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I’d Rather Be Skiing than Working…Epic Contest

lreynolds
Frequent Flyer A

If you’re lucky enough to be traveling this winter season, you might find yourself bogged down with some heavy baggage: skis, boots, and poles, perhaps? 

Unless you’re living under a rock, you’ve probably noticed other airlines charging an arm and a leg for you to fly with your bags—let alone your sports equipment.

I don’t want to brag (who am I kidding, of course I do!) but Southwest Airlines lets skis fly free, along with a whole lot of other sports equipment.  Of course, all that “size and weight” stuff does apply, so be sure to read the fine print.

To get the word out about our “skis fly free” policy, we’re asking YOU to tell us a reason why “You’d Rather Be Skiing than Working.” Submit your entry to @SouthwestAir via Twitter using the #Skiswa hash tag or here in the comments section of this blog.  

If your reason is funny enough to be selected the winner, you will receive two roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines and an ’09 – ’10 EPIC Season Pass from Vail Resorts, which gives you a full season of phenomenal skiing at six of the finest mountains on the planet: Vail, Beaver Creek, Heavenly, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin--with no restrictions and no black-out dates. Go to epicpass.com to learn more or follow @Snowdotcom on Twitter. 

Southwest Airlines will have a panel of highly-qualified comedians and ski bums select the winner.

You know you’d rather be skiing than sitting at your desk, so let us know why now!  Contest ends Sunday, November 22, at 12:00 noon CST.

 

CONTEST RULES

“I’d Rather Be Skiing”

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.  A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING.  VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

1.   How to Enter the Contest

a.    Southwest Airlines “I’d Rather Be Skiing” (“Contest”) will begin on or around 11 a.m. CT on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 and will end on or around 12 p.m. on Sunday, November 22, 2009. 

b.    Southwest Airlines is not responsible for lost, stolen, mangled, mis-delivered, postage due, illegible, incomplete or late entries, telephone service outages, delays, busy signals, equipment malfunctions and any other technological difficulties that may prevent an individual from completing his/her telephone call.]

c.    To participate in the Contest, you may enter via the following method:

Sumbit a reason why you’d rather be skiing than working via Southwest Airlines Twitter account @SouthwestAir using the hashtag “#skiswa”  or in the comments section of Nuts About Southwest blog post on the subject.  All entries submitted become the sole property of Southwest Airlines and will not be acknowledged or returned.  Use of any device to automate entry is prohibited.  Proof of submission of an entry shall not be deemed proof of receipt by Southwest.  Southwest Airlines computer is the official time keeping device for the contest.  Southwest is not responsible for entries not received due to difficulty accessing the internet, service outage or delays, computer difficulties or other technological glitches. 

d.    One internet entry per person and one internet entry per email address is permitted.


2.   Eligibility Restrictions

a.    The contest is open to all persons who are 21 years of age or older. Employees of Southwest Airlines and the members of their immediate families and or households are ineligible to participate or win.  

b.    Only one winner per household is permitted in any Contest administered by Southwest.

c.    Entrants are required to provide truthful information and Southwest will reject and delete any entry that it discovers to be false or fraudulent.  Southwest Airlines will disqualify any entry from individuals who do not meet the eligibility requirements, and Southwest Airlines will also delete any entry received from persons under the age of 13 in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.]

3.   Prizes:

a.   One (1) First Prize: The winner will receive one Epic Ski Pass and two roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines.  (Approximate Retail Value ("ARV"): $1,300) but will vary depending on travel origination and fares in effect at the time of departure.  Certain travel restrictions may apply.  Travel arrangements must be made through Administrator’s agent on a carrier of Administrator’s choice.  No prize substitutions, cash equivalent, or transfer of prizes permitted except at the sole discretion of the Contest Entities. Prize subject to availability and the Contest Entities reserve the right, at their sole discretion, to award a prize of greater or equal value if the advertised prize is unavailable.  If winner cannot travel on dates specified by Contest Entities, winner may be disqualified and an alternate winner selected.  All other costs not specifically stated herein, including, but not limited to, taxes, meals, tips and ground transportation, are the responsibility of the winner.  Taxes are solely the responsibility of the winner.  Winner and travel companion must travel on the same itinerary and are responsible for obtaining all required travel documents.  In addition, travel companion of Winner must be 21 years of age or older.  Winner may be required to present a valid credit card upon hotel check in to cover any incidental expenses incurred during their stay.  Winner and travel companion are responsible for obtaining travel insurance (and all other forms of insurance) where applicable, at their option, and hereby acknowledge that the Contest Entities have not and will not obtain or provide travel insurance or any other form of insurance.  Winner and travel companion must sign a Publicity, Liability Waiver and Travel Release form prior to traveling. If a selected event is unable to take place as scheduled, for reasons such as cancellation, preemption, postponement or unavailability, or for any reason beyond the control of the Contest Entities, the Contest Entities’ sole responsibility to a Winner will be to award the remaining available portion of the prize and no substitution will be provided for unawarded portion of prize. Tickets are subject to terms and conditions as specified by issuer.  Seat locations to be determined by Contest Entities.  Contest Entities reserve the right to remove or to deny entry to winner and/or guest if he/she engages in a disruptive manner, or with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person at the reception.


