ENR 2024 Mountain States Best Projects
Award of Merit, Sports/Entertainment: Steamboat Ski Area Base Improvements
Photo courtesy Scott Burge
STEAMBOAT SKI AREA BASE IMPROVEMENTS
Steamboat Springs, Colo.
Award of Merit
Submitted by: Saunders Construction
OWNERS Alterra Mountain; Steamboat Ski and Resort; East West Partners
LEAD DESIGN FIRM Gensler
GENERAL CONTRACTOR Saunders Construction
CIVIL ENGINEER Landmark Consultants
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Martin/Martin Consulting Engineers
MEP ENGINEER ME Engineers
GEOTECH ENGINEER North West Colorado Consultants
ARCHITECT ESA Architecture & Planning
SUBCONTRACTORS Native Excavating; Central Electric; Utility Partners: Mount Werner Water District; Atmos Energy; Yampa Valley Electric Association
Steamboat’s Gondola Square has been redeveloped into an amenity-rich plaza with dining, shopping and gathering places for guests to enjoy year-round. Scope of work included the infrastructure relocation, development of new public amenities, demolition of existing structures and construction of new buildings.
The $106-million redevelopment project was completed in three phases. Phase 1 included the base area improvements, including an escalator to improve accessibility, Skeeter’s Ice Rink and the Range Food & Drink Hall.
Additional enhancements included relocating the Christie Peak Express base terminal, constructing the Greenhorn Ranch beginner’s area and installing the lower section of the new Wild Blue Gondola. Phase 2 included mid-mountain enhancements, such as the completion of the Greenhorn Ranch beginner’s area and expanding snowmaking capabilities.
To complete the on-mountain work and gondola construction, Saunders procured the use of three helicopters, which were also used to fight forest fires nationwide. This added pressure to complete the gondola work within a strict deadline. The project required approximately 160 hours of helicopter flight time, which required precise coordination and timing.
Since helicopter time is costly and invaluable, every task had a backup plan to avoid wasting time. The team used Google Earth to communicate precise work locations to the trucks, helicopters and the resort, ensuring controlled and safe work areas.
