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BURKE, VT – May 7, 2025. After nine years in limbo, Burke Mountain and is hitting the ground running with new owners, The Bear Den Partners (BDP). The group, consisting of the Burke Mountain Academy, the Schaffers, and the Murphys, laid out plans for a series of capital projects that should perk up the ears of skiers and riders everywhere. Topping the list: snowmaking.
“Snowmaking is in pretty exception shape actually,” said Ken Graham, a principal investor with BDP. “Theres a ton of high quality snowguns on the hill and the pipelines are in good shape. We just need to boost the power within the snowmaking system.”
Work to increase the power of the existing system is already underway, with plans for a first round of updates to be completed for the 2025-26 season (BDP aims to eventually triple the system’s snowmaking capacity). Unleashing the potential of Burke’s snowmaking capability would allow the ski area to extend its season, lay down more snow faster, and solidify the ski resort’s presence in new and existing markets.
“Burke has two major metropolitan areas, Boston and Montreal, in three hours’ drive—that’s 8.6M people,” says Murphy. “For people looking to experience authentic Vermont and authentic Northeast Kingdom, it’s worth the extra drive.”
BDP’s reoccurring theme was revitalizing—not revising—the ski area. Through community collaboration, BDP aims to foster a “unified Burke,” expanding the draw of the entire region as a year-round destination.
“This isn’t just a change in ownership—it’s a restoration of pride,” said Jon Schaefer, CEO of Bear Den Partners and owner of Berkshire East and Catamount. “We’re matching the community’s loyalty with real, targeted investments that will allow Burke to thrive.”
“There are a lot of great locals that have joined us here today, and that was really important to all of us,” added Murphy. “This is a community effort. That’s what a great ski business is.”
The group finalized its $11.5 million purchase on May 2, ending nearly a decade of federal oversight stemming from the EB-5 investment fraud case.
➤ Expanded Snowmaking Capacity
Schaefer emphasized that the group’s top priority is rebuilding the snowmaking system to triple its capacity. The improvements include new pumps, modernized infrastructure, and energy-efficient technology designed to deliver more snow, more quickly—and with lower electricity use. “More snow faster immediately resolves the turf war over who gets what trail first,” he said, “and allows us to rebound far faster from weather setbacks.”
➤ Lift System Upgrades and Maintenance
Schaefer also outlined plans to optimize lift operations and address deferred maintenance—both long-standing challenges under previous ownership. The goal: improve reliability so guests spend more time skiing and less time waiting.
➤ Hotel and Hospitality Enhancements
According to Burke General Manager Kevin Mack, the Burke Mountain Hotel, which opened in 2016, has been a “game-changer” for the resort. Bear Den Partners plans to build on that foundation, supporting food and beverage teams with better systems and smarter workflows to improve the overall guest experience.
➤ Behind-the-Scenes Improvements
Schaefer noted that much of the resort’s potential has been held back by outdated systems. “The staff has been working with one hand tied behind their back,” he said. “Our job is to support them by refining operations, upgrading systems, and ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed.”
