How do you offer safe dining options during a pandemic, especially when it’s cold outside?
Ah, the question that every ski resort/area exec must have on their mind. (I don’t envy them, this season.)
Many states are already regulating indoor seating capacity, and eating outside in frigid conditions at a ski area could be, well… less than ideal.
A few ski areas might invest in propane gas heaters to provide a more tolerable outdoor dining experience, and many are already setting restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but will it be enough to keep food and drink sales from plummeting?
That’s where Dragon Seats comes into play.
The company is mostly known for providing heated and cooled seats to professional and collegiate sports teams, but it appears they have their eyes set on the ski industry.
Their seats have already been used at Stratton Mountain Resort, Catamount Ski Resort, Okemo Ski Resort, Butternut Ski Resort, Boston Mills / Brandywine Resorts, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s Alpenhof Lodge.
They also announced a new partnership to provide heated seats to Wachusett Mountain, and Windham Mountain just earlier this week.
Dragon Seats provide warmth for users at a comfortable 90°F. There are additional attachments to dry helmets, boots, and goggles similar to those used by NFL teams.
Is this the future of the dining/après scene at ski resorts? Maybe? We’ll see. Ski areas will need to change something to address the issue.