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.