AlpineZone News
Skiing News
EAST BURKE, Vermont -- Amongst the backdrop of this fall's brilliant colors you will find Burke's staff preparing for the upcoming ski season. Trails are being mown, lifts are being inspected, staffing needs are being assessed, and the rental equipment is being tested. Joe Kasprzak, Director of Ski Operations, is very optimistic about the upcoming season, "Pass sales have exceeded our expectations here at Burke, and within the industry ski resort operators are experiencing similar results. Skiing and snowboarding is a way of life and even during the tough economic downturn we are finding our skiers and riders are committed to their winter sport."
Snowmaking is scheduled to begin in late November with an opening date targeted for December 12th, 2009. Dick Andross, VP of Mountain Operations, states "we are in great shape for the upcoming season. All of our equipment has been fired up, lifts are being inspected, staff is returning for the upcoming season, and we are approaching an El Nino winter which typically produces above average snowfall during the winter months." When asked about capital improvements Andross said "no new lifts, no new trails, although we may have a couple of surprises to announce before the season." Andross was quick to note that the improvements to the mountain over the last several years "have been significant and that the product this season will be excellent."
Tim McGuire, GM and VP of Development at Burke, is pleased to announce that the Act 250 permit application for Burke's expansion has been submitted to the state for review. "For two years we have worked to prepare for this permit submittal and we are confident that our plan for future development is both reasonable and feasible. It is essential that we develop a bed base and four season activity here at Burke. Kingdom Trails has done a great job in developing summer activity here in town and we hope to be able to compliment what they have done." Act 250 approval is a necessary step before any construction can take place and McGuire expects the process to run its course. "We understand and respect the State of Vermont's permit process and expect to review the application with the State over the next several months." Asked when development would begin, McGuire stated, "we would love to have our permits approved so we can be prepared to begin construction when the economy comes out of its downturn. For this upcoming season we will continue to focus on permitting and providing a classic ski experience which we are confident is as good as anywhere in the East."
For more information on Burke Mountain please go to www.skiburke.com.
Snowmaking is scheduled to begin in late November with an opening date targeted for December 12th, 2009. Dick Andross, VP of Mountain Operations, states "we are in great shape for the upcoming season. All of our equipment has been fired up, lifts are being inspected, staff is returning for the upcoming season, and we are approaching an El Nino winter which typically produces above average snowfall during the winter months." When asked about capital improvements Andross said "no new lifts, no new trails, although we may have a couple of surprises to announce before the season." Andross was quick to note that the improvements to the mountain over the last several years "have been significant and that the product this season will be excellent."
Tim McGuire, GM and VP of Development at Burke, is pleased to announce that the Act 250 permit application for Burke's expansion has been submitted to the state for review. "For two years we have worked to prepare for this permit submittal and we are confident that our plan for future development is both reasonable and feasible. It is essential that we develop a bed base and four season activity here at Burke. Kingdom Trails has done a great job in developing summer activity here in town and we hope to be able to compliment what they have done." Act 250 approval is a necessary step before any construction can take place and McGuire expects the process to run its course. "We understand and respect the State of Vermont's permit process and expect to review the application with the State over the next several months." Asked when development would begin, McGuire stated, "we would love to have our permits approved so we can be prepared to begin construction when the economy comes out of its downturn. For this upcoming season we will continue to focus on permitting and providing a classic ski experience which we are confident is as good as anywhere in the East."
For more information on Burke Mountain please go to www.skiburke.com.
