Ideas Lab

Team Member:LaVerne

My idea in one sentence:Electric vehicles

What problem does your idea solve?

We successfully provide hundreds of thousands of transports up the mountain with electric motors. We could do the same with vehicles on our roads and in our parkung lots.

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • MHM Team Members
  • CSMR Team Members
  • Leadership / Executive Team
  • A specific department
  • Guests
How will they benefit?

Decrease pollution and maintenance

Team Member:Anna

My idea in one sentence:Cooper Spur Solo Stoves!

What problem does your idea solve?

I've been thinking about this for a couple years now because Cooper is one of my favorite spots for dinner/drinks AND I've been avoiding indoor establishments during the pandemic. Could Cooper have self serve solo stoves for outdoor hangouts in the winter? I'm thinking you could keep it easy by not add seating or tables but give folks a cozy way to have a beer and connect with friends outside. You could even turn it into a revenue producer by selling bundles of wood/starters or renting them out to folks who want to use them. This might also be a way to mitigate risk as we could provide some guidance for folks when they purchase their wood bundle or rent their stove for an hour. If there are rules in place about firepits at restaurants that I'm unaware of and would make this impossible, you can stop reading.

A couple benefits to Solo stoves vs other fire pits are that the burn hot with minimal smoke, they are easy to get started and put off lots of heat, you can elevate them above the ground to avoid any heat damage to the patio/grass (we have ours of fireplace bricks sitting on a wood deck and have no damage from years of use), you can simply put a cover over it when you're done and walk away without needing to worry about the status of the current fire (solo stove sells covers but we can make them for a lot less.. we just use a metal pizza pan and a rock). We could probably get them at a discount (they also provide outdoor industry pro-forms) and for a pretty small investment, we could stoke out some hearty people who want to stand around a fire that's not in their backyard.

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • MHM Team Members
  • CSMR Team Members
  • Leadership / Executive Team
  • A specific department
  • Guests
How will they benefit?

People who want to be outdoors during the Pandemic would have more options/motivation to spend their $$ at Cooper! The master minds of Cooper Spur could probably come up with a reasonable and creative way to make this into a revenue generator (sell starter/wood, rent the fire pits to guests at an hourly rate with starter/wood being self serve?). These could also be a bonus or add on for folks staying in cabins in the winter. Obviously they'd need to be stored for much of the summer due to fire danger. We put a lid on ours and use it as an outdoor side table during the summer months.

Management Response

Anna,

Thank you so much for thinking about us. We really appreciate your feedback, and love seeing you at Cooper!

We are really excited we now have a gas fire pit outside in the winter! It’s new this season, another gift from MMH. During the summer we do have more outdoor fire pits for our guests to spread out a bit, however these come to us from Meadows so we have to wait until the season is over before we get them. During the winter it’s hard to add more than the one, because often times the snow is waste deep, and we struggle with a small team to keep up with snow removal as it is.

We will look into the Solo Stove that you suggested and see if they are a viable option, within permit regulations, for Cooper Spur!

Kindly,
Jillianne

Team Member:Crispy

My idea in one sentence:RTP should have more than 2 gender options

What problem does your idea solve?

Its 2022 why does RTP only have male and female as an option. I personally know many of our employees and guests that do not identify within the binary and I feel like out of respect for them we should include more gender options. At least have non-binary as an option.

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • MHM Team Members
  • CSMR Team Members
  • Leadership / Executive Team
  • Guests
How will they benefit?

Gender is a core part of how people identify themselves, especially for those that identify outside the binary having that gender recognized and accepted is important. No one wants to be misgendered. Maybe we could even include pronouns in RTP so we can address people by pronouns that fit them.

Management Response

Hi Crispy,

Thank you for pointing this out. It has been a frustration for us for a few years as RTP only has two gender options built-in and there is no way for us to modify that currently. We are back on maintenance with RTP as of this season and have made the request to the Product Manager that they update the code to allow for adding additional gender options in the next release. We are hopeful that others are requesting this as well and that RTP will make the change. Unfortunately, though it is not completely in our control.

