Andy Horvitz

Review of Ski Ward Ski Area

It's close and cheap. But the people there range f...

It's close and cheap. But the people there range from useless to proactively anti-customer. So while it's just 20 minutes from home, I'd rather spend my money anywhere else.

Went today with the kids. Met friends and their kids.

While riding the magic carpet, I picked up a 3-year-old about 10 feet from the end, so as to make the exit easier for all involved. I'd done the same with my 5-year-old ~20 minutes earlier, without incident.

The lift operator, Dave, thought it a good idea to stop the carpet. His stated reason- to "test my balance" (which he said he expected to be fine). In so many words, he stopped the ride to see if it would cause an accident with the three-year-old I was holding.

I'm a former professional skier. I was stable. I was fine. I'm also a big guy, so if I'd fallen, it's likely I would have hurt the kid. For what? So the operator could create this teachable moment.

I voiced my displeasure and advised Dave that I would be sharing this news with management, owners, and here online. From there, we parted and moved on.

But then Ed, the operations manager sought me out. His aim was to scold me for engaging with his staff. While Dave had been apologetic, Ed's sole interest was in defending his guy and the safety-based decision to stop the lift.

This is complete BS. From the ticket counter to the hill and beyond, this place is run by people who dislike customers.

Go elsewhere. Anywhere will do.