billski
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Eddie Box Jr. is a 66-year-old member of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe of Colorado who hasn't skied in 40 years. Yet he wasn't entirely surprised when he received an unusual invitation this month from a Vail Resorts representative.
Once again, Mr. Box was being asked by executives at the country's skiing mecca to perform a snow dance.
...
But on Thursday, Vail's bowls finally opened, thanks to 25 inches of snow that has fallen since Mr. Box's snow dance on Jan. 7. The day of the ceremony "really feels like it was a big change in the weather pattern," said Chris Jarnot, Vail Mountain's chief operating officer.
...
Then there was Vail's approach.
On the morning that Mr. Box led one of a handful of snow dances in Vail's history, his grandson woke him by noticing flurries outside the Lodge at Vail, their ritzy hotel at the mountain's base.
When the tribal elder arrived at Vista Bahn Express—the same chairlift where he watched his father, Eddie Box Sr., offer Vail's first snow dance in 1963—his hands were cold with wet flakes. By the time lifts closed for the evening, the mountain was coated with eight inches of snow.
...
Last Sunday, descendants of multiple Native American tribes presented their own snow dance at a state park near Lake Tahoe's skiing areas. Forecasts for Northern California now predict enough snow to salvage the season's dismal opening.
...
In Vail, he began the ritual at 8:30 a.m. Snow showers already swirled around a few hundred spectators. In the colorful regalia he might wear to a powwow, Mr. Box danced to the rhythm of hums, drums and an eagle-bone whistle. He also led what he called a "friendship dance," in which skiers and onlookers joined hands and moved in a circle.
Vail promoted the event using Twitter and Facebook, but not through advertisements or media invitations. The resort covered Mr. Box's expenses and lodging while he was in town. Mr. Box says he doesn't accept money for snow dances.
Before closing, Mr. Box presented Mr. Jarnot, the COO, with a package of tobacco and asked that he find a special place on the mountain and sprinkle it in all four directions.
So what do you folks say? Who's gonna chip in for Chief Box's airfair????
Source: Wall Street Journal, Jan 20, 2012
Once again, Mr. Box was being asked by executives at the country's skiing mecca to perform a snow dance.
...
But on Thursday, Vail's bowls finally opened, thanks to 25 inches of snow that has fallen since Mr. Box's snow dance on Jan. 7. The day of the ceremony "really feels like it was a big change in the weather pattern," said Chris Jarnot, Vail Mountain's chief operating officer.
...
Then there was Vail's approach.
On the morning that Mr. Box led one of a handful of snow dances in Vail's history, his grandson woke him by noticing flurries outside the Lodge at Vail, their ritzy hotel at the mountain's base.
When the tribal elder arrived at Vista Bahn Express—the same chairlift where he watched his father, Eddie Box Sr., offer Vail's first snow dance in 1963—his hands were cold with wet flakes. By the time lifts closed for the evening, the mountain was coated with eight inches of snow.
...
Last Sunday, descendants of multiple Native American tribes presented their own snow dance at a state park near Lake Tahoe's skiing areas. Forecasts for Northern California now predict enough snow to salvage the season's dismal opening.
...
In Vail, he began the ritual at 8:30 a.m. Snow showers already swirled around a few hundred spectators. In the colorful regalia he might wear to a powwow, Mr. Box danced to the rhythm of hums, drums and an eagle-bone whistle. He also led what he called a "friendship dance," in which skiers and onlookers joined hands and moved in a circle.
Vail promoted the event using Twitter and Facebook, but not through advertisements or media invitations. The resort covered Mr. Box's expenses and lodging while he was in town. Mr. Box says he doesn't accept money for snow dances.
Before closing, Mr. Box presented Mr. Jarnot, the COO, with a package of tobacco and asked that he find a special place on the mountain and sprinkle it in all four directions.
So what do you folks say? Who's gonna chip in for Chief Box's airfair????
Source: Wall Street Journal, Jan 20, 2012