- Jeremy Riss

Team Member:Chuck

My idea in one sentence:flow access btwn lifts

What problem does your idea solve?

I know management has tried to slow down guests coming from other lifts on their way to MHX or stadium by installing a barricade/fence. I’m aware of the cross use hazard to guests using ballroom carpet and those guests needing momentum to connect to MHX and Stadium. here is a suggestion:
relocate ballroom carpet to the area behind the bottom of buttercup. this would make a natural and smooth segway for guests progressing from the carpet to a green run.
stage younger guest;s rental equipt outside Sahale and have adult lessons meet behind the south lodge.
the fencing along the lower northside of buttercup could be moved lower allowing guests coming from other lifts to make the connection to MHX and stadium easier.
we would have a more natural flow pattern in the area with reduced hazards.

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • Guests
How will they benefit?

guests using ballroom carpet would have a more natural incentive to explore and try buttercup. parents of youngsters could still watch from Sahale.
more experienced guests could have better access with less hazard to connect to other lifts.

Team Member:Scott

My idea in one sentence:Benches in Locker Halls

What problem does your idea solve?

Getting dressed and equipment on is a lot easier when you have a place to sit. There are some places in the downstairs hall where some simple benches would be greatly utilized and appreciated. I hear my colleagues mention this all the time!! Thanks for listening.

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • MHM Team Members
How will they benefit?

Help change in and out of our uniforms. It will make that much easier and more comfortable.

Management Response

Thanks for your input. We actually did have benches in the hallways to varying degrees from time to time. Unfortunately what happens is they move around and wind up blocking the hallway and numerous falls resulted. We tried to remove some and leave others, but over time it became apparent even a few get moved and block traffic and cause problems. In a power outage or if there was a fire it would be more unsafe. We could put some along the walls (fixed to the floor), but it would require removing lockers, and one of our goals is to get as many team lockers as possible.

Kent Fellows, Facilities Director

Team Member:Jan

My idea in one sentence:Nordic

What problem does your idea solve?

First off- I am so happy this opportunity to shout out is back!!

Shout out to the nordic team who welcomed this alpine skier to the trails! Everyone should go down there!

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • MHM Team Members
How will they benefit?

See more of our resort- share with guest

Team Member:Mark

My idea in one sentence:New train blue boxes at the carpet

What problem does your idea solve?

Some time this season the blue boxes above the carpet were left out over night. When the gromers started, the boxes were run over and destroyed. Young students who are wanting to start freestyle would benefited from the smaller features. It would be great getting something back.

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • MHM Team Members
  • Guests
How will they benefit?

Enriching our guest experience and giving instructors another tool for teaching

Team Member:Kevin

My idea in one sentence:More parking lot busses on weekends

What problem does your idea solve?

Mt. Hood Meadows relies heavily on it’s four parking lots on weekends. This means that by the end of the day, as much as 75% of the guests may be parked in a remote parking lot. I know the Guests would very much appreciate it if Mt. Hood Meadows could add another large parking lot bus or two so they don’t have to spend as much time waiting in long lines to get back to their cars.

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • Guests
How will they benefit?

Happier customers. Higher customer satisfaction.

Team Member:Kevin

My idea in one sentence:Light Hood River Express

What problem does your idea solve?

Add lights to the Hood River Express lift to make it a night skiing lift. This would open the terrain for night skiing and make it possible for skiers to ski to their cars in the Hood River lot until close. This would reduce the strain on the parking lot transportation system and could negate the need to add more parking lot shuttles.

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • Guests
How will they benefit?

More night skiing terrain. Ability to get to their vehicle all the way up until close. Reduce the need for guests to waste time on a lengthy shuttle bus ride.

Team Member:Crispy

My idea in one sentence:update RTP

What problem does your idea solve?

