After nearly 40 years of providing adaptive outdoor recreational opportunities to individuals of all abilities and ages, including more than 5,400 ski and snowboard lessons each year, the National Ability Center had long outgrown its temporary double-wide trailer and was in desperate need of a long-term solution. For the organization’s new permanent home, the project team aimed to create a structure that would attract skiers and empower and inspire movement.

The resulting building sweeps upward toward nearby mountain peaks and features an exposed heavy timber structure. Canted glulam outriggers reach outward from the base of the building, while ample well-positioned windows provide a comprehensive view of the ski hill.

Photo courtesy Meagan Larsen

Accessibility was a crucial design consideration. The team’s goal was not just to meet but to exceed ADA requirements and to do so in natural, unassuming ways. An artificial snow surface extends from the interior equipment fitting area out to the ski hill, allowing participants to be fit for adaptive ski gear inside then slide directly to the ski hill without being removed from their equipment. Other elements include wide corridors, automatic openers on all restroom stalls, large restrooms that accommodate adult changing tables and a special quiet room for individuals who are susceptible to sensory overstimulation.

Being located at the base and main entry point of Park City Mountain Resort meant the project team had to contend with large volumes of mountain bikers, hikers and skiers. To help mitigate these risks, the resort provided additional space at the base of the main ski lift. Ensuring uninterrupted movement and safety of crews and guests required extensive coordination and collaboration across the entire team.

This area served as the base of operations for the 2004 Winter Olympics. Multiple electrical and telecommunications grids were installed without accurate as-built records in the mad scramble leading up to the games. In addition, a record snowpack, with snow topping the 6-ft chain link construction fence, made for a difficult investigation and discovery process to identify all underground utilities.