DAYTON-As part of an overall strategy plan to both meet social distancing requirements during the covid-19 pandemic and to improve overall traffic flow around the lodge area for years to come, two new structures are being built at Bluewood Ski Resort.

The largest of the two is a 1,956-square-foot Sprung building, which is being constructed at the upper corner of the parking lot and to the left of the lodge. Engineered to withstand extreme weather and shed heavy snow loads, "The Hub" will house both the Rentals and SnowSports departments.

"The Hub will give guests a designated spot with more space to pick up rental gear and sign up for lessons, while also eliminating long waiting lines in the lower level of the lodge," says Kim Clark, general manager of Bluewood.

-Submitted photo

A 450-square-foot yurt will provide Bluewood guests a place to pick up reserved or prepurchased tickets, and will alleviate long lines at the lodge ticket windows. This photo shows contractors setting the foundation for the structure.

The second structure underway is a 450-square-foot yurt, which will be located at the base area near where the ski racks have typically stood. Similar in design to the yurt at the summit, the new structure will be where guests go to pick up reserved and prepurchased tickets, and will help alleviate long lines at the lodge ticket windows.

With Rentals, SnowSports and ticket pickup areas moving to the new outbuildings, the vacated space leaves roughly 1,200 square feet available in the lodge. That space, near the Pub, is being converted to another dining area, with tables, chairs and a snack station where the SnowSports desk has been.

"These additions, along with an upgraded point-of-sale system and new website with improved ticketing and reservations, will help enhance the overall guest experience at Bluewood this winter and in the years to come," Clark said. "We're excited about the season ahead, and can't wait to welcome guests back up to their hometown ski area."