Hey so i submitted some of this yesterday but the more i think about it i think pronouns would be the most beneficial and could replace the gender part of RTP. I also had a thought on profile pics. Some of them are up to 16 seasons old and are there for no longer helpful. could we invite guests to update their picture somehow?

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • MHM Team Members
  • CSMR Team Members
  • Leadership / Executive Team
  • A specific department
  • Guests
How will they benefit?

I think we can all benefit from being able to better identify guests. especially in lift operations so we can more easily catch 10-34's. there needs to be away that we can get guests pictures updated.

Management Response

Hi Crispy,

Thank you for your suggestion! I agree, there are many very old pictures on people’s profiles that really do need updating. Lisa and I have been brainstorming ideas to get these updated and we think we have come up with an idea to add a link to a wordpress form in their pass purchase email giving them the option to upload a new picture. This will take just a little labor checking the form and making the updates in RTP but we think it will very beneficial for all departments.

Thanks again!

Ashley

Team Member:Crispy

My idea in one sentence:a free employee meal

What problem does your idea solve?

It was extremely helpful and beneficial to our night staff when we were getting a free meal at night for employees on the clock. I was hoping we could look into doing that everyday for all employees have 3 or so meal options that included vegetarian and gluten free options that one of these meals per day would be free to employees or maybe so many free meals a week and part time and full time associates could have a different number allotted or something. It was very popular to get those free meals at night and i know we were disappointed to see it go. I think when we are here to work, we should not need to worry about how to afford to eat. Times get tough and there are times many of us are out of groceries and cant afford a meal here even at discount. this would make work life so much better for us when things like that are going on.

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • MHM Team Members
How will they benefit?

I think i summarized that already

Management Response

Hi Chris,
It was our pleasure to be able to have a meal option for our MHM night team when F&B was unable to be operating at nights, but that was a temporary solution that we were able to do because we were not open to the public.
When we are open for normal operations, we do not have any team members to prepare or serve the food, as we need them in the operation. Even pre COVID staffing was always a challenge at nights (as it is in every department).
Please understand that was just nights, and every night that effectively was a catering event for 100. We could do it then as we were not in operation, but 4 team members were involved that would otherwise be working other jobs.
If we did it for nights, we would also need to do it for days…so another 500+ on a peak day. That just is not feasible.
We just don’t have the capacity or space for something like that with normal operations.

It would absolutely be great for the team, but would make it difficult to take care of our guests…we have to consider that.
And, it would always be somewhat limited…with the plan we have now, team members can go to any QSR area to get any item of their choice.

Mt. Hood Meadows continues to enhance the team shift meal program each year.
This year an extra 40% in buying power (taking the discount from 50% to 70%) was initiated and the cap was raised to $35.
Even with the higher prices, food is costing our team less than it did last year.
Formerly, the discount was 50%, and at that it was pretty much “break even” cost wise when you factor in all the costs of the food, producing the meals, the paper products, etc.
We were excited to enhance the program this year, meaning the company is now absorbing some of the cost of the meals…while at the same time substantially increasing wages resort wide as well.

As we continue to focus on our team, I would expect that the shift meal program will continue to evolve further in the coming seasons.

Thanks for the question!

- Mark Fellows, Director of Food & Beverage

Team Member:Adrian

My idea in one sentence:Convex mirrors in basement & stairs

What problem does your idea solve?

In the restaurant industry it is typical to voice 'corner' before turning a corner. Instead of asking instructors to yell "corner" I think it would be helpful to put in some convex mirrors in the basement of the north lodge. Team members use the stairs to access lineup and hallways while carrying equipment. Having the ability to look in the mirrors would be helpful. The stairs across the high performance window, the corners in the basement corridor from those stairs. I'm surprised safety isn't a core value. Because wellness falls under safety I chose wellness. I find myself always looking up hoping someone else has had this idea already and mirrors have been placed.

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • MHM Team Members
  • CSMR Team Members
  • Leadership / Executive Team
How will they benefit?

