US Ski Resort of Suicide Six to Change its Name
1st July 2022
Last modified on July 5th, 2022
The resort in Vermont believes the name impacts many people and says it ‘embraces the increasing awareness surrounding mental health’.
The name originally came after the man that put in the first tow rope lift, Wallace “Bunny” Bertram, joked that skiing the steep pitch of Hill No. 6 would be suicide.
Bunny was instrumental in the resort’s development in the early days and a local ski instructor.
The resort has now described the name as ‘insensitive’
“The feelings that the word ‘suicide’ evokes can have a significant impact on many in our community,” said the resort.
The resort is one of the oldest in the USA and opened in 1936.
The first tow rope in the area was installed in 1934.
It is dropping its name this summer and is currently debating an alternative.
“The Suicide Six Ski Area has an enduring legacy spanning nearly nine decades, and it is vital that the name better represents and celebrates what makes it a beloved and vibrant part of this community,” said the resort.
Logo c/o Suicide Six
The resort is not the first in the US to be renamed in recent times due to changing values.
Squaw Valley in California changed its name last year.
The term ‘squaw’ was widely seen as derogatory and was described as racist and sexist.
Suicide Six Resort Statement in Full
The Suicide Six name will be retired this summer.
Our resort team embraces the increasing awareness surrounding mental health and shares the growing concerns about the insensitive nature of the historical name.
The feelings that the word “suicide” evokes can have a significant impact on many in our community.
The Suicide Six Ski Area has an enduring legacy spanning nearly nine decades, and it is vital that the name better represents and celebrates what makes it a beloved and vibrant part of this community.
Though some may find the change difficult, we stand by our conviction that this evolution is warranted for an iconic treasure and, more importantly, necessary to continue its rich history of inclusion and accessibility.
After much thought and consideration, research and community outreach, a new name has been developed and will be announced in the coming weeks.
This change is being made with great care and respect. We look forward to sharing it with you soon.”
