Burke Mountain, VT CLOSES Due To Coronavirus Today

SnowBrains | | Post Tag for Industry NewsIndustry News
Burke Mountain, VT. image: burke mountain

Burke Mountain, VT will close today for the season due to Coronavirus.

Jay Peak in VT has also closed due to Coronavirus.

At least 9 ski resorts that we know of have closed in the USA due to Coronavirus.

Burke Mountain, VT trail map

Burke Mountain Press Release:

To all Burke staff, skiers, riders, guests and resort community members,

The past few weeks have been ever changing and those changes have accelerated in the past few hours, so I wanted to give you an update regarding ski and lodging operations, future plans and an update regarding Burke staff.

Effective the end of business operations, 4pm, on Saturday March 14th, we will be closing winter operations for the 2019-2020 season.  Operations tomorrow will continue on the Sherburne Express, Mid Burke Express, J-Bar and Magic Carpet with limited food and beverage operations at the View Pub.  All other food and beverage outlets, ski school, retail and rentals and repair will close at the end of business operations this evening, March 13th.

This is an incredibly difficult decision for us and one that was made with hours and days of deliberation using the most up to date information on the virus and its implications for daily life.  We have an obligation to our guests, friends and family, the larger Burke community and ourselves to prioritize safety above all else.  It was this respect for one another that we have made this decision.

If you are guest at the Burke Mountain Hotel and Conference Center we will be offering either full refunds or we will push vacations to next year and lock in this year’s rate at no additional cost.  Our Reservation line at 866-966-4821 will be available 12 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you.

Our current plan is to deep clean common areas, offices and lodging in the coming days and weeks.    The intention is to reopen for the summer season on Friday May 1st.  Bike Park operations will begin May 23 and we look forward to an incredible summer on the trails and an Enduro World Series in August.

As to our staff which has worked tirelessly to deliver a great season, we will be instituting the following:

  • Allowing hourly year-round employees to file for short term unemployment and then making up the difference between the State compensation and their total rate of pay to keep them whole through this shut down period.
  • Employees receiving standard benefits including the accrual of vacation time will continue to do so throughout the period regardless of employment status.
  • The resort will continue to commit match funds to the resort 401k program regardless of employment status.

This is a difficult time for Burke employees, their families, community members and guests, and we make this decision knowing that its impact to all is real. We feel we are acting in the best interest of everyone and will do what we can to assist our staff in this transition.

What we do also know is that Burke, where resiliency runs from the summit to the base lodge, will be back.  We look forward to welcoming you this summer.

Thank you.

Kevin Mack
General Manager


Related Articles

Got an opinion? Let us know...