The local residents weren’t amused.
Ford currently allows Bronco, Bronco Sport customers access to its Offroad Driving School. Residents of Woodstock, Vermont objected to the idea at a recent town hall meeting.
Adventure ORX of Dearborn in Michigan operated the driving experience on Ford’s behalf. It was designed to generate summer revenue for Woodstock Inn & Resort. We can’t forget to mention that ski-resorts have been struggling for cash during the summer months and that any offseason revenue will be crucial for their continued profitability. The original plan was to convert a ski area of 189 acres into an off-road course in the summer.
Tim Reiter, general manager of the ski area said that “we’re talking about a significant investment which turns us from being completely unviable business to making our company potentially viable.”
The Off-Roadeo website describes California as a “postcard of American history” with passionate local communities. However, it is possible that they underestimated how passionate they are. Opponents argued that the school would overcrowd the town’s unmaintained roads if it was not openly welcomed.
Richard Cellini, a local resident, said that a dog shouldn’t wander off the road without being noticed by others. “You can’t have Broncos or horses on the same trail.”
Although it is not clear if Ford will approach another Vermont ski resort, or drop the idea altogether, the Woodstock Inn & Resort seems unlikely. The other events in Texas and Utah are continuing as normal.