Ice one! Neptunus conquer mountain ski challenge

Imagine having to build over 4,200 square metres of temporary structures including double-deckers on a mountain ledge, and far from any habitation, in the winter. Although temporary structure specialist Neptunus is used to working with demanding terrain, this annual project is the ultimate challenge as the main double-decker hospitality facility is built very close to a sheer drop.

Amongst many of the prestigious ski events supplied by Neptunus across Europe, the Snow Queen Trophy held in Zagreb, Croatia from January 3-5 is the ultimate challenge. The temporary accommodation for press, guests and VIPs is installed across several locations on the mountain by Neptunus’ skilled technicians.

April Trasler, Neptunus Managing Director, explains why it is such a challenging project: “The current configuration is the only way the structures can be installed on this particular terrain. The mountain location means our structures are built in close proximity to exposed edges and sheer drops. Our builders always wear safety equipment which is absolutely essential particularly in this sort of environment. We faced another challenge further up the hill where the second floor of a double-decker was built partly on scaffolding because of the steep surface.”

Neptunus adapted the build schedule to keep costs down for the client and to make the most of the weather conditions. The first build phase was undertaken whilst there was no snow on the ground. Equipment was delivered on small vehicles to the sites and the main frame constructions were installed. During this build phase there was no need for power and heating. Phase two took place in mid-December when the structures were enclosed with roofs and walls and internal fit-out and climate control fitted.

Vedran Pavlek, General Manager of the Organising Committee for the Audi FIS Ski World Cup is delighted to have found a partner to take on the challenge. He said: “For ten years Neptunus has been a key partner to The Croatian Ski Association in organising the Audi FIS Ski World Cup — Snow Queen Trophy. Neptunus provide us with structures of the highest quality, particularly for our VIP hospitality and catering facilities. Guests enjoy a unique experience in comfortable surroundings with top quality service. Neptunus’ professionalism and experience over the past decade have set the company apart from their competitors and they continue to be an important, reliable supply partner.”

About Snow Queen Trophy
The world’s best male and female slalom skiers start off the year on Zagreb’s Sljeme. 2017 marked the eleventh consecutive year Sljeme hosted the women’s race and the eighth for the men. These two Audi FIS Ski World Cup ‘Snow Queen Trophy’ races took place from January 3-5 2017. The Sljeme races attracted 150 of the world’s best skiers and over 400 crew members from around 25 countries and four different continents.

Zagreb is the only capital city to host World Cup skiing and only at Sljeme are the winners crowned Snow King and Queen. The atmosphere surrounding the races is unique and popular with the world’s best slalom skiers and visitors alike. More information about the event can be found at www.snowqueentrophy.com

About Neptunus
Founded nearly 80 years ago, Neptunus remains a family-run business known for the creativity and innovation of its temporary structures. With a head office in The Netherlands and divisions in the UK, Belgium, Germany, France, Poland and Austria, Neptunus has a proven track record in the design, manufacture and delivery of all types of temporary buildings. Neptunus Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Neptunus BV based in The Netherlands. Its UK operation is located in Swan Valley, Northampton, where the company has purpose built offices, storage and maintenance facilities. Neptunus has over 450,000 square metres of high quality structures in a wide range of styles. With cassette flooring systems, Neptunus' flexible and spacious structures provide ideal solutions for short-term or longer-term rental requirements. For more information visit: www.neptunus.co.uk

For more information, please see:
www.neptunus.co.uk

PAUL SMITH ASSOCIATES
11th January 2017