April 1st = Guest Service Day

Our mountain thinks we get to crazy so they posted this announcement, anyone else's mtn doing something like this?

Guest Service Day 2009

Why the sudden crackdown?
Last year, on April 1st, the "fun" got out of hand. We reached a real low point, where there was "un-Steamboat"-like behavior and many guests, staff and locals felt harassed and unwelcome on the mountain. Not only was this behavior offensive and discourteous, it was a serious safety concern. Guests, including a long time local, were physically assaulted.  We simply can't tolerate it.

So, does this mean we can't dress up anymore?
Vintage clothing, or dressing up on April first has never been the problem, except maybe one instance when someone was wearing a T-shirt with a slogan that was derogatory. We are concerned with the behaviors that were observed last year that were offensive.

What is the expected behavior on the mountain?
Please be responsible. Treat others with respect. Be considerate and abide by the Colorado Skier Safety Act, Responsibility Code and Colorado laws. We are Steamboat; we have a reputation of friendliness. This reputation keeps people coming back year after year.

What won't be tolerated? Here are some examples:
·Offensive, obscene, derogatory, mocking, reckless and abusive behavior, language, gestures, actions or clothing
·Skiing/riding in aggressive manner, which could be perceived as threatening to other participants, skiing/riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs as well as skiing/riding with open container(s)
·Acts in any manner that endangers or may endanger the safety of individual or any other person; violates the law or Colorado Skier Safety Act

What will happen to people caught behaving in this way?
As we move in to the spring at Steamboat, the resort will have zero tolerance when it comes to dealing with safety, unacceptable and disrespectful behavior and etiquette. The consequences of any infraction will be severe. Any individuals who are in gross violation of the Steamboat Code of Conduct will face a minimum of 2 years suspension of skiing/riding privileges. If a staff member is involved, it could result in loss of employment and ineligible for rehire.

It was just a small number of people doing these things, why such a strong reaction?
It's too bad when the behaviors of a few have to impact everyone in a negative way, but our livelihood depends on it. Our visitors are an integral part of this community. We are able to be who we are because we are a destination resort and people want to visit the Yampa Valley.

But they don't even realize what's going on!
We had a substantial number of guests that had questions about what was going on and they understood only too well that they were being mocked and disrespected. Think about how you or your friends and family like to be treated when you're on vacation or enjoying some recreational or social time. It's in our best interest to make all who come to our town feel welcome.

What is the financial impact?
Our guests support our local economy in so many ways, including our city's infrastructure like the free bus, snow removal, amenities, fire and police protection, among other things, through sales and lodging taxes. Our main-street businesses rely on visitors to Steamboat to survive, as does the ski mountain.  Why would anyone ever think it's OK to "bite the hand that feeds us?"

Still, it's just a few people.
Last year, we received letters from guests who won't be returning as a result of unfriendliness on the mountain. This represents money out of all of our pockets. If you are a server it may mean customers who won't be dining in your restaurant, for other staff, it may be a client who won't be returning to take another ski lesson, or a guest who will no longer rent equipment. You get it; it affects us all.

What can I do?
It's really up to all of us. We can choose to be a part of the problem and pay the price, or resolve to be a part of the solution. Let's make it a point to go above and beyond during these last crucial weeks. Let's show everyone why Steamboat is considered such a friendly resort town. To take it a step further, why not make April 1st "Guest Service Day" for the sake of our town, our mountain and our lifestyle.