With the first season under Bear Den Partners about to end at Burke, the next season will be a new era for Burke and Smuggler's Notch. For one thing, there will be a joint season pass. That's because Bear Den will be the majority owner for both by the 2026-27 season. From an operational standpoint, skiers/boarders probably won't notice many changes in the short run.
In addition, the Bear Den will also own Berkshire East and Catamount.
Note that the Schaefer family isn't going anywhere. Jon Schaefer and his oldest brother, Jim, are key players in the formation of Bear Den. Jon is the CEO.
The ownership transition for Smuggs was announced in February 2026.
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February 11, 2026, Jeffersonville, Vermont — Smugglers’ Notch Resort and Bear Den Partners today announced a collaborative ownership transition that shifts the Vermont-based independent resort operator into partnership with Smugglers’ Notch, one of North America’s most celebrated family-focused mountain destinations.
Smugglers’ Notch has been owned and operated for the past 29 years by William Stritzler, whose values-driven leadership has shaped the resort’s enduring reputation for family connection, community, and an authentic mountain experience. The Stritzler family will continue to have an ownership stake and Bill’s daughter Lisa will serve as an advisor on the future of the mountain. The partnership with Bear Den Partners reflects a shared commitment to preserving these principles while supporting the resort’s long-term vitality.
. . ."
March 23, 2026
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Berkshire East Mountain Resort and Catamount Mountain Resort joined Bear Den Partners to form an alliance with Vermont’s Burke Mountain and Smugglers’ Notch.
Bear Den Partners was founded in 2025 by Ken Graham and Jon Schaefer to support independent ski areas through shared operating resources and capital. The alliance allows individual mountains to maintain their local leadership and unique identities while benefiting from a larger network of expertise.
. . ."
In addition, the Bear Den will also own Berkshire East and Catamount.
Note that the Schaefer family isn't going anywhere. Jon Schaefer and his oldest brother, Jim, are key players in the formation of Bear Den. Jon is the CEO.
The ownership transition for Smuggs was announced in February 2026.
Announcement | Smugglers’ Notch Resort Vermont
Bear Den Partners and Smugglers' Notch Resort Announce Collaborative Ownership Transition
www.smuggs.com
February 11, 2026, Jeffersonville, Vermont — Smugglers’ Notch Resort and Bear Den Partners today announced a collaborative ownership transition that shifts the Vermont-based independent resort operator into partnership with Smugglers’ Notch, one of North America’s most celebrated family-focused mountain destinations.
Smugglers’ Notch has been owned and operated for the past 29 years by William Stritzler, whose values-driven leadership has shaped the resort’s enduring reputation for family connection, community, and an authentic mountain experience. The Stritzler family will continue to have an ownership stake and Bill’s daughter Lisa will serve as an advisor on the future of the mountain. The partnership with Bear Den Partners reflects a shared commitment to preserving these principles while supporting the resort’s long-term vitality.
. . ."
March 23, 2026
"
Berkshire East Mountain Resort and Catamount Mountain Resort joined Bear Den Partners to form an alliance with Vermont’s Burke Mountain and Smugglers’ Notch.
Bear Den Partners was founded in 2025 by Ken Graham and Jon Schaefer to support independent ski areas through shared operating resources and capital. The alliance allows individual mountains to maintain their local leadership and unique identities while benefiting from a larger network of expertise.
. . ."
