The private Southern Vermont resort is facing lawsuits, receivership, and repossessions.
Saturday, July 14, 2018, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
Skiing "appears increasingly unlikely" this winter at the Hermitage Club, according to the Deerfield Valley News. The private resort has been operating under receivership since this spring.
According to the Brattleboro Reformer via VTDigger, the receiver, put in place by Berkshire Bank, has no plans to operate the ski area unless a buyer is lined up. The receiver is, however, receiving inquiries from members to lease the ski area this winter.
According to the receiver, lift maintenance alone in preparation for the 2018-19 season would cost $300,000. VTDigger also reports that grooming equipment has been repossessed.
Berkshire Bank filed a foreclosure complaint in February, with some $16.5 million owed by the company for its lavish new base lodge. The filing paved the way to the appointment of receiver Alan Tantleff.
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 fixed grip 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.
Barnes stepped down from day to day management in February and is reportedly facing facing sex discrimination, whistleblower, malpractice, and conflict of interest complaints.
