EAST BURKE, Vermont ??” The Ginn Company announced today that it has acquired the assets of the Burke Mountain Ski Area from Burke 2000, llc, an entity established by the Burke Ski Academy to oversee the ski operations at the mountain. The purchase includes the ski area operation and 750 acres on which the resort is situated.

Renovations to the ski area have been ongoing through Burke 2000 in preparation for the opening of ski season. The Ginn Company anticipates all renovations will be completed in time for a Dec. 10 opening.

While the purchase does not include Burke Mountain Academy or any of its land or infrastructure, it does secure the future of the venerable institution. The Ginn Company will establish an endowment for the academy and ensure that training slopes are well maintained. Easements associated with the purchase ensure the Academy will be able to continue to train and race at the ski area.

Focus on the regional community will not change as a result of the transaction. In addition to the Academy continuing to use its slopes, local high schools, Lyndon Institute and St. Johnsbury Academy, will continue to train and race at Burke. Burke’s renowned school program, with over 50 participating schools from Vermont and New Hampshire, will continue to be a cornerstone of the ski area’s commitment to the area in which it operates.

“We are thrilled with the acquisition of Burke Mountain,” said Bobby Ginn, president and CEO of The Ginn Company. “We share the community’s pride in this pristine area and appreciate the nearly 50 years that Burke Mountain has served skiers from around the world.”

Burke Mountain celebrates its 50th Anniversary this season. In its first season, 1955/56, the “skiing governor”, Joe Johnson (Republican) dedicated Burke’s new, then state-of-the-art Poma lift, declaring Burke, “??В¦ Vermont’s newest ski area.” On December 17th, 2005, current governor, James Douglas (Republican), will visit Burke to dedicate its new Sherburne Express high-speed quad chairlift.