SAM Magazine—Burke, Vt., June 2, 2025—The new owners of Burke Mountain have coaxed industry veteran Tom Day out of retirement to serve as interim general manager of the resort, effective June 5. 

“Honestly, unretiring again to help Burke in this transition was an easy decision. It’s what I love to do,” said Day, adding, “It’s always an exciting thing to see an independent New England business have the opportunity to create a sustainable future for its staff and guests.”

Bear Den Partners, an ownership group that includes Berkshire East and Catamount owner Jon Schaefer, acquired Burke Mountain for $11.5 million in early May. The resort had been in receivership since 2016. 

“We are so excited to have Tom rejoin the industry to do what he does best—take a wide view of our operational needs and help create resort-wide best practices, as well as continue to elevate the positive energy of the team,” said Schaefer. 

Day started his career at Waterville Valley, N.H., as a lift operator, eventually becoming GM of the resort in 1997. He ran Waterville Valley until 2010. Since then, he has helped various ski areas in New England work through transitions to build new programs and execute visions for success. Most recently, Day spent five years at Gunstock Mountain in New Hampshire. During his time there, skier visits increased by 29 percent, revenue grew 60 percent, and the resort executed $18 million in capital improvements without borrowing money. 

Day said he was looking forward to getting to know the Burke Mountain team and getting started. 

Previous GM Kevin Mack, who served in the role for the last 10 years, is now the vice president of transition services. In his new role, Mack will oversee all business services for the resort and on-mountain hotel, including human resources, accounting, and more.

Additionally, Burke hired Keith Fortier as its new chief financial officer. He built the finance, supply chain, and operations functions for New Hampshire-based Pete and Gerry’s as it grew from a small regional egg company to a national name.

Victor Waryas, who spent his career helping resorts, touring artists, and consumer brands drive growth, is assisting Burke with business development, marketing and programming. Matt Arrants, a 20-plus year veteran in the hospitality industry, joined the team with consulting oversight of the Burke Hotel. Howard Wein, of Howard Wein and Associates, is advising the resort’s food and beverage operation. Vermont-based communications professional Melissa Gullotti is managing communications and publicity.

Of the advisory staff, said Schaefer, “I’m honored by how quickly and professionally this task force jumped into the mix. They are all here to make everyone’s jobs at Burke easier and to usher through a quick transition to our new course for the resort, while leaving intact the existing operating team. Plus, each of them is a skier, snowboarder, biker who loves the resort, the region, and KT (Kingdom Trails), and is motivated to see the mountain flourish.”