Great news for Ontario’s ski community! The Craigleith Ski Club Base Lodge Expansion is substantially complete and on track to open for the 2026-2027 ski season, representing a significant milestone for one of our province’s premier ski clubs.
This impressive 17,000+ square foot addition was designed and built by Normerica Building Systems, Alpine Ontario’s official design and home builder partner, showcasing the best of what timber frame and mass timber construction can achieve for ski facilities.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
The Craigleith project exemplifies the kind of thoughtful facility development that strengthens Ontario’s ski community. Working alongside Craigleith Ski Club (acting as General Contractor) and design partners Arcadis and Tacoma Engineering, Normerica has created a space that will serve generations of skiing families.
This expansion continues a partnership that dates back to 2003 when Normerica designed and built Craigleith’s original Base Lodge. The seamless integration of the new addition with the existing timber frame structure demonstrates the timeless quality of well-executed timber construction.
Building for the Future of Ontario Skiing
The new expansion significantly enhances the member experience with features designed specifically for active skiing families:
⛷️Expanded kitchen facilities that have nearly doubled in size, improving service speed and menu flexibility during peak periods
⛷️A new adult lounge offering a sophisticated après-ski space with stunning ski hill views
⛷️160 additional family lockers to accommodate current members and those on the waitlist
⛷️Main-floor convenience washrooms to improve accessibility and reduce congestion
⛷️300 additional indoor seats for gathering, relaxing, and connecting with fellow club members
True to the original lodge’s alpine character, the expansion features bright glass walls, soaring ceilings, and open sightlines that blend indoor comfort with the spectacular landscape of the Blue Mountains.
Sustainability Meets Performance
Beyond aesthetics and functionality, this project represents a commitment to environmental stewardship that aligns with Alpine Ontario’s values. The use of mass timber construction — including prefabricated glued-laminated timbers (glulam) and cross-laminated timber (CLT) elements — reduces the project’s carbon footprint while delivering the strength, durability, and natural beauty that timber is known for.
The prefabrication approach also reduced on-site construction time and waste, demonstrating how advanced building techniques can benefit both the environment and project efficiency.
Supporting Ontario Ski Culture
Since 1979, Normerica Building Systems has been at the forefront of timber frame design and construction across Ontario, with particularly deep roots in the ski community. Their partnership with Alpine Ontario as our official design and home builder partner reflects a shared commitment to fostering wellness, inclusion, and youth development through winter sports.
“We’re incredibly proud to support Ontario’s ski community through our partnership with Alpine Ontario,” said Chris McFarlane, President of Normerica Building Systems. “Projects like the Craigleith expansion demonstrate our commitment to building spaces where families gather, friendships deepen, and memories are made on the slopes.”
The Craigleith Base Lodge Expansion stands as an inspiring example of how thoughtful facility development can enhance the ski experience while honoring tradition and building for the future.
Here’s to many seasons of skiing, community, and celebration in this beautiful new space!