For the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, we were proud to play a major role in bringing handcrafted log architecture to the world stage. Snowbasin Resort—host of the Downhill and Super G events—wanted lodges that matched the dramatic beauty of the surrounding mountains, and massive handcrafted log work was the natural choice. After being selected as one of only four North American companies pre-approved to bid, we were awarded the contract to build all the log work for the main day lodge. As the project neared completion and our craftsmanship spoke for itself, Snowbasin entrusted us with two additional lodges: the John Paul Lodge and the Needles Lodge, both positioned high on the mountain near 10,000 feet.

The resort owners were committed to sustainability, requesting “dead-standing” spruce harvested from our home province of British Columbia—tight-grained, straight, and naturally beautiful timber aged 80 to 120 years.

Needles Lodge, a 19,385 sq. ft. structure sitting at 8,710 feet, served as the starting point for several Olympic downhill events. Getting materials to the site was an enormous challenge. Everything had to be unloaded at the base of the mountain and transported up by Caterpillar bulldozers pulling trailers. With limited space at the summit and multiple construction teams working simultaneously, staging and logistics were difficult—but we made it happen. The result was a breathtaking lodge that blended seamlessly into the alpine landscape and stood proudly at the heart of the Olympic events.