Design by Matt Anthony, Alpine Design Solutions

A more spacious and hassle-free lodge experience is the goal of a half-million dollar project underway this summer and fall at Brundage Mountain Resort.

This addition is the largest piece of a phased expansion project that’s been in progress since 2011.

Highlights include new ticket windows and Guest Services facilities just steps from the parking lot. Visitors will be able to purchase passes and tickets without climbing a long staircase to the upper floors. The new ‘plaza’ level will provide easier access between the lodge and the base area and create a more welcoming entrance to the lodge.

The expansion will nearly double the size of the Rental Shop and Retail areas and help ease congestion during busy periods.

Design by Matt Anthony, Alpine Design Solutions

In addition, 1,400 square feet of outdoor deck space will be added to the south and southeast sides of the lodge, allowing for outdoor table service from Smoky’s Bar & Grill in both the winter and summer seasons.

“We’re very excited to cap off our on-going expansion with such a beautiful, functional addition,” said Managing Director Bob Looper.

The first part of the project, the deck on the southeast side, will be finished in plenty of time for Brundage Mountain’s Summer Grand Opening on June 27. Smoky’s will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from June 27 through Labor Day.

Design by Matt Anthony, Alpine Design Solutions

“We’re adding more than 500 square feet of new deck space before summer even begins,” said resort spokesperson, April Whitney. “That means our summer visitors can sit outside and enjoy a cold drink or tasty meal after a scenic chairlift ride or some downhill mountain biking. The deck space will also be a wonderful bonus for our weddings and events.”

The construction project will not interfere with downhill mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, the operation of Smoky’s Bar & Grill or events and weddings that are already scheduled at Brundage Mountain this summer.

Since 2011, Brundage has added 2,000 feet of indoor seating space, built the SideStash Café and expanded Smoky’s Bar & Grill into a full-service restaurant. All totaled, these lodge improvements amount to approximately a half a million dollars.