The story that Jimmy King tells of his Squaw Valley crew’s activities modestly omits the fact that they and Squaw Valley Ski Corp. were hailed as heroes by the whole community. There is irony here for those who know the scene, because the Ski Corp. and its patriarch, Alex Cushing, have not ranked all that high in the hearts and minds of that community—to put it politely. The same goes for the local newspaper, Tahoe World, which is hardly known for throwing bouquets in their direction. So, there is almost a man-bites-dog shock when the headline reads, “Residents: Ski Corp. helped save the day,” and the article strings together a long series of tributes.
Most impressive of all, the paper carried a letter from Sandy Poulsen, who, together with her late husband Wayne, had long feuded with the Cushings. In generous terms, the letter thanked Ski Corp. for what they had done. “With so many of their own problems on the mountains,” the letter closed, “it was good of them to take time to help out the community.”
Others were thanked—The Resort at Squaw Creek, the California Department of Transportation, various sheriff’s and fire departments—so there were heroes to spare. But it’s nice to see a ski resort sporting a shining white hat. Community goodwill can be a bankable asset.
