Burke's New Owners and New Start (2025)

[thetrailboss]

I will try to find the most recent version. Northern Star had started the major work. The idea was to add more top to MidBurke snowmaking routes. One “new” trail was going to link Carriage Road to Little Dipper. They thinned the trees more than 20 years ago. One can also see the snowmaking pipe stub passing under the Toll Road for this route (and maybe the Doug’s Drop line). Those are two easy top to MidBurke routes.

IMHO I think adding a snowmaking line up Dipper Doodle, to Powderhorn, then up Wilderness would be really easy and add another snowmaking route.

I don’t think that they had big plans for West Bowl/West Peak. The exposure is a bit more SW and in my experience that slight angle makes a difference in terms of holding snow. But that is great pitch.

The East Bowl has been on expansion plans for now almost 40 years. It has never really progressed. As I’ve outlined, they can add three snowmaking routes with relatively little cutting using existing trails. That step would help a lot.

 

[deadheadskier]

I think just perfecting what they have with a bit more snowmaking is the best path for now. Everybody loves new terrain (when done well), but each expansion requires that much more overhead and skier visits to support. I especially think adding new lifts wouldn't be prudent until they see significantly more traffic.

The beauty about Burke is you can ski the entire mountain off of just two lifts, so you can really keep overhead down midweek when it's always going to be even more quiet there than most other places due to its bad location.

 

[B-Eastski]

Terrain expansion Year after next? I hope West Bowl not East Bowl. Leave glades alone. Also add more glades

What The New Owners of Burke Mountain Plan To Do In The Next 24 Months

New owners plan for maintenance projects, snowmaking enhancements, and new terrain.

unofficialnetworks.com

One of Burke’s biggest Problems is there is Zero Green runs on the main mountain and some of the blues would be blacks at many ski areas. I’m guessing with Jon involved he is trying to figure out how to get an easier way down off the summit. Everyone no matter their ability wants to ski off the summit. Not all that long ago that was Berkshire East’s problem and he cut two runs off the top that curl around back at a much more gentle slope. Not sure this is possible at Burke, but the mountain needs this.

 

[B-Eastski]

I think just perfecting what they have with a bit more snowmaking is the best path for now. Everybody loves new terrain (when done well), but each expansion requires that much more overhead and skier visits to support. I especially think adding new lifts wouldn't be prudent until they see significantly more traffic.

The beauty about Burke is you can ski the entire mountain off of just two lifts, so you can really keep overhead down midweek when it's always going to be even more quiet there than most other places due to its bad location.

Its really not a bad location, being right off 91. Its just not off ROUTE 100 which is arguably the one of the best ski roads in North America. 91 is one if the easiest drives too.

 

[thetrailboss]

One of Burke’s biggest Problems is there is Zero Green runs on the main mountain and some of the blues would be blacks at many ski areas. I’m guessing with Jon involved he is trying to figure out how to get an easier way down off the summit. Everyone no matter their ability wants to ski off the summit. Not all that long ago that was Berkshire East’s problem and he cut two runs off the top that curl around back at a much more gentle slope. Not sure this is possible at Burke, but the mountain needs this.

That will be a tough order to fill. Toll Road/Deer Run is not THAT bad for someone who can ski the Lower Mountain without any issues. But it largely lacks snowmaking and is narrow (and a bit steep) near the bottom.

Now for a Burke trivia question: what trail has been a green circle, blue square, and now a black diamond during my lifetime?

 

[Edd]

That will be a tough order to fill. Toll Road/Deer Run is not THAT bad for someone who can ski the Lower Mountain without any issues. But it largely lacks snowmaking and is narrow (and a bit steep) near the bottom.

Now for a Burke trivia question: what trail has been a green circle, blue square, and now a black diamond during my lifetime?

East Bowl? I skied it a couple seasons ago, surprised to see it rated black because it was blue my previous visit. I could see it being green as it meanders alot.

 

[thetrailboss]

East Bowl? I skied it a couple seasons ago, surprised to see it rated black because it was blue my previous visit. I could see it being green as it meanders alot.

You got it. It was a green in the 1980's through maybe 1991 or so, then blue from 1990's right up to maybe 2011 or so. Now a black diamond.

 

[Edd]

You got it. It was a green in the 1980's through maybe 1991 or so, then blue from 1990's right up to maybe 2011 or so. Now a black diamond.

Awesome trail, a couple of friends with me were doing it for the first time. Even being snowboarders (bad skate out), they loved it. Pow day, so it was a total blast.

 

[thetrailboss]

Awesome trail, a couple of friends with me were doing it for the first time. Even being snowboarders (bad skate out), they loved it. Pow day, so it was a total blast.

It is my favorite Burke run. I have many there. Lots of memories of friends and family.

 

[thetrailboss]

Other favorites: Ledges, Wilderness/Powderhorn/Dipper Doodle, Carriage Road.

