Smuggler's Notch, Burke, Berkshire East, Catamount enter new era for 2026-27

[marzNC]

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.

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.
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March 23, 2026

https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/franklin-county/berkshire-east-owner-joins-alliance-with-vermonts-burke-mountain-and-smugglers-notch/

"
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.
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[diymom]

I have my fingers crossed that this means one more New England Indy resort

 

[marzNC]

I have my fingers crossed that this means one more New England Indy resort

Indy with Jay and Smuggs would be a very strong multi-resort pass for people who only have time to ski in the northeast.

Waterville Valley is also a good option for a weekend trip for people who want nice lodging with a simple shuttle option for skiing.

 

[marzNC]

The new GM for Smuggs is coming from Wildcat/Attitash (owned by Vail Resorts). Brandon Swartz has worked in multiple regions and in assorted ops departments. He grew up skiing in New England.

June 10, 2026

Swartz Tapped to Lead Smugglers’ Notch

SAM Magazine—Jeffersonville, Vt., June 10, 2026—Smugglers’ Notch Resort appointed Brandon Swartz as its new general manager. Swartz most recently served as

www.saminfo.com

"
Smugglers’ Notch Resort appointed Brandon Swartz as its new general manager. Swartz most recently served as general manager of Attitash Mountain and Wildcat Ski Area in New Hampshire.

“Brandon understands that great resorts are built on great people and strong communities,” said Jon Schaefer, CEO of Bear Den Partners, which acquired an ownership stake in Smugglers’ Notch in February. “We conducted a national search with several rounds of interviews for this position. During that process Brandon and I spent a lot of time together. I grew to appreciate him as a person, his background in the industry and his dedication to his family. I feel confident that he is the right person with the right ethics to lead Smugglers’ Notch into the future.”

Swartz began his career in Vermont as a ski instructor at Mount Snow and later a student of ski resort management at Lyndon State College. He has held roles in ski patrol at Burke Mountain, Vt., the race department at Keystone Resort, Colo., lift maintenance at Hunter Mountain, N.Y., and lift operations at Heavenly Mountain Resort, Calif. He went on to lead mountain operations at Wilmot Mountain, Wis., and held his first general manager position at Hidden Valley, Mo., before joining Attitash in 2022.
. . ."