What It Means for Our Community and Guests

At The Wildflower Inn, we’ve always believed that the Northeast Kingdom is more than just a place on the map—it’s a feeling, a way of life, and a community built on resilience and love for the land. That’s why we’re thrilled to share some incredible news from our neighbors up the road at Burke Mountain.

After nearly a decade of uncertainty, Burke Mountain is stepping into a new era—one filled with purpose, passion, and the kind of local stewardship we can all believe in. Jon Schaefer, CEO of Bear Den Partners (BDP), announced this week that the mountain is officially under new, independent ownership, and it couldn’t be in better hands.

Community-Owned. Community-Focused.

This isn’t a big corporate takeover. This is neighbors investing in neighbors, families who know what Burke means to all of us and are committed to restoring its soul. The new owners include the Graham family, who originally purchased the resort back in 2000 to keep it from closing, and the Schaefer family, experienced operators of Berkshire East and Catamount ski areas. They’re skiers, riders, mountain bikers, and lovers of the outdoors—just like us, just like many of you.

As Schaefer put it, “What is a community? It’s standing by someone when they’re down.” For the countless locals, guests, and pass holders who’ve stayed loyal through nine years of limbo: you made it. And now, it’s time to thrive.

Big Changes, Grounded in Passion

With a focus on the basics—better lifts, stronger snowmaking, improved hospitality, and fresh energy—the new Burke is putting people and the experience first. And yes, that means earlier, more consistent snow, reliable chairlifts, great food, and restful nights in the Northeast Kingdom. For all of us who live and work nearby, this kind of revitalization is more than exciting. It’s transformational.

At The Wildflower Inn, we see this moment as a rising tide for the whole region. Visitors who come to ski, bike, and explore Burke will now find a mountain experience that’s as warm and authentic as our Vermont hospitality. From the powder days to the summer singletrack on Kingdom Trails, the future is bright—and it’s local.

We’re All In

To everyone who believed in Burke and held on—thank you. To the new team bringing it back to life—welcome. At The Wildflower, we’re proud to be part of this community, and even prouder to support this next chapter.

As Jon Schaefer said best: “The only thing getting flipped here is the narrative.” And what a beautiful new story it’s going to be.



See you on the trails