(CNN) – A popular Vermont ski resort, originally known as Suicide Six, has announced that it will change its name to “Insensitive” in the coming weeks.
“Our resort team acknowledges the growing awareness surrounding mental health and shares growing concerns about the insensitive nature of the historical name. The emotions that the word ‘suicide’ evokes can have a significant impact on many in our community,” the note read. .
The post continued: “It is important that the name better presents and celebrates what makes it a beloved and living part of this community. Although some may find this change difficult, we stand by our belief that this evolution is a dignified one. The treasure is needed and, more importantly, to continue its rich history of inclusion and accessibility. “
The ski and snowboard resort is in the city of Vermont, Pomfret, about 50 miles (80 km) south of the state capital, Montpellier.
Located north of Woodstock, Vermont, the area is credited with being the first major ski area in the United States. U.S. Skiing Hall of Fame honoree Wallace “Bunny” Bertram installed a primitive rope pulling system on the mountain there, an innovation that many refer to as the first ski lift.
Bertram, who died in 1981, called the area “Suicide Six”, which he found more appealing than the current name “Hill 6”.
The resort is also a member of Ski Vermont’s Fairness, Equity and Diversity Initiative. The state’s 48 ski resorts signed an open letter in 2020 supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.
Ski and outdoor destinations across North America have been rethinking their name over the past few years.
“While we love our local history and memories, we are all associated with this place because it has long been named, we are faced with overwhelming evidence that the word‘ squaw ’is considered offensive,” Ron Cohen said. , The president and COO of the resort, said at the time that the property owner had worked with the local Washo tribe on the renaming project.
