Big Mountains disgust tourists

While enjoying a ski vacation in your lovely community, I was struck by a simple observation that I feel the need to share with your readers. First, let me say we have come to Big Mountain in previous years and thorougly enjoyed ourselves. The resort staff were friendly and the accomdations clean and well priced for a family condo experience.

That being said, I do have to comment on the following. Given all the controversy surrounding the name-change of the resort, I found it ironic that the town should not rename itself "Big Mountain" instead of "Whitefish."

I came to this conclusion after walking down Colorado Avenue with my family on the way to the train station. The "Big Mountains" I was trying to avoid were the regular and significant excrement of dogs left unretrieved by uncourteous pet owners.

These "deposits" were nearly unavoidable in the puddles and snowy walkways, and left me wondering about the numerous violations of health codes that were piling up in the snowy melt.This wasn't just the random deposit but a veritable minefield of treacherous pitfalls. I was disgusted, as were my children. Again, the name "Big Mountains" came to mind, but not because of the wonderful ski venue.

I am sorry to say that the next time we spend our hard-earned vacation money on a ski trip, I will feel the need to travel elsewhere to avoid the "Big Mountains."

Alan Finston

Blaine, Wash.