Detroit Mountain Ski Hill (Mountain) was once a popular winter destination for residents of western Minnesota, eastern North Dakota, and beyond. After a long history of providing recreation, the Mountain closed in 2004. The community rallied together, forming Detroit Mountain Recreation Area, Inc. (DMRA), hoping to restore the Mountain to its original and treasured condition. Apex was part of the design team and building committee that assisted DMRA in the redevelopment and rebirth of Detroit Mountain Ski Hill.

Through planning, design, and construction, Apex assisted DMRA with many aspects of the revitalization of Detroit Mountain. Apex focused on accessibility to the facility by improving the access road, providing site grading for the parking lot and lodge, and designing a multi-tiered parking lot. Once the site had been prepared for the new facility, Apex concentrated on the more unique aspects of this project – the mountain.

The unique topography of Detroit Mountain makes this destination unique in and of itself. Apex supported DMRA with site grading to modify the existing ski slopes, ensuring they were in prime condition for the reopening of Detroit Mountain. While modifications were made to the area’s landscape, Apex focused on preserving the surrounding natural beauty.

Detroit Mountain had ambitions of being usable during all four seasons. While the weather in the northern plains is somewhat unpredictable, the success of the Mountain did not have to be left up to chance. Apex assisted the Mountain with its snow-making abilities by designing a 4-million gallon holding basin, pump intake structure and wet well, and high-pressure pumping facility to the snow distribution system. This system allows the Mountain to provide winter recreation by making snow without solely being weather dependent.

DMRA transformed the former ski area into a more robust four-season recreational center, including downhill and cross-country skiing, tubing, mountain biking, hiking, and other activities. The project included replacing the former facilities and was constructed in time for the ski season.