Photo courtesy Lease Crutcher Lewis Crews had to hand mix 180,000 pounds of concrete at an elevation of 6,200 feet for Campbell Basin Lodge.

Time was of the essence in order to complete a new lodge and restaurant between ski seasons at Crystal Mountain. At an elevation of 6,200 feet and two chairlift rides from the parking lot, Lease Crutcher Lewis was faced with the challenge of moving material across the snow to the high alpine meadow amid strict National Forest Service requirements.

Floor joists, framing and roofing materials were delivered early and transported over the snow in trailers towed by Sno-Cats.

The project’s large glu-lam trusses and beams that make up the roof system were pre-cut, pre-assembled and pre-drilled.

A 60-ton crane and two forklifts were towed to the site in the summer over a 3-mile dirt road.

Due to the location of the site, contractors had to hand mix 180,000 pounds of concrete. Barricades were built around the concrete flatwork to keep marmots away from the wet concrete.

A water tank was kept on site as a precautionary measure for fires. Also, special care was taken to protect the local flora and fauna.

The project was completed two weeks ahead of schedule. Lease Crutcher Lewis had no accidents in 12,375 worker hours and 400 trips up and down the mountain.