Project Profiles: Hospitality and Entertainment

Cliff Lodge, Snowbird, Utah

Retrofit Team

Interior Designer: Beecher Walker Architects, Holladay, Utah

Materials

The resort’s double sliding-door entrance performed well, except for one serious issue: The 9-story building’s atrium lobby and escalators created a chimney effect, causing a ferocious wind tunnel throughout the winter months. “It was like standing in a windstorm,” recalls Jerry Giles, director of Village Operations. “With outside temperatures as low as -20 F, the atrium was really, really cold.” Given the resort’s popularity, particularly during ski season, the doors were often open, and the entrance vestibule and lobby’s comfort was dramatically affected.

Cliff Lodge representatives made the commitment to spend $10 million to remodel the vestibule entrance area and the guest rooms. A new Duotour automatic revolving door was at the center of the vestibule plans. The two-wing door is 16 feet in diameter with two generous compartments that allow guests to easily move through with luggage, carts, and ski or golf equipment.

In addition, the revolving door uses less interior space than the previous double-door vestibule. The existing space was opened up, removing a luggage storage room and moving the valet desk to where the old double-door vestibule had been. “People now enjoy meeting and relaxing in the atrium, and with the open design, new lighting and furniture, we have a much more vibrant presentation for our guests. It’s 10 times better than what we had previously,” Giles says.

Giles reports the resort is experiencing energy savings from the revolving door. “We couldn’t keep the vestibule or the atrium lobby warm no matter how much heat we pumped in; we even had interior plants freeze with the old sliding doors!” he notes. “By simply changing the type of door, we’ve solved a number of challenges and we’ve definitely enhanced our guests’ Snowbird experience.”

Revolving Door Manufacturer: Boon Edam

The Retrofit

Located in the Wasatch Mountains, 29 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport, the resort is one of the most accessible all-season resorts in the world. Cliff Lodge is known for its consistent snow quality, varied terrain and friendly staff.

Photo: Boon Edam