Way back in 1953, a group of investors formed Ski Burke Mountain Inc. It was a time of wooden skis with "bear-trap" bindings, and lots of wool and leather. The means for getting up the mountain were equally low-tech: The first Burke skiers could catch a ride on the SnoCat, or they could climb. It wouldn't be unusual to see some of those hardy early enthusiasts trudging up a trail (a tradition that continues at rugged places like Tuckerman's Ravine on Mount Washington). By 1955, a new Poma Lift gave skiers a better, more reliable way to the top.

After the ski area went through a number of different owners over the ensuing years, Burke Mountain Academy, located on the mountain since 1970, bought Burke in the fall of 2000.

The BMA was founded by legendary ski coach Warren Witherell in 1970, and its existence has been intimately tied to Burke, a place that continues to provide the distraction-free environment and the challenging terrain to train high school students academically and athletically. The nation's first ski racing academy, it has consistently attracted and transformed top young talent into Olympians and professional racers. To date, over 100 graduates have been members of the US Ski Team or have skied on other national teams, and 45 have been Olympians. BMA is the most successful program of its kind in the US.

The academy considered its purchase a temporary situation, and, after five years of searching, found a buyer who shared an understanding of what Burke was all about, and what it should become. Ginn Resorts, a major US luxury resort developer, fit the bill. Acquiring Burke in 2005, Ginn has proved itself an owner with the experience and development vision to create a Burke that brings together seemingly disparate worlds - an "undiscovered" ski mountain in rural, unspoiled Vermont with development that provides economic and recreational viability. As the company has publicly stated, its goals are in sync with the goals of the Vermonters of the Northeast Kingdom - creating a perfect balance between development and Burke's wonderful natural attributes and character.

Through all its years, Burke Mountain has remained the best-kept secret in New England - an uncrowded, natural paradise for downhill skiers and boarders, cross-country skiers and mountain bikers. The Burke history book has a new chapter, and it looks to be the one that tells the story of a mountain where improved recreational and living opportunities coexist in harmony with legendary beauty and charm.

Visit the official Burke Mountain site.