b.    In the event that a prize or prize certificate is mailed to the winner, it will be with the prior written consent of the winner and therefore, winner assumes the risk of its loss.  Southwest Airlines is not responsible for the safe arrival of a prize or prize certificate.

4.   Selection of Winners

Decisions of Contest Entities management with respect to the Contest are final.

a.    The top reason why you’d rather be skiing than working. Southwest Airlines panel of judges from the Communications department will select the winning reason.

b.    The odds of winning are dependant on the total number of entries received. 

c.    Winner need not listen or be present to win.

d.    Winners must execute and return any required affidavit of eligibility and/or liability/publicity release within one (1) day of notification attempt or prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner may be chosen at random. If a potential winner cannot be contacted, fails to sign and return the required affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release within the required time period, or if a prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, potential winner forfeits prize.

5.   Conditions

a.    Payments of all federal, state and local taxes are solely the responsibility of the winners.  Winners may be required to sign an IRS Form W-9 or the equivalent.

b.    By participating in the contest, the winner or winners agree to have their name, voice, or likeness used in any advertising or broadcasting material relating to this contest without additional financial or other compensation, and, where legal, to sign a publicity release confirming such consent prior to acceptance of the prize.

c.    Prior to awarding any prize or prize certificate, Southwest Airlines in its sole discretion may require contest winners (and their travel companions, if any) to sign a liability release, agreeing to hold Southwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines, its corporate licensee, and each of their parent, subsidiary and affiliated corporations, and the officers, shareholders, directors, employees, agents and representatives of each of them harmless against any and all claims or liability arising directly or indirectly from the prize or participation in the Contest.

d.    Southwest Airlines, in is sole discretion, reserves the right to disqualify any person tampering with the entry process, the operation of Southwest Airlines website or is otherwise in violation of the rules.  It further reserves the right to cancel, terminate or modify the contest if it is not capable of completion as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention or technical failures of any sort.

e.    The Contest Entities reserve the right to make changes in the rules of the Contest, including the substitution of a prize or equivalent value, which will become effective upon announcement.  If due to circumstances beyond the control of Southwest Airlines, any competition or prize-related event is delayed, rescheduled, postponed or canceled, Southwest Airlines reserves the right, but not the obligation, to cancel or modify the contest and shall not be required to award a substitute prize.

f.     Failure to comply with the Contest rules may result in a contestant’s disqualification solely at the discretion of the Contest Entities.

g.    The Contest Entities are not responsible for typographical or other errors in the printing, the offering or the administration of the Contest, or in the announcement of a prize.

h.    Copies of the written Contest rules and a list of winners (when complete) are available during regular business hours at Southwest Airlines Emerging Media 2502 Love Field Dr. Dallas, TX 75235



