She took sole ownership of the ski area after Jervas died suddenly in August 2012. Members can check the hindcast for a timeline of Bousquet Ski Area weather conditions. Obviously, they have a lot of experience where we don't, so, we were looking to have their support.". The new owners also will collaborate with Jon and Jim Schaefer, who own Berkshire East Mountain Resort in Charlemont and Catamount ski area which straddles the New York/Massachusetts border near Hillsdale. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. ", "Through the years, Bousquet has entertained generations of families in Pittsfield, throughout the Berkshires, and beyond," Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer said. Older Headlines: Bousquet Mountain Sold - May 29, 2020; Ski Blandford Closing - March 26, 2020; Ski Areas Closing Due to COVID-19 Coronavirus - March 12, 2020; Chairlift Chatter - January 8, 2020; Massachusetts Lift Ticket Prices Up 4% - November 12, 2019; Lodge Construction in Progress Across New England - October 16, 2019; Lift and Lodge Construction In Progress Across New England - June … Keywords He also partnered with General Electric’s Pittsfield Plant to outfit the mountain with floodlights installed on poles in 1936 to illuminate runs, introducing the concepts of night skiing. Bousquet Mountain was sold to a local group yesterday after being on the market for more than a dozen years. Mill Town wouldn’t say how much they paid for the area. PITTSFIELD, Mass. It is a historic mountain with a long legacy of innovation. "We think there is a great future here," the Schaefers said. We plan to invest in the ski operation infrastructure and the lodge, and we are excited to work with strong partners to enhance the on-mountain experience.”. Has previously covered education and state government and wrote about natural resources and state government in Colorado and Maine. and I are very excited," Roberts said about the sale. We have a plan. After his mink farming operation failed during the Great Depression, Bousquet, responding to the interest of the Mount Greylock Ski Club who had been using a steep pastureon his property as a practice run, allowed the club to cut a 750-foot (230 m) ski slope to the northern summit of Mahanna Cobble (part of Yokun Ridge) in 1933. This is probably not one of those stylishly weathered signs. “We are thrilled to partner with Mill Town to ensure Bousquet will be a respected skiing and outdoor recreation asset for years to come. "I will tell you that P.J. “We know that the Berkshires are home to some of the region’s best opportunities for people to get out and enjoy the outdoors in a number of ways,” said Caroline Holland, also a managing director at Mill Town. As the legend goes, Clarence Bousquet installed a rope tow in the spring of 1935, increasingly the area rate from 25 cents to $1.00. The ski are… It precedes Big Boulder (originally called Hazard), which was founded in 1946 and was sold a couple years later to become the Pocono's first commercial ski operation (and where snowmaking was first pioneered in PA). Roberts was the longtime life partner of the late George Jervas, who purchased Bousquet in 1981. The ski area was sold to the owners of Ski Butternut by the Springfield Ski Club, which has owned it for more than 80 years, in 2017. Later in the 1930s the area had one of the world’s longest rope tows. Mill Town also has entered into a collaboration agreement with Jon and Jim Schaefer, who own two other local ski areas — Berkshire East in Charlemont and Catamount in Egremont. Thirty-six hundred skiers at one area was shocking, an unheard of figure. The sale, finalized Friday, includes 115 acres spread across four parcels on Bousquet Mountain, including the summit of Yokun Ridge, 22 trails, multiple buildings and operational equipment. Bousquet Ski Area is located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in the heart of Berkshire County. Share. “We are excited to keep Bousquet as a vital recreational resource for the region,” said Tim Burke, Mill Town’s CEO and Managing Director. "They are going to provide us with operational support," said Mill Town CEO and managing director Tim Burke. is being sold to Mill Town investments. A proposed $2.7 million sale of the ski area in 2007 later fell through after running into legal problems. Upgrading your space while stuck at home? Mahanna Cobble did not have