Every type of team member walking in the north basement and going up the north stairs will benefit from the mirrors. Everyone would be happy to avoid a potential collision with equipment over someone's shoulders. Skis stick out off the shoulders so someone is bound to hit the skis before actually realizing a human is around the corner.

Team Member:Woody

My idea in one sentence:Geo-Cache During Summer Ops

What problem does your idea solve?

During summer operations there is little to bring people up here besides hiking in this beautiful area, which is no small incentive. However, giving them something to entertain themselves while hiking, I believe, would greatly increase the incentive for people to come up. We could geo-tag different land marks and art pieces around the lodge and base area and hide prizes for those who find them. I believe this would increase revenue in many different departments and increase the amount of guests we would see during the summer months.

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • MHM Team Members
  • Leadership / Executive Team
  • Guests
How will they benefit?

Guests would be able to win prizes by finding the geo-caches and MHM team members could monitor the caches, creating more summer time positions. The leadership of MHM would benefit by increased moral in their teams and the increase of profitability during the summer months.

Team Member:Miranda

My idea in one sentence:Water and a clock in the employee lounge please!

What problem does your idea solve?

I have had and overheard several conversations in the last month about how there is no way to tell time in the employee lounge. It would be super useful to have a clock in there! Also, it would be helpful to have a water bottle fill station in that space - there is coffee, hot cocoa, and sugary beverages available - why not water?

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • MHM Team Members
  • Guests
How will they benefit?

A clock would benefit employee punctuality and anxiety management during breaks which would in turn help us be more able to serve our guests.
Water... do I need to explain more why having water available in the employee lounge would be beneficial?

Management Response

Thanks for the input. We didn’t install water because we don’t have a drain for a sink. This summer we’re going to trench it into the concrete and install a sink and a water filter for filling water bottles. And since you made this suggestion we’ll order a clock this week! Thank you.

Kent Fellows, Facilities Director

Team Member:David

My idea in one sentence:Add Links "Header" To Other Websites

What problem does your idea solve?

As a part-time instructor at MHM, I understand the need for three different websites (Dayforce, Team.skihood, and Snowproportal) that address three different functions employees may need to access. But, sometimes, I forget the URL of one of the websites and have to search for it! My suggestion is to add a "header" at the top of the websites that has a live link to the other two. (Not sure if this would be possible in Dayforce but it should be possible in the other two.) So, for example, when I go to team.skihood.com, there would be links to Dayforce and snowproportal -right at the top of the page- so I could click to go directly to either of those sites. An additional option would be to add a brief description right next to the link. Something like "To see your schedule or complete a time sheet" right next to the Dayforce link. Or "To see and sign up for training options" next to the snowproportal link. Thank you for your time and for considering my idea!

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • MHM Team Members
  • CSMR Team Members
  • Leadership / Executive Team
How will they benefit?

Quicker access between websites

Management Response

Hi David,

This is a great idea!

I'm working with my Manager to see if we could include this in Dayforce somehow - in the meantime:

I've added a "Quick Links" menu to the header of team.skihood.com that includes: Dayforce, SnowPro Portal, Meadows website & Cooper Spur website links. I checked in with Tyler Barnes and he added the Dayforce and Team Site links to the header of the SnowPro Portal!

Thanks for your idea, please reach out if you have any issues/questions.

Happy to help,

Kenzie Schlangen
Lead HR Services Coordinator
kenzie.schlangen@skihood.com

Team Member:David

My idea in one sentence:Proper Flag Placement

What problem does your idea solve?

I'm sure there are (much) bigger fish to fry but I would like to point out one minor thing, please: There are four flags flying over the center breezeway between North and South lodges. From observer's left to right, they are US Forest Service, US, US again, and Tribal. According to the US flag code, the US flag should be located to its own farthest right (the observer's farthest left). My suggestion is that you fly (from left to right as observed from the parking lot) US, Tribal, State of Oregon, and US Forest Service. Arguments could be made to switch around or reverse any of the three non-US flags but the US flag should definitely be to the observer's far left. I'm pretty certain that guests that are active military or veterans (or just a flag geek like me!) have noticed the improper sequence and will notice the change for the better. Thank you for your time and for considering my suggestion!