52 Comments
Taylor_Smith
Explorer C
I'd Rather Be Skiing Than Working ...I had a dream I was speeding down the slopes of the black diamond hills, expertly zigging and zagging and impressing all with my ability. Unfortunately, since I'm 28 and have never been skiing, my dream turned into a nightmare of "I was on my way to the bunny slope, novicely falling and crashing, entertaining everyone with my lack of balance and grace." Simply put, I'd rather be skiing b/c I've never done it. Work... I've done.
Jessica_Jones
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing than working because I moved out here to Boulder, CO 18 months ago for the job I'm at right now, and have yet to go skiing because I haven't been able to afford it! I'd love to finally see the mountains and hit the slopes! Help me, SWA!
Britt11
Explorer C
I would rather be skiing because that means I would be with my family. They all ski, really tear up the slopes. Me, not so much, but being with them makes it a blast!
Kailey_Lord
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing than working because the only raise I'll be getting this year is from a ski lift!
Patty2
Explorer C
I rather be skiing than working because I have never been. Getting away from the white stacks of paperwork to the white slopes of snow really does sound like I would actually be somewhere else focusing on my self for once and not all my clients since being self-employed means self-work absorbed I would rather be skiing right now, how soon can I go?
amy11
Explorer C
If I wore my ski mask into work, they might think we're being robbed. It's FREEZING in my office. Toes numb, fingers aren't working...would rather be snowboarding in Vail!
Lauren1
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing than working because snowball fights are much more entertaining than wadded-up paper ball fights!
Jesus_Chao
Explorer C
Hi Southwest Airlines! I'd rather be skiing instead of working because a) Work Sucks. b) Work Sucks. c) Skiing is fun. d) Did I mention that work sucks. My girlfriend loves to ski and I do not know how to ski. She thinks I'm a terrorist or something and its so "un-American" to have never skied before. I'm a Cuban-American and I always joke around and say "Have you ever seen a Cuban ski before?" And the answer always is "Come to think of it....no!" Its a good excuse (ok not really) but it only will go so long. So I need to bust my ski cherry and you can certainly help me out with that.....as gross as that may sound. Please help me get my girlfriend on a mountain and get me failing down the mountain in a rolling giant snowball!
Stephen_S
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing than working because it is perfectly acceptable to go downhill fast
Carol_McDaniel
Explorer C
Thank you for this amazing contest! I would rather be skiing then sitting at my desk because here in Florida we are STILL SWEATING! While most areas of the country have experienced the fall foliage and brisk mornings, I'm still mowing my grass, pulling weeds and worrying if I have enough SPF on! As a native Floridian, I would love to experience snow, the slopes, and oh yes, chat's by the fire! But for now we are planning on hanging Christmas lights on the Palm trees, drinking iced coco, and turning our air conditioning down to 50 on Thanksgiving and Christmas to help put a chill in the air for some added holiday spirit! p.s. Did I mention I'm wearing a sundress to work today - geez, I'm ready to buy some boots! Thank you! Carol McDaniel
Maribeth
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing than working because I live in Florida where it's 80 degrees. On top of that, they've been playing Christmas music since the day after Halloween. It's hard to get in the Christmas spirit while surrounded by beaches and palm trees. Ho. Ho. Ho. Oh, and did I mention that I lived in Pennsylvania for 20 years and never went skiing? That's pretty much blasphemy. It's a good thing the Amish are such a peaceful people otherwise I could have been in trouble.
Rita_Gould
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing because skiing makes me feel young. Ask any of us old folks, it is easier than walking! And lots more fun!
Barbara_King
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiiing than working because that one word says it all, "WORK". I dig pier holes for a living. I could ask myself, "self, today do you want to dig holes in the ground or go skiing?" We all know the answer to that one!!!
Anonymous2593
Explorer C
I would rather be skiing than working. ANY DAY. PLEASE GOD LET ME WIN. I NEED A VACATION! 🙂
Sean_OGrady
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing than working because...{INSERT ANYTHING HERE}!? 10.) snow is white (at least it starts that way) 09.) the earth is round 08.) my name is Sean 07.) lift rides are more fun than my commute 06.) last year was my first full season - and now I'm addicted 05.) ski boots are still better than business attire (but still brutal to walk in) 04.) being the first one on the mountain is awesome...who wants to be the first to the office? 03.) they don't make movies about a great day at the office - but a great POWDER DAY...EPIC! 02.) I'd rather spend all day on the mountain with my friends than stuck in a cube with no windos ... 01.) BECAUSE MY WORK DOESN'T HAVE CONTESTS LIKE THIS!
TommyOGrady