 

[Edd]

Tom Day from Gunstock just cannot stay out of the ski business


BURKE MOUNTAIN RESORT ANNOUNCES EXPANDED TEAM FOR 2025
Vermont Resort Pulls Ski Industry Veteran Tom Day Out of Retirement….Again

Burke, Vermont, June 2, 2025 – Burke Mountain Resort of East Burke, Vermont, announces new hires and promotions as the company settles into new operating life after nine years of receivership. Ski industry veteran Tom Day has come out of retirement to serve as interim General Manager. Kevin Mack, who has served as GM for the past 10 years, is now Vice President of Transition Services. Additionally Burke has hired Keith Fortier as its new Chief Financial Officer as well as retained a variety of industry experts to consult on various projects.

Ski industry veteran Tom Day put his retirement on hold for the fourth time to join the Burke family as Interim General Manager. Day started his career at Waterville Valley, NH as a lift operator and moved up through various managerial positions over the years until he landed at the GM position in 1997. He ran the mountain until 2010. From there he has helped various businesses in New England work through transitions to build new programs and execute visions for success. Most recently, Day spent five years at Gunstock Mountain in NH; where, during his tenure, he increased skier visits by 29 percent, increased revenue by 60%, executed $18 million in capital improvements without borrowing money and created systems to ensure Gunstock would continue to flourish upon his exit. Day will begin at Burke on June 5.

“It’s always an exciting thing to see an independent New England business have the opportunity to create a sustainable future for its staff and guests,” said Day. “Honestly, unretiring again to help Burke in this transition was an easy decision. It’s what I love to do. I bring a lot of energy to my work and I hope that integrates into the overall ethos at Burke. I’m really looking forward to getting to know the team and getting started.”

Keith Fortier has joined the team as CFO. He spent a decade at New Hampshire-based Pete and Gerry’s eggs where he built the finance, supply chain, and operations functions as it grew from a small regional egg company to a national name. Prior to Burke, he was a consultant for various businesses, assisting in creating sustainable financial systems for maximum efficiency and output.

In his new role as VP of Transition Services, Kevin Mackwill oversee all business services for the resort and on-mountain hotel, including Human Resources, Accounting and more. Mack is a 10 year veteran of Burke and championed the mountain during its most challenging time during receivership.

“We are so excited to have Tom rejoin the industry to do what he does best - take a wide view of our operational needs and help create resort-wide best practices, as well as continue to elevate the positive energy of the team,” said Bear Den Partners CEO Jon Schaefer. “Streamlining our business with Keith as CFO and Kevin managing all the transitions and business processes makes the front office a solid foundation to build upon.”

Bear Den Partners has also engaged various industry professionals who have taken on advisory roles to usher Burke into this new era. Victor Waryas is helping with business development, marketing and programming. He has spent his career focused on driving growth and brand development for iconic resorts, consumer brands and top grossing touring artists. Matt Arrants, a 20+ year veteran in the hospitality industry, joined the team with consulting oversight of the Burke Hotel. Howard Wein, of Howard Wein and Associates is advising the resort’s food and beverage operation. Vermont-based communications professional Melissa Gullotti is managing communications and publicity.

On the advisory staff, Schaefer continued, “I’m honored by how quickly and professionally this task force jumped into the mix. They are all here to make everyone’s jobs at Burke easier and to usher through a quick transition to our new course for the resort, while leaving intact the existing operating team. Plus each of them is a skier, snowboarder, biker who loves the resort, the region and KT, and is motivated to see the mountain flourish. I personally couldn’t be more proud to have such an awesome team of staff and consultants to rally around our vision for Burke Mountain”

 

[thetrailboss]

Tom Day from Gunstock just cannot stay out of the ski business


BURKE MOUNTAIN RESORT ANNOUNCES EXPANDED TEAM FOR 2025
Vermont Resort Pulls Ski Industry Veteran Tom Day Out of Retirement….Again

Burke, Vermont, June 2, 2025 – Burke Mountain Resort of East Burke, Vermont, announces new hires and promotions as the company settles into new operating life after nine years of receivership. Ski industry veteran Tom Day has come out of retirement to serve as interim General Manager. Kevin Mack, who has served as GM for the past 10 years, is now Vice President of Transition Services. Additionally Burke has hired Keith Fortier as its new Chief Financial Officer as well as retained a variety of industry experts to consult on various projects.

Ski industry veteran Tom Day put his retirement on hold for the fourth time to join the Burke family as Interim General Manager. Day started his career at Waterville Valley, NH as a lift operator and moved up through various managerial positions over the years until he landed at the GM position in 1997. He ran the mountain until 2010. From there he has helped various businesses in New England work through transitions to build new programs and execute visions for success. Most recently, Day spent five years at Gunstock Mountain in NH; where, during his tenure, he increased skier visits by 29 percent, increased revenue by 60%, executed $18 million in capital improvements without borrowing money and created systems to ensure Gunstock would continue to flourish upon his exit. Day will begin at Burke on June 5.

