Social media is abuzz today with rumours of an impending renovation on Whistler Mountain, in which a downright blasphemous act is hypothesized to be occurring.
A petition titled "Save Seppos! Stop the name change planned by Vail" is making the rounds on social media and racking up the signatures.
"For decades Seppo's bar in the Roundhouse has been a home where locals, weekend warriors, and tourists just the same could strip off their gear, loosen their boots and relax with new and old friends alike over some cold bevies and great laughs (and maybe even some overpriced food)," it reads.
"The mountain [camaraderie] shared in this revered site, whether over celebrating a massive day, or waiting for peak chair to crack, or even just plan out your 'one and done' descent down to aprés (otherwise known as 'The Seppo's Traverse'), has always been legendary in all of ski culture ...
"While it is understandable that the bar needs a face-lift and renovation, what emerges should still carry Seppo's name. Without such tradition we, and our town, can lose sight of our roots and values just a little bit more and more until it's all gone."
Luckily, a Whistler Blackcomb spokesperson confirmed to Pique the main crux of the petition—that corporate sponsorships would soon dictate a new name for the legendary on-mountain watering hole—is patently false.
"Seppo’s will keep its name, but will undergo a remodel and will temporarily close beginning April 22 and will reopen for the next ski and ride season," they said. "The Whistler Blackcomb Food & Beverage team has worked closely with the design team supporting this work to ensure that key aspects of Seppo’s remain in place in honour of its history."
There you have it. Pitchforks down, everyone. As you were.