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing than working because I have no job 🙂 So technically, there is nothing else I can do than go skiing. So it seems pretty much a no brainer to award me the grand prize. If you cannot award me the grand prize, I will then need for you to provide me with a job. Preferably one that includes and Epic Pass and 2 round trip tickets to Denver. The choice is yours. PS. Please disregard all entries above and below this one. Have a nice day.
Amy6
Explorer C
I would Rather be skiing than working because I live in the Phoenix, Arizona. We don't winters here!! I am tired of looking out my window while I am at work and see dirt, boulders and gravel make up our landscape. I want to be surrounded by white mountain tops and green trees. Simply I would rather be skiing than working so I can see some vivid color!
Jennifer_Pett
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing than working because... I prefer seeing the sun reflecting off the white slopes as opposed to the fluorescents creating a glare on my computer screen.
Stacy_Bresler
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing than working... ...because I could pretend the other people on the slopes were all the things about my job I hate. I'd run them over while singing the tune from "the office" (lyrics I made up just for the occasion). It would be funny and someone might make a YouTube video! Afterward, I'd buy hot buttered rum for all the innocent people I may have surprised with my inappropriate aggressive behavior. Then I might regret my actions. But then I'd remember I just won a contest from Southwest Airlines and I'd shout to the world how great it is to fly on Southwest!! I might even write it in the snow - in yellow. Maybe that last part would be taking too far 😞 Yea Southwest! Boo Work!
Dana_Nichols1
Explorer C
I'd much rather be skiing than working because there are waaaay more pros than cons on the ski slope and at work it is the other way around. WORK Pros (if applicable) and cons. Work. period - CON 30 min lunch break in a smelly "lunch room" - con Upset and grumpy customers - con Nagging boss - con Deadlines - con No vacation or benefits - con Unethical work hours (7pm-11am) - con No fun - con Going home - pro Skiing Pros and Cons (if applicable) Skiing. period - pro Lunch in the ski lodge next to the fireplace with best friend - pro Happy ski instructors and staff - pro Sending boss a "wish you were here" post card - pro Learning how to ski like a professional - pro No work - pro pro pro Set my own vacation schedule - pro Having the experience of a life time - pro Going home - con : ( As anyone can see the Pros of skiing heavily outweighs the pros of working thus solidifying my statement of why I'd rather be skiing than working! Thanks Southwest! Dana Nichols Tampa Bay, Florida
Kelsie
Explorer C
"I'm dreamingggg of a whiiiiiite Christmas..." Wait, did I say white? I don't think south Texas knows what white Christmas means. And considering I've never seen snow in my life, a white Christmas just doesn't seem possible. Unless I left Texas. But spending 35 hours a week working for FREE at a children's shelter to finish my social work degree, I don't really make enough (any) money to afford it! Please help me change my annual Christmas traditions of sledding behind trucks in the sand at the beach and waterskiing down the Colorado in wetsuits to witnessing my very first snowfall and go snow skiing down the slopes of Vail! Oh how I'd love to trade in my iced macchiatto for a steaming cup of hot chocolate bundled up in scarves in coats instead of sweating in my shorts and tank!
Melissa_Barrera
Explorer C
I would rather be skiing than working because its far more worth it to be freezing on the slopes than here now in my office!!
Stacy_Bresler
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing than working... ...because I could pretend the other people on the slopes were all the things about my job I hate. I'd run them over while singing the tune from "the office" (lyrics I made up just for the occasion). It would be funny and someone might make a YouTube video! Afterward, I'd buy hot buttered rum for all the innocent people I may have surprised with my inappropriate aggressive behavior. Then I might regret my actions. But then I'd remember I just won a contest from Southwest Airlines and I'd shout to the world how great it is to fly on Southwest!! I might even write it in the snow - in yellow. Maybe that last part would be taking too far 😞 Yea Southwest! Boo Work!
Eric_Wolf
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing because sunshine and fresh air beat florescent lights and recirculated farts any day!
Matthew_Owens
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing than working....because cruising down the slopes is much healthier than awkward monthly birthday cake celebrations (mentally AND physically). My life depends on it, SWA. Save me!
Lesley2
Explorer C
I would rather be skiing than working because I am a multi handicapped teacher and work is a HARD and often thankless job. I do it because I love the kids but it is physically and emmotionally challenging and this would be a much needed getaway to just relax and unwind and get away from it all.
Margie3
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing than working because I'd pretty much rather be skiing than doing anything else!
Greg_Padley
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing (snowboarding actually - but we're not that picky) than working because yelling things like "niiiice" and "sick" and "sweet" and hi-fiving all my coworkers after a job well done is generally frowned on in my office. As is attempting to jump over things all the time, jibbing desks and occasionally falling down on the floor.
