Ski Lift Troubles

Finally, one of the operators stayed at his post operating the tow, while the other, wearing a discarded pair of skis, elbowed his way to the head of the line. The tow operator promptly called him back, "Hey, where's your lift ticket?"
"I don't need a ticket to ride this tow." At this, the tow operator produced an axe and, with two blows, deftly chopped off the fronts of his partner's skis, just ahead of his toes.
With the crowd of skiers staring in amazement, the operator lowered his axe and turned to the crowd, "Is there anyone else out there who doesn't have a lift ticket?"
Originally published August 01, 2003.