For ski resort operators, this winter season will present a new array of challenges that require forward-thinking and unique solutions. With indoor capacity limited at mountains across the country, ski areas have been forced to come up with a better way to expand outdoor accommodations. Some places, like Telluride, will employ old gondola cars as ways to provide additional, heated outdoor seating at its mid-mountain village. But what about the folks who just want to hang around the base area and enjoy a cold beer after skiing?
Dragon Seats is offering a toasty solution. The company’s portable, heated benches are being used by resorts across the country for ski school instruction, rental lines and especially around food and beverage spaces. Previously used in frigid professional and collegiate stadiums, Dragon Seats are now popping up at resorts like Okemo Mountain, Stratton Mountain, Catamount Ski Resort, Butternut Ski Resort, and Boston Mills/Brandywine to make the outdoor patio experience better this season.
Last week, Dragon Seats announced partnerships with Windham and Wachusett Mountains, and, most recently, one of the benches has been added at the Alpenhof Lodge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, providing a view of the Tetons. “Dragon Seats’ heated benches are a great fit for us this year given the COVID-19 environment,” said Dave Kulis, director of sales at marketing at Windham Resorts. “We’re trying to keep people outside and comfortable all season around food and beverage, ski and boot rentals and ski schools. The heated Dragon Seats benches are going to allow us to do just that,” Kulis finished.
The fiberglass, temperature-controlled benches can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and are an ideal solution to keep skiers outside, well-spaced and enjoying high-alpine views. As one Jackson Hole skier last season put it, “It’s like sitting in a hot tub without getting wet.” And who doesn’t like the feeling of a scorching, bubbling hot tub? Dragon Seats also feature a heated foot deck which will be ideal for drying out boots, helmets and gloves.
With new protocols and practices adopted for winter 2020-21, resorts are having to pivot to find solutions to unforeseen problems—like keeping people warm while they physically distance outside. Dragon Seats will keep our buns toasty… and we’re cool with that.