“It’s always an exciting thing to see an independent New England business have the opportunity to create a sustainable future for its staff and guests,” said Day. “Honestly, unretiring again to help Burke in this transition was an easy decision. It’s what I love to do. I bring a lot of energy to my work and I hope that integrates into the overall ethos at Burke. I’m really looking forward to getting to know the team and getting started.”

Keith Fortier has joined the team as CFO. He spent a decade at New Hampshire-based Pete and Gerry’s eggs where he built the finance, supply chain, and operations functions as it grew from a small regional egg company to a national name. Prior to Burke, he was a consultant for various businesses, assisting in creating sustainable financial systems for maximum efficiency and output.

In his new role as VP of Transition Services, Kevin Mackwill oversee all business services for the resort and on-mountain hotel, including Human Resources, Accounting and more. Mack is a 10 year veteran of Burke and championed the mountain during its most challenging time during receivership.

“We are so excited to have Tom rejoin the industry to do what he does best - take a wide view of our operational needs and help create resort-wide best practices, as well as continue to elevate the positive energy of the team,” said Bear Den Partners CEO Jon Schaefer. “Streamlining our business with Keith as CFO and Kevin managing all the transitions and business processes makes the front office a solid foundation to build upon.”

Bear Den Partners has also engaged various industry professionals who have taken on advisory roles to usher Burke into this new era. Victor Waryas is helping with business development, marketing and programming. He has spent his career focused on driving growth and brand development for iconic resorts, consumer brands and top grossing touring artists. Matt Arrants, a 20+ year veteran in the hospitality industry, joined the team with consulting oversight of the Burke Hotel. Howard Wein, of Howard Wein and Associates is advising the resort’s food and beverage operation. Vermont-based communications professional Melissa Gullotti is managing communications and publicity.

On the advisory staff, Schaefer continued, “I’m honored by how quickly and professionally this task force jumped into the mix. They are all here to make everyone’s jobs at Burke easier and to usher through a quick transition to our new course for the resort, while leaving intact the existing operating team. Plus each of them is a skier, snowboarder, biker who loves the resort, the region and KT, and is motivated to see the mountain flourish. I personally couldn’t be more proud to have such an awesome team of staff and consultants to rally around our vision for Burke Mountain”

Wow. That is interesting stuff. I know that a lot of the local talent, what few folks there were, have long left due to the receivership. And getting help has been very hard. Hopefully this is going to help them go in the right direction.

 

[Edd]

Wow. That is interesting stuff. I know that a lot of the local talent, what few folks there were, have long left due to the receivership. And getting help has been very hard. Hopefully this is going to help them go in the right direction.

While running Gunstock, Day hiked up the mountain most days (if in town) all year around. In winter, hike up, ski down. He’s going to hike around Burke like crazy and is going to have some opinions about operations.

 

[deadheadskier]

Tom was fantastic at Gunstock. Burke is lucky to have him. Still has a ton of energy for a guy his age. You would not guess him to be in his 70s.

 

[thetrailboss]

Tom was fantastic at Gunstock. Burke is lucky to have him. Still has a ton of energy for a guy his age. You would not guess him to be in his 70s.

It shows that they want to get this right. I am impressed by the number of folks that they have brought in to help.

 

[machski]

It shows that they want to get this right. I am impressed by the number of folks that they have brought in to help.

Yes. That said, Schaffer and Day are two big players in the ski area industry. Hopefully egos do not collide on best paths forward. That would be my only concern.

 

[jimmywilson69]

so what can Burke do to "market" itself better to be sustainable.

As someone who has never skied there, and before joining this forum even knew it existed, sell me on why I would want to ski there.

 

[deadheadskier]

so what can Burke do to "market" itself better to be sustainable.

As someone who has never skied there, and before joining this forum even knew it existed, sell me on why I would want to ski there.

Currently, (when they have a deep, natural base) Burke is the best 2K vertical mountain skiing experience on a Saturday in Vermont. Assuming you prioritize great terrain with minimal lift lines. My guess is you have skied Pico. Picture that with better terrain.

What they need to do is have aggressive enough snowmaking to offer a similarly great experience when it's low tide. If they do that, maybe they finally start to build up their repeat / baseline business to improve their financial situation so they can invest. If that happens, then they should be looking at a secondary upper mountain public lift to take the pressure off the HSQ. The T Bar won't be enough

 

[Hawk]

I'll be up there this weekend Mountain biking. We rented a big house on the access road. I have to admit I have never been to Burke in the winter. I have been dozens of times on my bike though in the spring summer and fall. I need to do a ski day there.

 

[Killingtime]

so what can Burke do to "market" itself better to be sustainable.

As someone who has never skied there, and before joining this forum even knew it existed, sell me on why I would want to ski there.

I've heard mostly good things about Burke. Now with two Indy days, relatively close to Jay, new top-tier management. It's also one of a small handful of places I haven't been to. I'll fit it in somehow on my Jay trips this coming season.