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

Tin Woodsman

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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

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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.
 
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deadheadskier

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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.
 

EPB

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B-Eastski

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Have you noticed anything at Berkshire East, Catamount, or Bousquet that indicates they are over-extended ? They seem pretty well run to me. If I understand the deal correctly, they will be getting paid to operate Burke and they will not be putting any of their own money into the purchase.
Is this correct? Jon is listed has a founding member, operator and investor with in this partnership.

 

B-Eastski

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The Schaefers should probably stretch themselves out more.
Jon is doing a great job with all his operations. He has great people on his teams. He would not have gotten involved if he was not sure. They have been working on this since December 2023. We have all known down here in Charlemont this was happening for a while. Burke will be much better off with Jon and his team coming in.
 

thetrailboss

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So there has been a lot of updates here. The Receiver has filed a motion for the Judge to approve the sale. The Motion has a lot of interesting details. The price is $11.5 million. The BMOA has approved the amendment to the Covenants that would allow for Bear Den Partners to run the Hotel. The State has approved transferring the lease to Bear Den partners. The P&S addendums list all of the multiple easements and other properties that are included in the sale. It is interesting how many properties were purchased in 2005 and 2006 under the Ginn regime.

The Motion and P&S: https://jaypeakreceivership.com/wp-...xj3J4_gEYrSu1fehhE_aem_N-pGbXOK1fXoCSdZ7BV2Fw

News coverage: https://vtdigger.org/2025/04/21/bur...pproval-for-11-5-million-sale-to-local-group/

 
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