kelly named in complaint on right)...

 

[thetrailboss]

How would Jerry Davis know anything??? (Jerry left / Bill Kelly named in complaint on right)...

Yeah...I mean wasn't Q and Stenger partners with him in the Jay Peak construction entity?

 

[VTKilarney]

They finally broke their Facebook silence:

As you may have heard, Q Burke Mountain Resort will be working under what is referred to as a receiving firm while current ownership works with state and federal officials surrounding their ongoing investigation relative to the EB5 Foreign Investment Program. This investigation is not connected to the day-to-day operations of the mountain, campground, mountain biking or any of our services that will continue to operate as we move forward with summer operations.
It has been made clear by the team representing this receiving firm and who addressed the Q Burke employees yesterday morning that their number one priority is to ensure we continue moving forward with our current operations and that our employees maintain their current work schedules. The first step towards our state inspection for the Sherburne Express is scheduled for Monday, April 18th in preparation for the Q Burke Bike Park opening Memorial Day weekend. Grips (shown below) from the Sherburne are ready and prepared for the non-destructive testing.
Our new online reservation system for the Q Burke Campground will be fully up and running as well by early next week and we appreciate your patience as we work through that new system. You are welcome to contact our guest services office to reserve your date in advance.
Our sister property said it best “It is an awkward time for us on the ground and we appreciate you giving us some room to figure all of this out. We will absolutely keep you in the loop as this takes more shape and appreciate your support as we move toward a much more sustainable future.”
Thank you everyone, we will be in touch.

 

[VTKilarney]

Does anyone else find it interesting that the decisively appointed an in-house manager at Jay Peak, but that they haven't named anyone for Burke? That does not bode well for Ary. I can't imagine that they want the prime target's son in the hen house.

 

[from_the_NEK]

Does anyone else find it interesting that the decisively appointed an in-house manager at Jay Peak, but that they haven't named anyone for Burke? That does not bode well for Ary. I can't imagine that they want the prime target's son in the hen house.

And I'm sure the fact that he has run the operation into the ground and NO ONE respects him has nothing to do with him being marginalized so far (if not already shown the door).

Steve Wright = Well respected industry professional

Q Jr =

 

[Edd]

Does anyone else find it interesting that the decisively appointed an in-house manager at Jay Peak, but that they haven't named anyone for Burke.

First thing I noticed. It's nice to see that they intend to operate but the sooner they get a new manager, the better. Even with this shitstorm, that change would bring such relief.

 

[oldtimer]

you guys have forgotten, Qbukre has a GM who is not Ary- Mike P. is GM. carefully inserted before the shit hit the fan.

First thing I noticed. It's nice to see that they intend to operate but the sooner they get a new manager, the better. Even with this shitstorm, that change would bring such relief.