The Barn Raising of Burke THE BEAR DEN PARTNERS BRING THE SKI RESORT BACK TO LIFE
THERE ARE SOME DEALS THAT START IN BOARDROOMS. Others have more humble beginnings, fueled by nostalgia. The Bear Den, located at Burke Mountain in Northeast Vermont, is called by some“ the last great American après ski bar.” Its sawdust-like floor and walls lined with the framed faces of local ski families encapsulate this sentimental vibe. It proved to be the perfect incubator for a new deal for the Vermont ski resort. Amid the clink of beer mugs and the easy camaraderie of those who ski the Northeast Kingdom, a plan emerged to rescue the mountain they loved from a decade of neglect and fraud.
B y T a y l o r S t a u b a c h
Nestled in the northern corner of Vermont and the serenity of East Burke ' s countryside, the four-season Burke Mountain Resort is a playground for adventure. It also features Burke Mountain Hotel, where all 116 rooms have mountain views.( Courtesy of Burke Mountain)
The Barn Raising of Burke THE BEAR DEN PARTNERS BRING THE SKI RESORT BACK TO LIFE
THERE ARE SOME DEALS THAT START IN BOARDROOMS. Others have more humble beginnings, fueled by nostalgia. The Bear Den, located at Burke Mountain in Northeast Vermont, is called by some“ the last great American après ski bar.” Its sawdust-like floor and walls lined with the framed faces of local ski families encapsulate this sentimental vibe. It proved to be the perfect incubator for a new deal for the Vermont ski resort. Amid the clink of beer mugs and the easy camaraderie of those who ski the Northeast Kingdom, a plan emerged to rescue the mountain they loved from a decade of neglect and fraud.
86 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Holiday 2023 2025