Over 3,000 Object To Planned Virgin Mary Statue On Ski Slopes

Plans by the operators of Mt. Shasta Ski Park in California to erect a 20 foot tall statue of the Virgin Mary at a key spot on the slopes have not gone down well with all the locals.

A petition, organised  by one ‘Joe Skibum’, against the plan has gained more than 3,300 signatures.

In a statement from the park’s operators on social media, Mt. Shasta Ski Park say,

“The installation of this statue is very important to our owner as this was a shared goal with her late husband and business partner, Ray Merlo. They have dedicated their resources to improving the Ski Park over the last few years and in the words of Robin Merlo, this statue is a promise fulfilled and a true representation of the dedication to family that we all value so much here at the Ski Park. The goal is not to focus on any one religion but to acknowledge and honor the beauty and spiritual power of the mountain we all love so much.”

Whilst those who object to the plan agree Mt. Shasta has spiritual power, they’re not convinced it has to be represented by a Christian symbol, or that a statue is required at all.

In deleted comments on a Facebook post Mt. Shasta made announcing the project, some commented it would be more fitting to celebrate the Native Americans that were cleared from the land by Christians.

“Many of us have been skiing at our beloved local ski park in Mount Shasta since childhood. It has always been a place of joy, unity, and natural beauty. However, recent efforts to erect a religious statue threaten to disrupt this cherished environment. …Perhaps more importantly, the construction appears to be happening directly in one of the most beautiful natural vistas at the top of Douglas. Patrons of the ski park appreciate the natural beauty and spirituality for what it is already, without intrusive religious icons disturbing the environment,” Joe Skibum comments.

The platform for the statue has already been completed and the statue is due to be installed this summer.

The controversy around the statue echoes that of ‘Big Mountain Jesus’.  This is a 12 feet high statue of Jesus erected on Federal land on the ski slopes of Whitefish Mountain in Montana which has been the subject of controversy and court cases for decades.  Although ‘on’ the ski slopes the ski resort operator is keen to stress the land that the statue stands on isn’t owned by them.  The statue is frequently adorned with goggles and other bits of ski kit for selfies.