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • MHM Team Members
  • Leadership / Executive Team
  • Guests
How will they benefit?

Veterans, active duty military, patriotic folks, and flag geeks will appreciate that the very visible flag display gives the proper respect to Old Glory.

Management Response

Yes, we absolutely want to proudly display our US flag correctly. We have gone by this from the US flag code:

(e) The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs.

However, there is also:

(c) No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy.

We make sure the 2 US flags are the highest in relation to the others. We definitely want to do it right, and will research further for certainty and make it correct.

Kent Fellows, Facilities Director

Team Member:Kelly

My idea in one sentence:Mnemonic device "SNOWPRO" for remembering and knowing the responsibility code

What problem does your idea solve?

Problem: General knowledge and familiarity with the safety code. The mountain safety & responsibility code for snowsport enthusiasts is a core attribute, expected to be known- and followed by everyone. While the principles are straightforward and intuitive, the code’s importance in articulating personal responsibility on the slopes is more than a bumper sticker. It is a legally binding agreement implemented into statutes in many states, and may not be fully understood by a vast majority of the skiing and boarding population as such. An edgy and effective safety marketing campaign (with an easy to remember acronym) would work well in reinforcing familiarity with the skier's and snowboarder's code, bolstering mountain safety for all guests, and reducing risk of injuries attributed to carelessness

I suggest propagating a mnemonic device I developed for my personal use in memorization.
SNOW PRO

S-always Stay in control-be able to stop and avoid people or objects
N-(Notice) people ahead of you (who) have the right of way. it’s your responsibility to avoid them
O-You must not stop where you Obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above (Out of the way and Observable from above if stopped)
W- Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail look up & yield to others
P- always use devices to help Prevent runaway equipment
R- Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed (Restricted) trails and out of closed (Restricted) areas
O- Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely. (On loading, riding, and Offloading)

CRAMPON was introduced to me (used in Lift Operations). and after going over the seven points of the code, I was looking for a simpler acronym that resonated with me (SNOWPRO). I realized that this may serve others as an easy acronym to remember, and with some creative energy could be expanded and integrated into a MHM safety program like LIFTSTARS.

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • MHM Team Members
  • CSMR Team Members
  • Leadership / Executive Team
  • A specific department
  • Guests
How will they benefit?

Everyone on the mountain will benefit from reinforcing the safety and responsibility code in a way that makes it edgy, desirable, and memorable. More emphasis of the code will yield fewer injuries and safety incidents, resulting in a better overall experience for all mountain guests.

Team Member:Baylei

My idea in one sentence:Nacho Cheese ♥

What problem does your idea solve?

Hello hello Meadows Team,
It has come to my attention, as well as many other Meadows employees attention, that the nacho cheese has been changed since last season. It was changed around Christmas and now it just tastes cheap and flavorless. It its very sad, as the nachos last season were SO insanely delicious that i have friends in Oklahoma who visited last season texting me about how they are craving them. Please please change them back. ): They are more expensive and now less delicious.
With love,
Baylei

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • MHM Team Members
  • CSMR Team Members
  • Leadership / Executive Team
  • Guests
How will they benefit?

Every one will benefit! Higher quality food is good for all and also good for Meadows reputation. Ski resorts are known for having terrible food, however we could wow our guests by having amazing food! We could be the talk of the Pacific Northwest! "Best ski resort food around" - National Geographic … I can see it now! What are you willing to do to make this happen? A great start would be to switch back the cheese.

Management Response

HI Baylei,
Thank you for your constructive criticism of our nacho cheese sauce. And I am glad your friends are still talking about them. The only thing I changed about the sauce this season was going from green salsa in the recipe to red salsa which didn't change the flavor profile much at all. There was a period in December when our supply of the cheese we use to make it was unavailable and we did have to use another base sauce. I will make sure to double-check that our recipe is being followed though. I have only heard good comments on the nachos this season, especially from our guests.
Thank you and feel free to stop by and visit with me in Sahale anytime.

