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Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. has entered the city planning process to relocate the entrance and check-in area to the Kids' Vacation Center and put a fresh face on the blocky stucco of the gondola building at the same time.

Steamboat Vice President of Skier Services Jim Schneider confirmed that Ski Corp. hopes to add 1,400 square feet to its operation that provides a blend of ski lessons and child care for its youngest guests.

"Our check-in for KVC is at the other end of the building, and it's now in a hole (created by the construction of One Steamboat Place)," Schneider said.

The new addition would move the check-in facility to the east side of the building, immediately next to the portal where the Steamboat gondola leaves for the trip to Thunderhead Peak.

City Planner Seth Lorson said Ski Corp.'s plans qualify for administrative review because the requested addition to the gondola building is fewer than 1,500 square feet. That means the proposal will not have to go through public hearings, nor would it be voted on by Planning Commission and City Council.

The project is situated within the boundaries of the Mountain Base Area Design Standards, Lorson said. He and Steamboat Springs Director of Planning and Community Development Tom Leeson will subject the plan to an extensive design review.

"The architecture of the addition represents a drastic difference from what it's attached to," Lorson said.

The architect on the plan, project manager Jack Cornils, of Eric Smith Associates, has submitted an elevation sketch that shows extensive use of stone on the exterior and a tall, four-sided gable.

In addition, like larger projects in the base area, the small addition will require Ski Corp. to devote a half-percent of the construction cost to community amenities.

Schneider said the goal is to make the façade of the new addition compatible with One Steamboat Place next door.

Ultimately, arriving skiers will purchase lift tickets and make arrangements for ski school one story up in the newly expanded Gondola Plaza created by One Steamboat Place, Schneider said.

The intent is to make it convenient for families to walk their children down one flight of stairs and enroll them in KVC.

Ski Corp. would like to build the addition this summer, but won't know if it's possible until its budget is finalized.

"If we don't begin the planning process now, we'll be too late when the budget is done," Schneider said.

- To reach Tom Ross, call 871-4205

or e-mail tross@steamboatpilot.com