by Guy Page

JEFFERSONVILLE — Smugglers’ Notch Resort and Bear Den Partners, the owners of Burke Mountain Resort, announced Wednesday a collaborative ownership transition that will bring the Jeffersonville resort into partnership with the Vermont-based independent mountain operator.

The purchase of Smugglers’ Notch by Bear Den Partners is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks. Financial terms were not disclosed.

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.

Stritzler said the partnership was designed to ensure continuity and preserve the resort’s family-focused culture.

“We were intentional about finding an operator who truly understands what makes Smuggs special,” Stritzler said in a statement. “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.”

Jon Schaefer, CEO of Bear Den Partners, described the transaction as a “community transition,” noting the involvement of Vermont businesses and state agencies, including Community National Bank.

“When you look at it from Bill Stritzler and CEO daughter Lisa Howe — who wanted the resort to remain local — to the army of people that helped on both sides, you can say it really has been a Vermont-wide community effort,” Schaefer said.

Bear Den Partners is led by Chairman Ken Graham, a lifelong Vermont skier and investment professional, and Schaefer, a ski industry veteran. In 2025, Bear Den acquired Burke Mountain in Vermont. The Schaefer family also owns and operates Berkshire East and Catamount Mountain Resort in western Massachusetts.

Company officials said Smugglers’ Notch will continue operating with its existing culture and leadership approach, with future investments focused on infrastructure, guest experience, employee support and long-term stewardship.

“Smuggs represents everything we believe skiing and riding should be,” Schaefer said. “This is not about changing Smuggs, it’s about supporting what already works, investing thoughtfully, and protecting the experience that families have cherished for generations.”

Smugglers’ Notch is widely recognized for its family-oriented programming and controlled daily capacity during ski season to maintain uncrowded slopes. In addition to winter operations, the resort offers summer and fall activities including mountain biking, hiking, ziplining, disc golf and water attractions.

Over the past year, the resort was ranked No. 2 Ski Resort by USA Today readers, received a Tripadvisor Best of the Best Award, and was named Ski Magazine’s Best Family Resort.

“The soul of skiing is alive at Smuggs,” Graham said. “You don’t just buy a ski area — it’s a far greater responsibility. A resort is a part of the community, and an operator is a steward of the mountain.”

Stritzler announced the sale in a video press release issued Feb. 11.

Smugglers’ Notch, known as “America’s Family Resort,” features a mountainside condominium village, summer waterparks, an award-winning snow sports school, and three mountains with 78 trails of skiing and riding.