Craigleith Ski Club Base Lodge Expansion Completion Imminent: A New Era Begins

A Legacy Project On-Schedule for Completion Just in Time for the 2026-2027 Ski Season

The Craigleith Ski Club Base Lodge Expansion (BLE) is almost complete. After months of careful construction, collaboration, and craftsmanship, the 17,000+ square foot addition will be ready to welcome members to create memories for decades to come.

Since we first announced our engagement with Craigleith Ski Club in May 2025, this project has been more than just a construction endeavor — it's been a continuation of a partnership that began over two decades ago when Normerica designed and built the original Base Lodge. Now, as we put the finishing touches on this expansion, we're proud to deliver a space that honors that legacy while setting the stage for Craigleith's future.

From Groundbreaking to Grand Opening: The Journey

Construction began in April 2025 with the removal of the existing South Lodge. Throughout the summer and fall, our team worked alongside Craigleith Ski Club (acting as General Contractor)and design partners Arcadis and Tacoma Engineering to bring this vision to life.

The construction process showcased the advantages of advanced mass timber building techniques. Using prefabricated glued-laminated timbers (glulam), cross-laminated timber (CLT) elements, and prefabricated wall panels, we were able to maintain precision while minimizing on-site construction time — a critical factor given the project's ambitious timeline. The building envelope was completed by early December, including all roofing, siding, and exterior masonry.

The construction paused during the 2025-2026ski season to minimize disruption for members, then will resume in April 2026for a planned opening for the 2026-2027 ski season.

A Space Designed for Community

The new Base Lodge Expansion (BLE) delivers on every promise made when the project was first announced. The addition seamlessly blends with the original timber frame structure while introducing modern features that enhance the member experience:

Expanded Kitchen and Marche Area

The kitchen facilities have nearly doubled in size, dramatically improving service speed and menu flexibility during peak periods. By filling in the existing second-level loading dock and expanding into the new lodge area, Craigleith will have the culinary capability members have been eagerly anticipating.

New Adult Lounge

A sophisticated space where adult members can unwind après-ski, socialize, and enjoy the warmth of timber-framed comfort with stunning views of the ski hill.

160 Additional Family Lockers

Designed to accommodate both current families and those on the waitlist, these new lockers will provide the convenient storage and access that active skiingfamilies need.

Main-Floor Convenience Washrooms

Additional easily accessible restrooms will improve member comfort and reduce congestion, particularly during busy weekend periods.

300 Additional Indoor Seats

More places to relax, connect, and enjoy meals with family and friends, all within a space that celebrates the natural beauty of timber construction.

True to the original lodge's design, the expansion will feature bright glass walls, soaring ceilings, and open sightlines that blend indoor warmth with the spectacular landscape of Ontario's Blue Mountains.

The Final Touches

The last few months of construction have been particularly exciting to watch. Our team has been on-site putting the finishing touches on what is truly a beautiful build. The exposed timber frame structure— a hallmark of Normerica craftsmanship — creates an incredible sense of space and warmth. The combination of natural wood elements, thoughtful design, and modern amenities has resulted in a facility that exceeds expectations.

Building on a Legacy

This expansion represents the latest chapter in a story that began in 2003 when construction started on the original Base Lodge. That 29,427 square foot timber frame structure, with its soaring Douglas fir timbers and cathedral ceilings, set the standard for what a ski club lodge could be. Subsequent additions in 2014 (768 sq. ft.) and 2016 (1,600 sq. ft. mezzanine) — both completed by Normerica — continued to enhance the member experience.

Now, with this major expansion nearing completion, Craigleith Ski Club is positioned to serve generations of families with a facility that's both timeless and forward-looking.

Sustainability Meets Performance

Beyond functionality and aesthetics, the BLE represents a commitment to environmental stewardship. Mass timber construction — using renewable, low-carbon building materials — reduces the project's environmental footprint while adding strength, durability, and natural beauty. The prefabrication approach further reduces waste and enhances build efficiency, aligning with both Normerica's and Craigleith Ski Club's sustainability values.

A Partnership Rooted in Ontario Ski Culture

Since 1979, Normerica Building Systems has been at the forefront of timber frame design and construction across Ontario, with deep roots in the ski community. Our partnership with Alpine Ontario Alpin (AOA) as their official design and home builder partner reflects our long-term investment in fostering wellness, inclusion, and youth development through winter sports.

The completion of the Craigleith Base Lodge Expansion reinforces our commitment to building spaces that bring people together and celebrate active outdoor lifestyles — spaces where families gather, friendships deepen, and memories are made.

Ready for an Exciting Season Ahead

With the expansion now nearly complete, Craigleith Ski Club members can look forward to an enhanced experience for the 2026-2027 ski season. From the expanded dining facilities to the new adult lounge, from additional family lockers to more gathering spaces, every element has been designed with the member experience in mind.

"This expansion is about more than just increasing space — it's about building for our future, nurturing community spirit, and making sure we continue to grow together as a club of families and friends," said Dave MacDonald, President of Craigleith Ski Club, when the project was first announced. 

Watch Now: David MacDonald, President of Craigleith Ski Club, on the Base Lodge Expansion

In the meantime, we want to thank everyone who made this project possible — from the Craigleith Ski Club leadership and membership to our design partners at Arcadis and Tacoma Engineering, and of course, our dedicated Normerica team who brought this vision to life with skill and care.

Here's to many seasons of skiing, socializing, and community building in this beautiful new space. See you on the slopes!

Ready to explore how timber frame construction can bring your vision to life? Whether you're planning a custom home, cottage, or commercial space, Normerica Building Systems combines decades of expertise with innovative building techniques to create structures that stand the test of time. Contact us to start the conversation.
 

About Normerica Building Systems: 

Normerica Building Systems invites you to fall in love with craftmanship. Since 1979, we have designed, manufactured, shipped, and assembled thousands of custom timber frame structures, including many stunning homes where families gather, grow, and thrive. Whether you want a stylish new cottage, a cozy ski chalet, an elegant estate home, or a glorious commercial building using mass timber construction, we will help you realize an outcome you truly love. How? Unlike no other custom timber frame company, Normerica Building Systems offers it all: timeless designs, meticulous craftsmanship, excellent service, outstanding structural performance, reliable building partners, and, above all, the flexibility to customize your home or commercial building to suit your unique taste and needs. Normerica Building Systems customers across Ontario, Canada, and the world rely on us to help them realize a more sustainable and stylish future—and you can too! 

About Craigleith Ski Club:

Founded in 1958, The Club has a rich history as a welcoming and family-oriented community. Known for its friendly atmosphere, the Club has been a gathering place for generations of families, many of whom have been members for three or four generations. With state-of-the-art snowmaking technology and top-of-the-line grooming, The Club boasts excellent on-hill conditions and a variety of terrain to suit all levels. Five chairlifts ensure plenty of access to the slopes, while our on-hill and off-hill programs offer fun and engagement for all ages. Our members are our greatest ambassadors, and many have introduced friends and loved ones to the joy of The Club.  

Situated amidst the stunning landscape of Ontario’s Blue Mountains, Craigleith Ski Club is more than just a ski club; it’s a sanctuary for winter enthusiasts seeking an unparalleled experience. Our private club offers exclusive access to pristine slopes, first-class amenities, and a warm sense of community. Here, shared passions for skiing, snowboarding, and the great outdoors unite us, creating unforgettable memories that last a lifetime.