Published 11 days ago • loading... • Updated 10 days ago

Smugglers' Notch Resort to be sold to Bear Den Partners

On Wednesday, Smugglers' Notch Resort announced a collaborative ownership transition to Bear Den Partners, with the Stritzler family retaining a stake and Lisa Howe serving as adviser.
Bill Stritzler sought an independent partner and chose Bear Den Partners because they share his belief in a family-, employee-, and community-focused resort.
Bear Den Partners, led by Jon Schaefer and Ken Graham, formed last year and bought Burke Mountain for $11.5 million, planning snowmaking, lift, and lodge upgrades with a full master plan.
Employees and season-pass holders will see continuity as existing passes and prices remain unchanged, employees keep jobs with pay and benefits intact, and officials said skiers shouldn’t notice differences during transition.
Industry consolidation and past rumors of a Vail Resorts bid raised concern as Smugglers' Notch faces uncertain multi-mountain pass integration next year and past gondola plans were blocked by state environmental regulators.

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Smugglers Notch resort sold to Burke Mountain owner

Smugglers’ Notch has been owned and operated for the past 29 years by William “Bill” Stritzler. Under the new ownership structure, the Stritzler family will retain an ownership stake, and Stritzler’s daughter, Lisa Howe, will serve as an advisor on the future of the mountain.

10 days ago

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Mass Live

Center

Owners of Berkshire East & Catamount acquire Smugglers’ Notch in Vermont

This is the second Vermont ski area the Schaefer family has purchased through Bear Den Partners in a year.

10 days ago·Springfield, United States

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Boston Globe

Lean Left

Smuggler’s Notch Resort acquired by Vermont ownership group - The Boston Globe

The buyers purchased Burke Mountain Resort last year and have ties to two western Massachusetts mountains.

11 days ago·Boston, United States

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VT Digger

Center

Smugglers’ Notch Resort sold to new Burke Mountain owners

The Jeffersonville ski resort, formerly owned by Bill Stritzler, announced a “collaborative ownership transition” with Bear Den Partners, owner of Burke Mountain and multiple Massachusetts ski resorts.

11 days ago·Montpelier, United States

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WCAX-TV

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Smugglers’ Notch partners with new Burke Mtn. owners in ownership transition

Smugglers’ Notch Resort announced a new ownership partnership with the owners of Burke Mountain Resort.

11 days ago·Burlington, United States

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WPTZ

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Smugglers' Notch Resort to be sold to Bear Den Partners

The resort has been family owned by the Stritzler family for nearly 30 years and will continue to be locally owned under the new partnership agreement.

11 days ago·Plattsburgh, United States

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