Chef Matt

Team Member:Walker

My idea in one sentence:Rope Tow

What problem does your idea solve?

Meadows parks have no real progression to from the zoo to…… A rope tow at shipyard would solve this problem and provide a park that is easily accessible for nights. Also you could charge a one time fee for people to just use the rope tow

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • MHM Team Members
  • CSMR Team Members
  • Leadership / Executive Team
  • A specific department
  • Guests
How will they benefit?

Park progression a fast way to hit multiple features in a single run

Management Response

The Executive Team has reviewed the validity and financial impact of a rope tow and ruled the concept unviable and we support their decision. The amazing terrain that makes up our mountain home also proves difficult for beginners. The terrain formally known as Shipyard with its proximity to Buttercup is perfect for our MLC team to help this demographic hone their skills on our newly developed Fun Zone features. We appreciate your suggestion as well as your passion and support for freestyle terrain.

- TJ Moloney

Team Member:Michael

My idea in one sentence:Parking structure

What problem does your idea solve?

Jess zerfing and Some members of my department discussed some of the issues that exist within his department, and he mentioned an idea that I thought should be put here. A multi story parking structure in our main lot. Preferably near the rear corner out of the way of the main path forward. A multi story structure could potentially double the parking capacity within the main parking lot while also creating an area where less snow removal has to be done overall. The interior levels of the structure would require very little dig out, if ever, and the upper level could be maintained Daily, by small snowblower.
It could add several hundred parking spaces. And the structure could be equipped with sensors to monitor its use and provide feedback to parking lot about how many empty spaces are available within the structure, simplifying their reopening procedures.

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • A specific department
How will they benefit?

More space in the main lot to alleviate congestion issues.
An always snow free area for employees who work double shifts during storm cycles.
Less frequent closures of the main lot
An improved empty space reporting system for parking lot.

Team Member:Brian

My idea in one sentence:Fix the RFID gates at lifts.

What problem does your idea solve?

This year, pick any lift, at any time, and there is a good chance one or more of the RFID lanes will not be functioning. What is the problem causing this chronic issue? Let's fix it.

I had a guest out on a lesson a couple weeks ago. We hit Buttercup, Cascade, Mt Hood, Shooting Star, Vista, and HRM. Most had 2 lanes down. Vista had all 4 open. SS was completely inoperative.

This issue causes us to look unprofessional in the eyes of the guest. They wonder, "if the scanners are always broken, what other mechanical issues might need attention?"

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • MHM Team Members
  • A specific department
  • Guests
How will they benefit?

Solving this issue will have multiple benefits. Easier loading of chairs. Fewer miss loads. More chairs at peak capacity and therefore shorter lift lines. Easier class management in the lift que. Increased guest confidence in our mantaince practices.

Management Response

Firstly, thank you for taking the time to express these concerns. We in IT are right there with you – we hate to see those gates down for any length of time. We’ve been working through a few separate hurdles that have been impacting gate functionality this season (new team in IT, many new Lift Operators leading to umbilical/connector damage, eager guests pressing on or slamming into gates causing parts to break, etc.) but we are making good progress on alleviating these issues. Buttercup (umbilical problems) and Cascade (network bandwidth issues) have been the problem locations this season, but we are getting closer to resolving those as well. Gate issues at any other location get resolved almost immediately after being reported to us. There is definitely room for improvement through training our team, educating our guests, and ironing out processes to keep this from becoming such an issue in the future.

As of today (2/20/22), all gates are functional, scanning, and turning. Cascade may still need some additional work to get us through the season – it is being upgraded this summer – but we are doing everything we can. We appreciate your patience and understanding and apologize for the impact to the guest experience.

-- Benjamin Leland
IT Manager
Mt Hood Meadows

Team Member:Matthew

My idea in one sentence:Tool storage

What problem does your idea solve?

