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Snowbowl ad stirs controversy in Missoula

Posted at 8:49 AM, Oct 15, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-15 12:27:43-04
Snowbowl-Ad
Spiker Communications

MISSOULA – An advertising campaign for Snowbowl set off a social media flurry of criticism, calling it “fat shaming” and “sexist”.

Owner Andy Morris says it was a breakdown in communication between Snowbowl and their ad agency.

The ad that showed up at Missoula College and some breweries stated, “dear extra body fat, you have two options: make your way into my boobs or get out”.

MTN News spoke with Morris and he says that was one of the rejected slogans for a series of ads for the ski hill. He calls it “crass’ and immediately asked Spiker Communications to pull it.

He addressed the issue on Snowbowl’s Facebook page saying in part:

“We had our ad agency remove them immediately. We did not nor would not approve an ad of that nature. . Please feel free to address questions or concerns to us as we work through this unfortunate misunderstanding and misrepresentation of our ski area.”

MTN News spoke with Wes Spiker who said they also apologize if the ad offended anyone and said it was a mistake on his part. He explained that the agency was trying to reach a younger crowd.

The posters were in six locations in town and have since been taken down.