Alpine-X photo
One of the largest indoor ski slopes in North America is said to be built at the Workhouse Arts Center at the site of the old D.C. prison in Lorton. The ski slope will be adjacent to the Workhouse Center in a complex to be known as Fairfax Peak. According to the developers, the approximately 500,000-square-foot facility will include a 1,500-foot ski slope, sky bar, 100-room hotel, and multiple restaurants and bars.
As per www.fairfaxnews.com, "SnowWorld International B.V., a Netherlands company, and McLean-based Alpine-X LLC have submitted a bid to build the indoor slope on a 489-acre county-owned landfill adjacent to the Workhouse Center. The facility would be developed through a public-private partnership agreement, with funding come from private sources."
Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity (R) said, "“The fiscal, sports and community benefits of this opportunity are numerous, including new jobs, exciting new snow sports opportunities, the potential for high school ski teams, new hotel and restaurant amenities for the South County area, premier national competitions and financial benefits to our taxpayers from the lease, sales tax, and hotel tax revenue streams. I am extremely excited to partner with Alpine-X to develop a unique downhill snow sports destination right here in Fairfax County.”
As per www.fairfaxnews.com, "Called Fairfax Peak, the proposed snow sports complex may include:
Multiple ski slopes at approximately a 20-degree angle, including a slope compliant with the Fédération Internationale de Ski’s standards ensuring it can be used for competitions.
A specially designed area for skiing and snowboarding with a variety of ramps, jumps, rails, boxes and other features, capable for use in national snowboarding and freestyle skiing competitions.
A bunny slope for beginners, snow tubing run, and area for skiers and snowboarders to perform tricks.
Restaurants, ski shop and sky bar and terrace at the summit.
A 100-plus room luxury hotel at the base of the indoor snow facility.
A gravity-powered, mountain coaster that will slide from the summit to Occoquan Regional Park.
A gondola to ferry riders from Occoquan Regional Park and the facility’s base to the summit."
There are also some other amenities in the proposal that could be added in the future. These include a water park, a “gravity ropes course” and passive recreation areas. some of these facilities can be possibly operated by Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. A development agreement would be finalized in 2020. The project will enter the zoning and permitting process at that time. Construction is anticipated to take 36 to 48 months.
Maryam N. is a Senior Writer at Nesbitt Realty. She is an expert on Fairfax County. Maryam has also worked previously as a geologist. She is a foodie and enjoys cooking and exploring new restaurants.