an easy birthing. Also, the ski area was still very much in operation in '73 and not "abandoned" (as evidenced by the Batchelder photos). Prior to its use as a ski area the property was a mink farm belonging to Clarence J. A home away from home – find the best, most accessible hotel for you. Bousquet marketed the device — it was patented in 1941 — and sold 500,000 units. Burke grew up in Pittsfield before returning to the Berkshires from the Boston area in 2017, when he founded Mill Town Capital with business partner David Mixer. "We're currently doing an analysis of the condition of the lodge and the ski infrastructure," he said. In a statement, the Schaefers said Bousquet will become the third mountain in "Berkshire Pass," a new season ski pass program that will include Berkshire East and Catamount. Among the ski area’s innovations was the rope tow gripper that protects the arms and hands of skiers, which Bousquet marketed and sold 500,000 units. A native of Spencer, Massachusetts, Bousquet served in the 329th Battalion Tank Corps in World War I, where he sustained severe injuries in battle. Bousquet Ski Area in Pittsfield has been sold to investment firm Mill Town Capital, which intends to keep the facility operational. ... BOUSQUET. "It will be a joint effort. I rode this Peloton competitor for 21 days. You can reach him at rkarlin@timesunion.com or (518) 454-5758. The ski area’s innovations include the rope tow gripper which protects the arms and hands of skiers, which Bousquet marketed and sold 500,000 units. Bousquet Ski Area in Pittsfield has been sold to investment firm Mill Town Capital, which intends to keep the facility operational. USD Choose your currency. — Local investment group Mill Town Capital is making sure that Pittsfield's only ski area is open for businesses despite the pandemic. On its way to being sold to BNRC in 2007 by Bousquet Ski Area owner the late George W. Jervas, a would-be developer entered the picture. Here's what happened, Churchill: Elise Stefanik fails a crucial test, Video of Albany Capitol stabbings released by law enforcement. In 1936, Bousquet and a group of engineers from General Electric invented night skiing when they mounted floodlights on the slopes so they could ski on Christmas Eve. Bousquet was also the inventor of the rope tow gripper which protected the arms and hands of skiiers using rope tow lifts. Established in 1932, Bousquet Mountain is the oldest existing ski area in The Berkshires. They will advise Bousquet on capital and operational decisions and investments. About: Bousquet Ski Area & Family Fun Center is a regional amusement and recreation facility for all seasons. 4 months ago. We think there is a great future here,” the Schaefers said. Bousquet is a great Place with small lift Lines , economical prices and family atmosphere. You have permission to edit this article. Among the ski area’s innovations was a rope tow gripper that protects the arms and hands of skiers, which Bousquet marketed and sold 500,000 units. Bousquet Ski Area is preparing for reopening with a new chairlift and other upgrades. "One of the people involved with Mill Town came to ski here a couple of years ago and reminisced about bringing his family there and the great memories that he had growing up in the Berkshires. 29, 2020 The Western Massachusetts ski area will be part of a Berkshire East and Catamount season pass. 05/30/2020 . Bousquet ski area in Pittsfield has been sold to a local investment group and will be working with Berkshire East and Catamount, in a season pass collaboration. Mill Town has made numerous investments in downtown Pittsfield; it owns several properties along North and Tyler streets and became the venture capital partner for the Berkshire Innovation Center in October. The Schaefers have made a significant capital investment in the ski operations at Catamount since they purchased that ski area for $3 million in May 2018. "This will be nice news for the community with everything else going on. www.berkshireeagle.com Reactions: NYSnowflake. It reminds us of a small place on Long Island during the 60’s and 70’s. Explore guest reviews and book the perfect accessible hotel for your trip. Roberts, who had owned the ski area on Dan Fox Drive since 1981. New Owners Of The Berkshire Mall? The Bousquet ski area in Pittsfield, Mass. The ski area was successful. A second tow was added for the 1936-37 