Squaw Valley in California opened the world’s first ski-thru Starbucks, allowing skiers in need of warmth and caffeine to ski up to the window and place their orders without the hassle of removing their gear. It sits high on a mountaintop at 8, 000 feet and is the very first Starbucks of its kind. The grand opening of the ski-thru coffee shop occurred over the weekend with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Doug Satzment, the Starbucks Vice President of Branded Solutions, reported that the Starbucks brand is always in search of new locations and new ways to serve. He said, “Starbucks is passionate about providing customers with the unique Starbucks experience wherever they are, including Squaw Valley’s upper mountain.” The chain coffee shop is expected to open throughout the winter season. McDonald’s initiated the concept with the world’s first McSki in 1996 at a popular resort in Sweden.
