Berkshire East, Catamount Merge with Bear Den Partners
New pass offerings are being rolled out.
Monday, March 23, 2026, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
Bear Den Partners has expanded its portfolio again, as sister areas Berkshire East and Catamount have been formally added to the entity.
Established as a Vermont business entity on April 4, 2025, Bear Den Partners LLC acquired Burke Mountain last year, adding Smugglers Notch in February. The company's chairman is Kenneth Graham and CEO is Jon Schaefer.
A PSIA certified examiner from Michigan, Roy Schaefer started as general manager of Berkshire East in 1976, acquiring the area with Michigan business partners the following year. Thirty years later, Schaefer and his oldest son Jim acquired the area outright, with his youngest son Jon soon assuming the role of assistant general manager.
In May 2018, the Schaefer family acquired Catamount, quickly investing in lift, snowmaking, and lodge improvements. The Schaefers also served as consultants at Haystack and Bousquet in recent years.
As of March 23, 2026, Berkshire East is still formally owned by Berkshire East Ski Resort, LLC and Catamount by Catamount Ski Resort, LLC, both of which controlled by the Schaefer family.
According to a press release issued today, "The resorts will operate under the Bear Den Mountain Alliance, a network of independent mountains that share resources, operational expertise and long-term capital while maintaining local leadership, unique identities and guest experiences. Current owners remain actively involved."
Jon Schaefer noted, "This step represents an evolution for my family, not an exit."
According to Ski Area Management, "Berkshire East and Catamount have both just completed major capital cycles," while a Smugglers Notch capital plan is still being formed.
In Massachusetts, the Berkshire Summit Pass (a Berkshire East-Bousquet-Catamount offering) has been replaced by the Authentic Independent Mountains "AIM High Pass," which includes unlimited Berkshire East and Catamount access, as well as partial access to Burke and Smugglers Notch.
In Vermont, a joint Burke and Smugglers Notch pass has been announced, which includes partial access to Berkshire East and Catamount.
