Receiver Announces that Burke has a Stalking Horse Bid and Deal will Close by End of 2024

[jaytrem]

First order of business is to clear cut the front.

 

[Tin Woodsman]

Anyone have a guess where Willoughby would be installed? IIRC, the idea had been to use that lift to serve East Bowl. While that would provide the more reliability in high winds, I'm not sure it ticks the box on "intermediate terrain expansion" given the topography back there, though I'd defer to others more familiar with the mountain on that. If that ends up being the line, I guess one would need to take the T-Bar to access that lift in a higher wind setting?

 

[thetrailboss]

Anyone have a guess where Willoughby would be installed? IIRC, the idea had been to use that lift to serve East Bowl. While that would provide the more reliability in high winds, I'm not sure it ticks the box on "intermediate terrain expansion" given the topography back there, though I'd defer to others more familiar with the mountain on that. If that ends up being the line, I guess one would need to take the T-Bar to access that lift in a higher wind setting?

Back in the day Northern Star was considering putting a lift back where the Dipper Poma used to be. This is the “Boarderline” trail. It kind of makes sense because this terrain is underutilized (at least Little Dipper is). That’s one area I can see being considered. That said, From the NEK suggested that they just shorten the Willoughby it’s current alignment so that folks ski Lower Fox’s, Lower Bear Den, etc.

I will be interested in seeing what they do if they do if anything. The idea of “moving” the Willoughby is not new. It’s been around for about 30 years and it has not moved an inch. It’s in pretty bad shape now. I checked it out in 2023 and all of the electrical systems have been ripped out. It will need a new drive and other systems. The chairs are fine. The towers are modified 1960’s era Hall with CTEC cross arms and sheave trains. I’m not sure how much life those will have.

 

[deadheadskier]

From a cost / benefit standpoint, I think leaving it where is, but shorter makes the most sense. It'll create a nice graduated intermediate pod and also offer at least some chairlift services skiing about Sherb if there's wins or issues with the HSQ.

I'm somewhat against the idea of a lift over in East Bowl. Yes, it would be nice to eliminate most of the long traverse back to the main base. The downside is all those trees getting tracked out much faster. The second downside is maybe then they feel the need to add more groomed terrain for that lift to service and that would likely mean losing a tree run or two to the chainsaws.

 

[thetrailboss]

Ultimate Insiders: Graham Family Moves to Save Burke

Through no fault of its own, Burke Mountain Resort has paid a severe price – a nine-year lockdown in a federal receivership – for the crimes of its former owner.

www.northstarmonthly.com