I would like to see designated tool storage on the outside of lift shacks

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • MHM Team Members
  • CSMR Team Members
  • Leadership / Executive Team
  • A specific department
  • Guests
How will they benefit?

Keeping the tools and supplies neat and clean will lead to less damage of tools and supplies in the long run as well as timing of set up and take down of lifts

Management Response

That’s a great idea! We do have some storage outside the lifts currently, but I would love to hear any suggestions on how we can improve and better storage seems like a great option. I would love to follow up with you next time you are in the Lops building.

Marshal Ellison – Lift Ops Assistant Manager

Team Member:Lisa

My idea in one sentence:Biscotti 🙂

What problem does your idea solve?

Today while taking a sip of my coffee, I really wanted a biscotti, so I thought oh, the coffee shop should have that, sadly, it didn't. When I asked about it others agreed and I may have started something 🙂 it would be awesome to have an offering of biscotti in the coffee shops.

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • MHM Team Members
  • Guests
How will they benefit?

A tasty treat to enjoy with their coffee.

Management Response

Hi Lisa:
Biscotti is a great idea for the coffee bars, but we have not been able to find it from our supplier.
We will keep it in mind to add to the selection for next season.

Thanks for the suggestion!

- Mark Fellows, Director of Food & Beverage

Team Member:Karen

My idea in one sentence:Host a Sunday Morning Pre Opening Community event for guests

What problem does your idea solve?

With weekend traffic we are seeing more people arrive on the mountain far in advance of the first chair. In addition, the isolation and social distancing of the pandemic has left people craving authentic, positive human interaction. Why don't we offer a Sunday morning experience that not only gives people something to do when they arrive early, it builds community and it offers another way for us to enrich lives.

I have a few friends that are season pass holders and here every weekend that are willing to be a part of making such an event happen. The only thing that Meadows has to do is provide the space and promote the event on the blog and social media.

This is what we have in mind: A one hour event held outdoors unless the weather is really bad that features live music, stretching and movement, inspirational messages, sharing wisdom about the mountain and snow sports, laughter and community time. A regular time and place to celebrate our mountain home and everyone who is a part of that.

We are ready and prepared to make this happen as soon as the first weekend of March, giving us the ability to get in at least a handful of dates in order to determine if it's something that would work for the whole season.

Sunday Stoke Session can be another reason people chose Meadows, another way to add value without any additional costs, and a way to set the vibe for a beautiful day on the mountain.

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • MHM Team Members
  • Guests
How will they benefit?

Everyone that is able to attend will benefit from the community gathering, the inspirational messages, the knowledge gained and the opportunity to stretch and prepare physically for the day ahead. It will also set a positive vibe that people can take and build on throughout the day, as a guest and as a team member.

Those who are not able to attend will benefit from the good vibes that those in attendance will bring to the mountain and their departments. Guests are much more likely to be positive and engaged after attending this event. Everyone benefits when that happens.

Team Member:Tamara

My idea in one sentence:Twilight Nordic Lodge Design

What problem does your idea solve?

I have a lot of ideas for the New Nordic Lodge at the Twilight Parking lot. THE Problem: I don't know who to get them to, or if there is a team of people working on the design. I would like to be a part of the solution and be on the design team. I have been researching and visiting many other nordic lodges for quite some time now and feel like I have a lot of experience and positive productive ideas that support ALL of the core Values below!

Who will interact & benefit from your idea?
  • MHM Team Members
  • CSMR Team Members
  • Leadership / Executive Team
  • A specific department
  • Guests
How will they benefit?

My ideas will not efficiently fit in this space. I have drawings, photos and maps to share with the right people/committee in more detail. The short answer would be to have multi season services, 3 stories, inside and outside space for eating, working on XC skis, locker room for employees, cubbies for guests, Flow through space for rentals, bathrooms, food, and retail so that areas aren't mixed up in the flow and avoid congestion. That would make a lot of happy guests and employees, and management!