Written by Mariah Wilson

From its humble beginnings in the 1960s as the Paskapoo Ski Centre to playing a pivotal role in the 1988 Winter Olympics, WinSport has become synonymous with winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, skating and tubing for people living in the city and the surrounding communities. For many Calgarians, honing their skills on the slopes at WinSport has become a rite of passage and is a cherished place for families to spend their weekends. As part of a forward-thinking renovation, the WinSport Day Lodge is being reimagined to welcome a new generation of winter sports enthusiasts while honouring its historical legacy for years to come. 

Designing a new experience

The WinSport Day Lodge was initially built to house media during the 1988 Olympics, but over the years, it’s expanded to accommodate different functions and has become a bit cumbersome to navigate. By approaching the design like a clubhouse, the GGA team created a distinct arrival experience that streamlines visitors through the areas they need before getting on the slopes. Using the existing orientation of the WinSport Day Lodge, the design team capitalized on making the north side, where visitors arrive, as a billboard of activity to create a clear, welcoming entrance. The south side, which faces the slopes, primarily comprises windows that flood the interior with natural light while offering a comfortable, warm viewing area of the ski hill—which is especially beneficial for parents who brave the elements to watch their children on the slopes. The building is being designed to achieve certification from the Rick Hansen Foundation for accessibility to ensure that everyone can enjoy the space regardless of ability. Features like ramps designed for land and snow access, clearer wayfinding, sensory areas for individuals with neurodivergence and a multi-faith room all contribute to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for all visitors.

Sustainable Day Lodge design with Zero Carbon Building Standards

Sustainability is at the heart of the WinSport Day Lodge renovation. From the outset, this project was designed with a commitment to achieving Zero Carbon Building Standards, meaning that the building will generate as much energy as it consumes to significantly reduce its long-term environmental impact.

The architectural design makes the most of the north-south orientation by having the north side feature a more solid structure and fewer windows, which provides a better envelope for energy efficiency. In contrast, the south side is glazed and allows lots of natural light to pour in to create a bright, welcoming space for visitors. This careful balance of energy efficiency and daylight is crucial for the building’s sustainable design, especially during the colder months.

In addition, the WinSport Day Lodge will feature building integrated solar panels that will provide a renewable energy source to help power the facility. The design will also allow for easy adaptation between winter and summer sports to ensure that WinSport can serve the community year-round. With activities ranging from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to mountain biking in the summer, the renovated lodge is set to become an enhanced year-round hub of activity.

WinSport Day Lodge honours Olympic legacy

While the focus of the renovation is on creating a modern and efficient facility, the design also honours the history of WinSport and its Olympic legacy. One striking feature of the renovation is the use of colored poles on the exterior of the lodge. These poles, inspired by the colors of the Olympic rings, serve as a reminder of WinSport’s role in the 1988 Winter Olympics and its ongoing contribution to winter sports in Calgary.

The new design also emphasizes a sense of community and belonging. With more open spaces, expanded food areas and comfortable lounges, the lodge will provide a welcoming environment for families, athletes and visitors alike.

Accessibility at the WinSport Day Lodge

Beyond the physical changes to the WinSport Day Lodge, the renovation has a broader impact on the local community. One of the key goals of the project is to improve accessibility to winter sports by making it easier for visitors to rent gear, take lessons or simply enjoy a day on the slopes. With a more efficient layout, users will be able to get on the ski hill faster and maximize their time enjoying the activities they love.

The renovation also supports the growth of high-performance athletes and sports engagement in Calgary. With flexible spaces that can accommodate both recreational lessons and high-performance aerials, the building is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of users. The new facility will also make it easier for WinSport to continue hosting programs for kids and school groups which help introduce new generations of locals to skiing, snowboarding and other sports they offer.

“It was important to create a space where all community members would feel welcome, regardless of their abilities. We followed the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification guidelines to ensure that this facility goes above and beyond for the community.”
Erin Jensen, Technical Manager

By reimagining this beloved space, GGA has created a facility that not only serves the needs of current visitors but also prepares WinSport for future needs. Whether it’s pursuing Zero Carbon Building Standards, creating an inclusive and welcoming design or paying homage to the lodge’s Olympic history, this renovation is a true celebration of WinSport’s legacy and its commitment to serving the Calgary community for years to come.