Haystack Mountain in Dover, Vt., is getting a new life and a new face.

It is resurfacing as the Haystack Club, a members-only, four-season private resort in Vermont’s Green Mountains. The best-known model of a private ski organization is The Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Mont.

The Haystack Ski Resort and Golf Club was recently purchased by Jim Barnes, owner of the adjoining Hermitage Inn, a four-star country inn with dining facilities, a 9-mile hiking and cross country ski trail, mountain biking, snow tubing, snowmobiling, ice-skating and fly-fishing. 

Club members will have access to the Desmond Muirhead-designed golf course and the ski area in addition to the Hermitage’s offerings. The inn will serve as Haystack’s base lodge this season.

“The idea to develop a ‘club’ at Haystack is not a new one, having been tried six years ago. That effort never got off the ground,” Haystack Club’s Membership Director Chris Shaddock told SnoCountry.com. “The concept did lay the groundwork for us to hit the ground running, as the architectural designs and marketing materials were part of the purchase.” 

Initial interest in the development has been “overwhelming,” according to Shaddock as evidenced at the Grand Opening Winter Festival last month, when it was anticipated 400-500 guests would show up. The attendees swelled to over 4,000. 

Three types of residences will be available: Country Homes, Suites at Haystack Club Hotel, and Mountain Villas. It is expected to be a 5- to 15-year build-out for over 450 planned residences. Potential members do not have to own real estate in order to enjoy the club’s amenities. 

Country Homes are ski in/ski out, 3-level townhouses, with 3,200 square feet of living space, four bedrooms, and four bathrooms. The Suites at Haystack Club Hotel are designed for those seeking the luxury of a fine hotel.  The 1,000 to 2,500-square-foot suites feature separate living and sleeping areas, compact kitchen, and balcony. Mountain Villas are condominium style residences, ranging in size from 1,000 to 2,750 square feet, with one to five bedrooms. The open floor plan provides a spacious living room, large kitchen, and separate dining area.

Haystack officials announced they’re aggressively pursuing the same EB-5 visa program that has pumped more than $250 million in foreign investment into northern Vermont’s Jay Peak. The federal “immigrant investment program,” administered by the State of Vermont, was created in the early 1990s to stimulate the economy through foreign investment. 

Foreign nationals who invest a minimum of $500,000 receive permanent residency (a “green card”), along with their spouse and children. The investment must create or preserve at least 10 jobs, and investors can live and work anywhere in the United States.

Haystack Vice President Bob Rubin says the project is a good candidate for the investment program. A team of experienced EB-5 consultants has been put together. “It’s complicated, but doable,” Rubin said. 

Rubin said plans for a Haystack indoor/outdoor, four-season water park are on the drawing board. Jay Peak’s new water park has become an instant hit with guests since it opened in December.

The Master Plan calls for about 38 ski homes on two to three-acres to be built in 2012; the Haystack Club Hotel and 51,000-square-foot Club Lodge, which will include the spa and wellness center, five-star restaurant, and lounge, are targeted for 2013.

“The future of Haystack is an exciting one for the entire region in terms of jobs and visitors,” Shaddock told us.

Haystack is 2.5 hours from Boston, 3.5 hours from Manhattan, and 5 hours from Philadelphia by car. It is a long snowball’s toss from historic Mount Snow.

Haystack Club Master Plan Courtesy Haystack Club