The “Sporthaus” at Sugar Bowl Ski Resort is a 9,000 SF indoor/ outdoor recreation and multi-use facility within the heart of this unique resort. The site was challenging, as the building was required to be attached to the existing Village Hall building, on an old snow cat maintenance yard. The site itself is at the “crossroads” of the resort, at the fork of the main entry road (Mule Ears Drive) and at the intersection of the primary residential road; therefore the campus created by the Sporthaus and Village Hall acts as the “front door” to the resort. A connection to Village Hall was important, since Village Hall represents the current hub of the resort, and is used for the resort’s ski race team and for village gatherings. While access to these buildings is via Mule Ears Drive in summer, the only winter access is via a gondola out to Donner Pass Road, which makes Sugar Bowl a truly unique ski resort.
The building is three stories in height, with a roof form that mimics the roof form at Village Hall. The exterior wall and roof materials are very similar as well, to reinforce the “campus” setting created by these two buildings. The program includes locker rooms, relaxation lounge, a TRX training room, cardio and free weight areas, a yoga studio, treatment rooms, and an outdoor pool, hot tub, and firepit. The facility opened in 2014 and has been extremely well-received by resort residents and guests alike, becoming the “crown jewel” of the resort.
