Terri Jo Umlor
Remember the Michigan Blizzard of 1978 in Southern Michigan? I sure do. I was a freshman at Western Michigan University (Go Broncos!) when it struck – crippling the city of Kalamazoo. I remember jumping off the roof with my little brother into the large snow drifts in the back yard. This activity was quickly “nixed” by our mother who caught us in the act.
Now fast forward 37 years to National Roofing Contractor Association (NRCA) news regarding the 21-story House Slalom in Kazakhstan, a proposed retail and apartment complex with a 1,000 foot ski run on its roof. This could offer more opportunities for ski enthusiasts in the area, although it is unknown if the slope will be approved and if approved, it is also unknown whether or not the general public can utilize it.
While an interesting concept and article, I believe there possibly could be issues with the weight of the snow on the top of the building and the peril one could face by accidentally skiing “off the roof.” I doubt this design/concept would ever be approved in the United States, but it is an interesting concept and we will be watching to see if it progresses from the drawing board to the construction phase.