The owner of the private Haystack ski area is 'on the ropes' according to Wilmington's Town Manager.
Monday, January 8, 2018, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
The Hermitage Club narrowly avoided having its water and sewer shut off last week, when it paid its past due balance to the Cold Brook Fire District on Friday. The private club's water and sewer would have been shut off today.
However, the Deerfield Valley News reports the club has also failed to pay its taxes, with Wilmington Town Manager Scott Tucker stating, "We’re not getting great news from up there" and that "The Hermitage is really on the ropes."
According to the Brattleboro Reformer, membership dues have been lower than expected. A one-time $10,000 fee was assessed last fall and reportedly has been paid by 75% of the membership as of last month.
A single membership at the Hermitage currently costs $80,000 plus $4,750 in annual fees.
Recently, The Bachelor Winter Games reality show was filmed at the private resort.
Located in the Deerfield Valley near Mount Snow, the club features the Haystack ski area, a golf course, and numerous inns and restaurants. Hermitage founder Jim Barnes acquired the defunct Haystack ski area in October 2011 and soon installed two new quad chairlifts. An 80,000 square foot lodge was constructed for 2014-15 and a $7.3 million heated, high speed detachable six person chairlift for 2015-16.
