Project Skiway: Revolutionizing Workforce Housing at Sunday River with Modular and 3D Printing

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The slopes of ski resorts offer unparalleled beauty and exhilaration, but behind every perfectly groomed trail and steaming hot cocoa lies a complex operation powered by a dedicated workforce. From lift operators and ski instructors to hospitality staff and maintenance crews, these individuals are the lifeblood of the winter economy. Yet, across North America, a silent crisis is threatening this very foundation: affordable workforce housing.

We believe in innovative solutions to pressing problems. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce Project Skiway, a groundbreaking initiative to tackle the ski resort housing crunch head-on. Our pilot program kicks off at one of the East Coast’s most beloved destinations: Sunday River in Newry, Maine.

The Unseen Challenge: Workforce Housing at Ski Resorts

The problem is stark. Ski resorts are often located in remote, picturesque areas where land is scarce and property values are soaring, driven by second-home buyers and vacation rentals. This creates an impossible scenario for seasonal and year-round employees who simply cannot afford the exorbitant rents or purchase prices.

The consequences are dire:

• Staffing Shortages: Resorts struggle to attract and retain talent, leading to understaffed operations, longer wait times, and a diminished guest experience.

• High Turnover: Employees, often young and transient, burn out quickly due to long commutes or substandard living conditions.

• Economic Strain: Local communities face increased traffic, strained infrastructure, and a loss of diversity as essential workers are priced out.

The traditional construction model – slow, expensive, and labor-intensive – has proven inadequate to address this urgent need. It's time for a paradigm shift.

Enter Project Skiway: The Oldivai Solution

Building on the principles and innovations proven with our Project Zero (www.oldivai.com) – where we demonstrated the power of advanced modular construction for rapid, sustainable development – Project Skiway takes these concepts to the ski industry.

Our approach leverages two transformative technologies:

Modular Construction: Imagine factory-built housing units, meticulously crafted in a controlled environment, then transported and assembled on-site with remarkable speed.

• Speed: Reduces build times by 30-50% compared to traditional methods.

• Cost Efficiency: Less waste, predictable timelines, and bulk purchasing power drive down costs.

• Quality Control: Factory conditions allow for higher precision and quality assurance.

• Sustainability: Reduced on-site disruption and waste, with possibilities for integrating energy-efficient designs.

3D-Printed Components & Structures: While full 3D-printed buildings are still evolving, we see immense potential for integrating 3D printing for specific components and even foundational elements.

• Customization & Complexity: Create unique, optimized structural elements or intricate interior components.

• Material Efficiency: Print with only the material needed, minimizing waste.

• Rapid Prototyping: Test and iterate designs quickly and affordably.

Why Sunday River? A Perfect Proving Ground

Sunday River is not just an incredible resort; it's an ideal partner for Project Skiway. Its commitment to its employees and community, coupled with the increasing need for housing in the Bethel/Newry area, makes it a perfect proving ground. We will work closely with resort management, local planners, and the community to design and deploy housing that is not only affordable and sustainable but also aesthetically harmonious with the natural environment.

Our initial focus will be on creating comfortable, efficient, and well-designed living spaces that cater specifically to the needs of resort workers – from single studios to shared multi-bedroom units.

The Future of Ski Resort Communities

Project Skiway isn't just about building houses; it's about building stronger, more resilient resort communities. By providing safe, affordable, and quality housing, we empower the workforce, enhance the guest experience, and ensure the long-term vitality of these vital economic engines.

We envision a future where ski resorts can thrive without sacrificing the well-being of the people who make them run. Project Skiway at Sunday River is just the beginning.

Stay tuned for updates as we break ground on this exciting new chapter. We're not just building homes; we're building the future of ski country.