Meet Clifford the Octopus

Ski Utah, the marketing arm of the state’s 14 resorts, today announces that after much deliberation the Ski Utah Yeti is no longer the mascot of the organization.

Ski Utah spent time this season researching and interviewing replacements and is pleased to announce that as the 2012-13 season comes to an end, that Clifford the Octopus will now be representing skiing in the great state of Utah. Rumored to have also been in the running were the Phillie Phanatic, the Michelin Man, the Pillsbury Doughboy and Joe Camel.

“We think that Clifford will bring a fresh new perspective to the resorts he visits, writes about and reports on,” commented Brandon Ott, Ski Utah’s Director of Content. While it's currently unclear how well an octopus will handle a Utah winter, Clifford's passion and enthusiasm are sure to fit seamlessly with Utah's ocean culture. In fact, due to Clifford's unique ability to breathe water he wont have to be retrofitted with a snorkel to handle Utahs big powder dumps, effectively saving $29.95 from SkiUtah's overhead.

“He has worked extensively with the hospitality industry and marketing, most recently for the San Diego Zoo.”

Rossignol has signed on as Clifford's sponsor and will be equipping him with the revolutionary Rossignol s8, a new numerous-ski package for his tentacles.

"The Yeti was a bit of a diva, to be honest," notes Nathan Rafferty, "Continually late for photo shoots, showing up with attitude, making unrealistic demands for coconut water. We're looking forward to working with a mascot with some real humility, and gravitas."

It has been brought to light that after numerous attempts at contract negotiations, The Yeti and the organization were unable to come to an agreement in regards to compensation and a contract they could both agree upon. The state of Utah mandates a strict salary structure for all non human employees based on $1000s per total inches of snowfall- as such, Utah's famous winter weather has again made the Yeti's salary demands unrealistic.

All attempts to reach the Yeti for comment have been unsuccessful, and a notice to vacate was found taped to his snowcave. It is rumored the Yeti is in negotiations with Vail Corp and the Miami Heat.