In an effort to reconcile economic needs and tourism with nature conservation, Arosa is using fewer ski lifts, but with a greater capacity. The relatively large volume of this base ­station was visually reduced by burying the building in?the ground and covering the roof with a planted layer. At the same time, prominence is ­given to the striking, angular entrance ­facade, which, with its translucent polycarbonate sheeting, has the character of ice crystals. In view of the limited access to this ski area, lightweight ­materials such as plastics, corrugated metal sheeting and wood were used for?the construction. The station has a steel load-bearing structure, the members of which?were brought to the site by helicopter.