Jack_M
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing than surfing the web all day and looking for a job. 😕
Kari_Kistler
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing from winning this contest because I am working my butt off as a classical musician in FL (with brand new K2 skis!), I've cut up all my credit cards and I'm only a few months from paying them all off, and I'll never be able to afford a vacation like this on my own! Help a poor musician out, Southwest!!!!
Maria2
Explorer C
I would rather be skiing than working because all I do at work is fix people that hurt themselves skiing. Please help me help myself because I'm a physical therapist and I need a break.
Lisa_Theirl
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing than working because I live in Dallas and unlike Sarah Palin I can't see Russia from my house - or any other place with slopes.
Lisa_Theirl
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing than working because I live in Dallas - not Alaska - and can't see Russia from my house (or any other place with slopes).
Jacqueline1
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing that working because i just moved to Seattle from California and this rain is miserable. i just started taking vitamin d supplements to replace the nutrients the sun provides. so i'm up for a miserable winter and spring and everyone keeps saying 'well when it rains here it's snowing in the mountains." well i want to tell them, show me the money! you need to work all the time to afford to get out of this city and so i sit at my desk from 8:30am to 7pm. it's dark when i leave for work and dark when i return. please. i need to get out of this rain and dark.
LIB4Snow
Explorer C
I Liv4Snow. All summer long I look for patches of white on the weather map. At night I dream of riding powder. At work I'm stuck in a white bunny suit in a white clean room. It's not a bad job, but I'd trade it all in to become a red dot wildly careening down through an expanse of white... with a cute snow bunny at my side of course. Ahh, such are the dreams of my summer life.
Jennifer10
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing than working because as an English teacher who has graded essays every night and every weekend since school started in August, I'm ready to enjoy some fun "slopes" time with my hubs of 20 years (celebrating that milestone this month!) This trip would enable us to get away for a skiing second honeymoon, something we won't otherwise be able to do!
Jennifer10
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing than working because as a high school English teacher I have spent every night and weekend since school began in August grading essays! I would love to put down the red pen and hit the slopes with my hubs of 20 years (A milestone we'll celebrate this month!). I can't think of a better second honeymoon! He might keep me around 20 more years if I'm able to surprise him with this!
Wanda3
Explorer C
I can't believe my luck. This guy is talking to me. He's handsome and funny. He's offering to teach me how to ski. I accept, but then at the bottom of the slope I forget how to stop and fall. He laughs and says he'll have to keep teaching me. We lean in closer and closer...wait, why do I hear my boss calling my name? Oh, great. It was all a dream.
Christian_Sande
Explorer C
top 3 reasons I'd rather be skiing than working: #3- because shredding powder > shredding paper #2- because "Hawaiian Shirt Friday" just doesn't fly in January. #1- because, unlike TPS reports, snow reports don't need new cover sheets.
Tommy_Cook
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing then working because I just had my robot legs installed and they are getting pretty stiff while I sit here, trapped in my cubicle cage. Being on the hills is the only proper way to allow these new alloy appendages to grow accustom to their full range of motion. Furthermore, the crisp cool powder found in the Rocky Mountains is the perfect lubrication for my new robot legs and would give them a longer working time frame, allowing me to refrain from replacing them in 10 years or so.
SG
Explorer C
because happy hour in suits is all well and good, but apres in boots is so much better!
SG
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing than working ... because happy hour in suits is fine, but apres in boots is much, much better!
Adam_S1
Explorer C
@SouthwestAir I need my girlfriend to help me replace the home movie mom took of me skiing (and incessantly falling) at age 5. #Skiswa
Adam_S1
Explorer C
@SouthwestAir I need my girlfriend to help me replace the home movie mom took of me skiing (and incessantly falling) at age 5. #Skiswa
Stacey5
Explorer C
Our 1st date was on the slopes, where else would he propose? Please help me get my MRS so I can stop working forever!
Laura_Major
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing than working because its awfully painful slamming your face into concrete versus into a mound of snow. Gotta love being clumsy and skiing there is never a dull moment!
Lisa_Theirl
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing than working because I'm safer on the slopes than working in David Letterman's office.
AZ
Explorer C
Id rather be flying down the slopes than flying (working) United Airlines. Seriously, need I say more?
KS1
Explorer C
I'd rather be skiing than working because ski suits are not acceptable business casual attire!
KS2
Explorer C
Because I'd rather be among gapers than shuffling papers!!