In terms of accessibility to the accommodation, the biggest problem was the stairs. While flat roads are generally preferred, most ski resorts have high places that are built in preparation for weather conditions and snowstorms, and have difficulty installing stairs in front of ski lots. Slopes are also preferred but prone to being slippery. Therefore, we found that the design of the area should consider a number of things by reflecting the results of the survey.
In addition, in parking lots and trails, users are required to carry their own ski boots, ski plates and ski poles. During this process, flat slopes and downhill slopes were preferred, and snow-covered slopes were preferred as they could be more easily navigated. Regarding the best place for changing ski boots, parking spaces and cars accounted for the largest percentage, with the fewest people changing on the ski trail. The problem with changing ski boots in the parking area was that there were no chairs and no places to put luggage.
Suggestion for Universal Design of Ski Resort
After analyzing the previous survey, we visited ski resorts frequently visited by disabled skiers for activities such as sit-skiing. There, we were able to check the actual environment, write a universal design checklist of ski resorts, and come up with some suggestions. This proposal is not only for participants with disabilities, but also for both elderly and beginners, and the recommendations are as follows:
UD1. Disabled Parking Lot
Given that there were many skiers who felt stressed between the parking lot and the trail, we suggested creating a dedicated parking lot. In addition, a ticket office can be placed in the middle of the ski trail to prevent players from climbing hills with heavy ski equipment.
UD2. Moving Walkway
It is easier to enter the lift gate if a moving walkway is installed between the parking lot and the lift gate.
UD3. Using the Elevator in the Lodge
The way to enter the lift gate from the parking lot is not a moving walkway but an elevator. Elevators can be installed inside the lot and connected directly to the lift gate.
UD4. Fitting Spaces with Roofs
According to user research, many skiers change into ski boots in parking lots or in their cars, so it is suggested that appropriate spaces with roofs and chairs should be installed in parking lots.
UD5. Renting space for changing skis.
Skiers need more space to change their skis. Thus, if they provide a changing space at the ski resort, they can have their own wheelchairs and prosthetic legs, and families can share a large room with their families, helping their children and members change.
UD6. Remove Steps
Ski resorts can create snow-free spaces in front of stairs by using snow-melting systems or artificial glass can be used to create snow-free spaces in front of stairs.
UD7. Create Always Available Stairs
It is not easy to use the stairs unless snow is removed. Therefore, a roofed escalator could be installed, or a shovel could be used to clear accumulated snow from stairs.
UD8. Rest area in drive-through format
Some skiers want to rest in the middle of the trail, but removing ski boards and ski poles can cause stress. A drive-through rest area in the middle of the trail could provide them rest without taking off their ski gear.