Midway, Utah (June 6, 2023) - Soldier Hollow will celebrate the groundbreaking of a renovated and expanded competition building on Friday, June 9 at 3:30 pm – a facility that will transform Nordic skiing resources in Utah and the Heber Valley. The new facility will enhance Soldier Hollow’s athlete development programs to better serve national team athletes, masters athletes and the participants in Team SOHO’s youth development programs.
The renovation and expansion will bolster Soldier Hollow Nordic Center’s potential as a world-class destination for biathlon and cross-country skiing. The ground floor will feature a new ski rental, gym training area and team clubhouse to better serve local, national and international athletes. The first floor will include a café and retail area, skier services desk for tickets and lessons, and a lounge area. The top floor consists of multi-use event space for group events, hospitality, meetings and community gatherings.
The $13.5 million project will add 19,115 square feet to the current competition building to supplement an overhaul of 7,670 existing square feet.
“This renovation project is a further investment in Utah’s reputation as a destination for winter sport,” Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation CEO Colin Hilton said. “Our goal is to continually improve existing venues with elements that address current day needs that will also help us host a future Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Construction is underway with a substantial completion set for the end of February 2024 in time to host the IBU Biathlon World Cup in March 2024. Final completion is projected for early summer 2024.
Soldier Hollow has welcomed dozens of world-class international events since the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games – including the 2019 IBU Biathlon World Cup, 2022 IBU Youth and Junior World Championships and 2023 FIS Para Nordic World Cup.
The Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation has invested purposefully in the growth of its cross-country and biathlon programs and connection to the Heber Valley community. Currently, Team SOHO and the Soldier Hollow Charter School program combine for over 500 local kids engaging in cross-country skiing at least twice per week during the winter.
“The renovated and expanded competition building will further enhance Soldier Hollow’s reputation as a world-class destination for Nordic skiing and outdoor recreation,” Soldier Hollow General Manager Luke Bodensteiner said. “Kids taking their first steps on skis, Olympians and everyone in between will all benefit from this project.”
This updated facility further enhances recent infrastructure upgrades at Soldier Hollow including an overhaul of snowmaking equipment and trail lighting additions.
Improvements to the competition building further a partnership between the State of Utah and the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation to simultaneously improve existing and construct new venues. Recently completed projects include the Kearns Athlete Training and Element Event Center and the Residences at Utah Olympic Park.
Media members are invited to attend the event with interviews available following the groundbreaking ceremony. More project information and facility renderings for media use are available here.
UOLF Media Contact
Brennan Smith
[email protected]
801.493.5605
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