Judge Denies Hermitage Request for Lift Inspections
The future of the Haystack ski area is uncertain.
Tuesday, October 30, 2018, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
In a decision issued late last week, Judge Robert Gerety denied Hermitage's request to increase off season maintenance in order to reopen the private ski area. Among the requests included facilitating the annual lift inspections and increasing snowmaking maintenance.
The receiver is currently funded "to preserve the equipment from deterioration," putting the 2018-19 ski season in jeopardy.
The Hermitage Club has been attempting to secure $25 million to $30 million in financing from Oz Real Estate to pull the private club out of receivership. Berkshire Bank foreclosed on the club in February, resulting in a receiver being appointed this spring.
Located in the Deerfield Valley near Mount Snow, the Hermitage 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.
