Winner: Decorative Commercial

In late 2022, Mt. La Crosse came under new ownership.  The new owners knew they needed a place outside for skiers to gather to help alleviate space issues.

An idea was formed when the ski area called the local concrete supplier.  At that point, River City RM, WRMCA’s paving consultant, and Midwest Hardscapes, came together with the owners to find a solution - a decorative patio with integrated fire pits and an area for a temporary kitchen.

The project started in mid-October 2023 and was ready by early December for the 2023-2024 ski season.  A concrete mix with a liquid integral color was designed to handle stamping and late fall construction.

Special considerations for the mixing and curing of the concrete were used as the patio is the main entrance for guests walking in with ski boots.  Climate conditions around the patio would be ever-changing as well, the patio would be subject to snowmaking, deicers, and snow melt-water runoff in the spring.

All in all, the patio has been a huge success.  It enabled Mt. La Crosse to improve its guest’s experience by providing options for them to gather.  The patio has enabled Mt. La Crosse to offer more events, including weddings, parties, concerts, ski races, and even running races.