Top of Alpbachtal marks the tenth anniversary of the Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau ski resort with a striking architectural gesture. As part of an upgrade that replaced an outdated lift with the new Hornbahn 2000, Snøhetta was commissioned to design a viewing tower atop the cable car’s service building. The goal: to create a modern landmark that enriches the alpine experience for guests year-round.

Honoring Tradition Through Contemporary Craft
Standing 13 meters high in the Tyrolean Alps, the tower references local timber-building traditions in both form and material. “We wanted a design that could be realized as sustainably as possible, using regional craftsmanship and in close dialogue with the landscape,” explains Patrick Lüth of Snøhetta Studio Innsbruck. The tower narrows elegantly as it rises and is clad in hand-split shingles produced by a local artisan—an intentional nod to the area’s heritage, rendered with contemporary clarity.

A Panoramic Lounge for All Seasons
The timber structure houses a panoramic lounge, accessible in both winter and summer. Skiers, hikers, and snowshoe adventurers alike can pass through the concrete base of the tower—home to the lift control room—into a warm and welcoming interior. Inspired by Tyrolean farmhouse parlors, the lower half of the lounge features traditional wood paneling, while the upper section exposes the expressive roof structure, echoing the agricultural architecture of the region.

An Ensemble in Dialogue with Its Surroundings
At its peak, the tower offers a full 360-degree view of the surrounding Alpine landscape. While the tower reaches skyward with quiet confidence, the design of the nearby valley station takes a more grounded approach—also shingle-clad but visually embedded in the terrain. Together, these new structures form a unified architectural ensemble that responds thoughtfully to both season and setting.

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