To The Editor,

Mount Snow claims to be the “close to home” mountain, yet the recent news that employees of The Hermitage, “Haystack,” and their associated businesses are no longer welcome to work or volunteer at Mount Snow is a direct hit to those who call the Deerfield Valley home. As a local employee of both establishments, I am at odds with Mount Snow’s business decision to “protect their best interests” and cut ties.

As a young professional looking to participate and enhance the year-round economy of this small local community, I am offended by this memo. It is contradictory to every effort within this town to support the social and economic development of the valley. The goal is to create more job opportunities to increase the community of members.

With the new policy starting as of April 21st, Mount Snow has quickly undermined the economic progress of the last 10 years.

The economy of the Deerfield Valley is highly based on seasonal resort work, and the relationships between locals and businesses. It is far from an easy feat to make a living, especially year-round, yet most people juggle multiple jobs in order to survive. The cooperation of both ski mountains is essential to the livelihood of the members of the community. The ability to sustain a living here is too hastily being taken away by Mount Snow.

The growth of The Hermitage into the Hermitage Club may be a conflict of interest for the executives of Mount Snow, but for the people who make this valley possible, who care to make it an enjoyable place to live and visit, it is an opportunity to build and support our home. I fail to comprehend how working, or better yet volunteering, at either establishment would be a conflict of interest for this valley.

Courtney Perkins

Dover