From Suicide to Saskadena

Adapted/updated from Robert Whitcomb’s “Digital Diary,’’ in GoLocal24.com

It’s a sensitive time indeed.

The small South Pomfret, Vt., ski area Suicide Six, one of America’s oldest ski areas, has changed its “insensitive” name to Saskadena Six.

“Much time, care and thought has been invested in the process to choose a name more representative of our values, one that celebrates its 86-year history, honors the Abenaki tradition, and will welcome future generations,” Courtney Lowe, president of the Woodstock Inn & Resort, which owns the ski area, said. “While the name might be changing, the experiences offered on this beloved mountain are not.”

According to a statement on the ski area’s Web site, “In the Abenaki language, “saskadena” (sahs-kah-deena) means “standing mountain.” (As opposed to a sitting or falling one?)

“Our resort team embraces the increasing awareness surrounding mental health and shares the growing concerns about the insensitive nature of the historical name,” says the Web site. “The feelings that the word ‘suicide’ evokes can have a significant impact on many in our community.” Especially these days? Of course, some will snarl that this is “politically correct.’’

The first rope tow,  at the start powered by a Ford Model T engine, was installed at the former Suicide Six in 1936 on “Hill No. 6,” from which the area derived its name.  Its founder, Wallace “Bunny” Bertram, a Rhode Island native, had joked that to ski down Hill No. 6 would be suicide. Bertram had been captain of the ski team at Dartmouth College, just up the road in Hanover, N.H.