The new owners of Burke Mountain today acquired a majority stake in Smugglers’ Notch, another of Vermont’s largest independent mountains. Under the deal, prior owner Bill Stritzler and his family retain a minority ownership stake while Bear Den Partners becomes the primary owner and operator. Bear Den’s chairman, Ken Graham, is a lifelong skier and investor with local ties. Jon Schaefer leads the company as CEO. Schaefer also runs Berkshire East and Catamount in Western Massachusetts and helped rebuild Hermitage Club at Haystack Mountain and Bousquet in recent years. “We were intentional about finding an operator who truly understands what makes Smuggs special,” said Stritzler, who stewarded the mountain for 29 years. “We sought out Bear Den Partners as an equity partner because they share our belief that this resort is about families, employees, and community, not trends or shortcuts. This transition is about continuity and stewardship, and we’re confident Smuggs is in the right hands.”

Smuggs features incredible terrain and a family-friendly vibe but also aging infrastructure. The mountain’s seven Hall lifts date back to the 1960s and ’70s. Several were relocated to Smuggs in the ’90s from other mountains as the rest of the industry modernized. The largest top-to-bottom lift, Madonna, dates back to 1963 and takes some 15 minutes to ride. In 2023, Stritzler floated a gondola connection with Vail-owned Stowe, a proposal that garnered significant environmental opposition. Under this new ownership model, less flashy investments are likely. “Smugglers’ Notch will continue to operate with its existing culture, values, and commitment to guests, employees, and the surrounding community,” the new owners noted. “Future investments will be targeted and collaborative, focusing on core infrastructure, guest experience, employee support, and long-term stewardship of the resort.” They specifically cited snowmaking, trail and lift improvements as near-term priorities. “Longer-term, Bear Den will initiate a full master planning process for lift, lodging, and base-area modernization while preserving the Smuggs identity: authentic, family-focused, and proudly independent.”

Pass changes are also likely. Berkshire East, Bousquet, Burke and Catamount all participate in the Indy Pass but Smuggs shuns multi-mountain passes entirely. No changes are planned for the current season other than lodging discounts for passholders of other Bear Den and Schaefer mountains. “Bear Den is evaluating future season pass reciprocity among Burke Mountain and now Smuggs to provide added value without compromising each mountain’s independence or threatening its comfortable carrying capacity with unanticipated crowds,” the company said. Future passes may also include Berkshire East and Catamount.