season, as Bousquet quickly became a well-known ski area. Sherri and her crew all work hard to … It’s plenty for us (Seniors). We're not ready to release it yet, but over the next few weeks and months we will be very transparent about what we're doing.". PITTSFIELD, Mass. The device made it easier for skiers to go up hills so they could ski back down. “Clare” Bousquet. Bousquet also was sold in 1955 and 1967. In the Bousquet lodge in 2019. Located in Pittsfield, Bousquet is one of the few ski areas in the country located in a city. "I just truly believe they are going to make it a destination for young families," she said. The Mill Town community impact fund is buying the ski area from the Tamarack Ski Nominee Trust and owners Sherry and PJ Roberts. Bousquet sold the ski area in 1956; it has changed hands twice since then. Congratulations to the new owners of Bousquet Mountain! More details on the ski pass plan will be released soon. The mountain’s race team has turned out many high-level skiers, among them five U.S. Olympic competitors, including twin sisters Kim and Krista Schmidinger and Heidi Voelker, all Pittsfield natives. So … In 1940, in a single day, buses carried 2,600 passengers from Pittsfield station to Bousquet’s. To keep growing, he installed area-wide snowmaking in 1956. The ski area was successful. Another thousand more came by car. The developer claimed that it had reached agreement to buy the ski area, including the Mahanna Cobble tract under contract to BNRC. Everything [Mill Town] said was community-oriented, and that really touched my heart. In the 1930s, ski trains from New York City deposited skiers right at Bousquet. Additionally, Bousquet will join the “Berkshire Pass,” season pass program offered by Berkshire East and Catamount. Both parties agreed to not publicly disclose the purchase price, but the property sold for $1.07 million, according to documents filed at the Berkshire Middle Registry of Deeds in Pittsfield. New Owners Have Taken Over Bousquet Ski Area. The group is dynamic and has a young group of people and tremendous resources. Rick Karlin covers the environment and energy development for the Times Union. ... Mill Town will be very invested in making it a success. It is possible that it was called "Big Devil" after skyline since "Big Devil Stairs" is a prominent gorge just north of the old ski area in what is now … Positioned between Berkshire East and Catamount, we feel that Bousquet will provide significant value to Berkshire Pass holders as another great skiing and riding option in Western Massachusetts. "Our immediate plans are make sure access to the mountain and the lodge is safe and high quality. Season passes for the 2020-21 ski season at Bousquet are now available at bousquetmountain.com. Bousquet, founded in 1932, had been listed at $3.2 million two years ago and had been on the market for 10 years, according to Sherry Roberts. They were first to have night skiing. At this point, there is no record of a deed exchange in the Northern Berkshire Registry of Deeds. Although Bousquet had been on the market for a while, Roberts said Mill Town didn't approach Tamarack about purchasing the property until this winter. Bousquet marketed and subsequently sold 500,000 of his grippers. A private investment group from Pittsfield has purchased the venerable Bousquet Ski Area and plans to keep one of the country's oldest ski resorts operational. E. Epicone Well-known member. Bousquet was the inventor of the rope tow gripper which protected the arms and hands of skiers using rope tow lifts. Tamarack Ski Nominee Trust had owed Bousquet since 1981. Founded in 1932 by the late Clarence J. Bousquet is a huge part of that strategy as it encapsulates so many rich mountain activities right here within the city confines.”