How perfect is this? For Valentine's Day 2012 we bring you the perfect mating: skiing and Starbucks have come together for the world's first ski-in, ski-out Starbucks. It opened this past weekend, with a cleverly contrived text message scavenger hunt and Grand Opening celebration, at Squaw Valley. (See more photos)
High atop one of northern California's favorite playgrounds at elevation 8,000 feet, the mountaintop Starbucks presents itself as offering "spectacular mountain views and the unique ability for guests to keep their skis or board on" while they get their caffeine fix.
Caffeine and fitness
Exactly how much that caffeine affects your stamina on the slopes is still open for discussion. At one time, excess caffeine (roughly five cups of coffee) was cause for disqualification by the International Olympic Committee, but that measurement was eliminated in 2004. Still, it's widely accepted that drinking coffee before a workout adds energy to an athletic pursuit.
In a blog post in December 2011 New York Times writer (and former San Jose journalist) Tara Parker-Pope explored whether coffee can galvanize a workout (yes, it can) and why (it depends on the exercise). The post discusses two recent studies which indicate that, "... a grande Americano is the ideal sports beverage. But, [experts explain]. 'We don’t know the best dose.'"
Whether it's for warmth or the caffeine jolt, the signature espresso and coffee beverages are now yours high atop a nearby ski resort. The special Starbucks can be found at the Gold Coast mid-mountain complex and can be accessed with or without ski or snowboard equipment. "I'm a couple steps closer to heaven," says Vicki Kahn of Tahoe City, CA in a video clip from the grand opening. Amen to that.
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