Squaw Valley

A friend from high school responded to a recent change made by a Lake Tahoe resort. In response, it protected itself from supposedly damaging PR by removing the feedback. Not a very nice or adult like response. Well, sharing it here.

I recently posted a complaint concerning the change in military lift tickets for active duty personnel on the Squaw Valley website. I would like to get the opinion of those who serve in the military, or are connect with family and friends in the military, concerning my post and the reply by the CEO of Squaw Valley. I posted this observation to the Squaw Valley website last night; the post was promptly removed by the host of their Facebook page by the time I awoke this morning. Am I asking too much for Squaw Valley to change their policy? Please read the exchange and comment on what you think is appropriate. Thank you!

My post to the Squaw Valley Facebook page:

I thank Squaw Valley for their continued support of military personnel and their families, particularly during the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; however, a recent change to their policy concerning blackout dates for active duty military lift tickets signals a deterioration of that valued support, a policy change I must bring to the attention of everyone who visits Squaw Valley. In 2010, Squaw Valley provided active duty military service members the opportunity to acquire free lift tickets the week prior to Christmas. Because military members are limited in the time allowed to visit with family and friends over the holidays, this act of support by Squaw Valley was highly praised and deeply appreciated. However, in 2011, the decision was made to blackout these military tickets from December 17 - January 1, a time period many military families choose to travel to Lake Tahoe. Since 2001, hundred of thousands of U.S. troops have remained in a constant state of deployment, risking their lives and routinely being separated from loved ones. Many corporations have shown a deep understanding of this continued sacrifice by providing special benefits to these brave men and women. I propose this level of support not be tarnished by removing the opportunity for military members to benefit from free lift tickets during time periods corresponding to their holiday breaks. Doing so erodes the implicit fidelity Squaw Valley shares with military members. I propose that all active duty military lift ticket blackout dates be removed from both the Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows ski resorts; doing so would demonstrate that Squaw Valley truly understands the enormous sacrifice made by these valiant men and women in support of all citizens of the United States, an action that would surely garner the continued support, admiration, and patronage of U.S. active duty service members.

Major Trey M. McBride
United States Marine Corps

The response sent directly to me from the Squaw Valley CEO:

Major Trey,

While we appreciate your perspective, we are shocked and
disappointed at your comment. As far as we are aware, we stand alone as
the only major resort in the United States that for a great period of
time has and continues to provide this privilege to the personnel of the
armed services; we stand alone in that we don't do this for PR reasons -
seeking exposure or cameras - but just quietly doing the right thing for
those who serve; we stand alone in being the resort which has provided
tens of thousands of free days of skiing over decades and the program
continues. As to our very modest restrictions, we feel this is a
reasonable and prudent decision in that while other resorts talk about
these types of programs and wrap the flag around their shoulders every
now and then, we have and always will be steadfast in our support of
this privilege for our country's armed service personnel.

Andy Wirth - CEO and proud son of Col Pete Wirth, USAF.