. Ski trains in the 1930s brought visitors from Grand Central Station and the New Haven Railroad. The one certainty is everything will change and we will need your cooperation. Bousquet ski area was founded by Clarence J. Bousquet in the mid 1930s at his Pittsfield, Massachusetts farm. "I had made a commitment when George passed that my goal was to find someone to continue it as a ski area. Nov 1, 2020 #30 Bousquet Ski Area was founded in 1932 by Clarence J. Bousquet after his mink farm failed during the Great Depression, and was revived into a ski club. Wright was 87 then, but he did indeed visit the Bousquet property. Bousquet is green at the moment but is expected to open for skiing in mid to late December. PITTSFIELD — A private investment group from Pittsfield has purchased the venerable Bousquet Ski Area and plans to keep one of the country's oldest ski resorts operational. After more than a dozen years on the market, Massachusetts’ Bousquet Mountain sold late last week for just over $1 million, a touch more than the median price of a one-bedroom Manhattan apartment and a huge discount to the $3.2 million initial … Fresh Powder is the operating entity of Blue Chair LLC, both Mill Town Capital-related entities that purchased the real estate and assets of Bousquet Ski Area back in June. TimesUnion.com reports, the Mill Town community impact fund is buying the ski area from the Tamarack Ski Nominee Trust and owners Sherry and PJ Roberts. It was in 1957 that Soviero briefly engaged the services of Frank Lloyd Wright to design a four-season resort a la Sun Valley. Mill Town builds and renovates housing units, and invests in promising businesses and it aims to improve the quality of life for residents and attract more families and business to the area. Clarence J. Bousquet, the ski area's founder, sold Bousquet Ski Area to NYC lawyer and entrepreneur Donald Soviero in 1956. The sale was scheduled to close on Friday and includes 155 acres across four parcels, including the summit of Yokun Ridge, 22 trails, multiple buildings, and operational equipment. The Schaefers will advise Bousquet on capital and operational decisions and investments. Bousquet also invented the rope tow gripper, a device that protects the arms and hands of people riding on rope tows. Mill Town did not obtain a mortgage. The Springfield Ski Club sold the Blandford Ski Area in 2017 to to the owners of nearby Ski Butternut in Great Barrington. A third tow was likely added for 1937-38, while a fourth debuted for 1938-39. Bousquet is the most recent historic area ski area to change hands. Mill Town Capital purchased Bousquet from Tamarack Ski Nominee Trust and owners Sherry and P.J. At Monday's Licensing Board meeting, attorney Michael McDonald represented the investment group, notifying the board that Bousquet is anticipating the slopes being ready by Dec. 18. Buy Now COVID-19 and the risk of viral contamination have fundamentally changed the recreation industry and we have been planning accordingly. Bousquet marketed and subsequently sold 500,000 of his grippers. TimesUnion.com reports, the Mill Town community impact fund is buying the ski area from the Tamarack Ski … Bousquet was placed on the market by then-owner George Jervas in 2007 for $3.2 million. Bousquet Ski Area dates to 1932 after Clarence J. Bousquet’s mink farm failed during the Great Depression, and he started a ski club there. Jervas originally purchased Bousquet in July 1981 as part of a four-way partnership but was the ski area's sole owner with Roberts for 15 years before his death. Bousquet ski area in Pittsfield has been sold to a local investment group and will be working with Berkshire East and Catamount, in a season pass collaboration. Bousquet met all of these criteria. Bousquet Ski Area is a 200-acre ski area in Pittsfield, MA, within the Berkshires cultural region. Share The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast. We are excited about the sale of Bousquet Ski Area to Mill Town. Bousquet Ski Area sold to Mill Town Capital; will remain operational PITTSFIELD -- A capital investment firm is purchasing Bousquet Ski Area and plans to keep the ski operations running. The sale was scheduled to close today. It was one of the first ski areas to offer night skiing when Bousquet partnered with the local General Electric plant to install lights on the trails in 1936. 8,946 were here. Bousquet sold the ski area in 1956; it has changed hands twice since then. "Thanks to Mill Town Capital, I am thrilled to know that Bousquet will remain a staple of enjoyment in our city and will continue to be home to countless memories.”. Find and book deals on the best accessible hotels in Bousquet Ski Area, United States of America! Tony Dobrowolski can be reached at tdobrowolski@berkshireeagle.com or 413-281-2755. “A significant focus of our work is to invest in and improve businesses, real estate, and outdoor recreational assets in Pittsfield to make it a stronger city and an appealing place for families and employers.