ARC'TERYX SKI RESORT SHOP

A symbolic ‘campfire in the snow’, Arc’teryx’s store at the Beidahu Ski Resort in Jilin, China, creates a flow of interaction between people and the brand.

Key features

The Canadian high-performance outerwear brand wanted to position its store as the beginning of a great adventure, working with design studio Still Young to develop a space at Jilin’s Beidahu Ski Resort. Skiers and snowboarders in need of outfitting find a warm-tone space, one that emphasizes their experience indoors and out. Only one-third of the space is used for sales – brand engagement is the priority. The store is situated on a ground-floor corner that, with its blonde-wood cladding, seemingly protrudes as a separate entity from the multi-storey building. The wood’s rich tan hue is an immediate visual contrast to the icy surroundings.

A circular veranda is the transition point between the exterior and interior, and a place where people can gather for a break, storing their equipment against the façade. Yellow lighting bathes the store in a welcoming glow that emanates outward. Inside, solid triangular structures punctuate the space, referencing licks of fire. The most notable is a glacier installation made from acrylic that incorporates a bar for gathering. Modular cabinetry facilitates new configurations in line with the light conditions. Meanwhile, three-dimensional folding ceiling elements and pale-hued fabric curtains simulate the sensation of being inside a tent.

In the back of the store is a mountain skills training zone dressed in dark grey stones and wooden panels. Mechanical pulleys repurposed from cable cars and a hanging fireplace make another area for customers to come together and interact.

A "spiritual" destination for outdoor enthusiasts

The design of the rental and storage zone centers on functionality, with full consideration into the needs and habits of skiers. It continues the mountain-like visual effect at non-retail areas, while incorporating diverse details to bring smooth experience at the store. The locker cabinets are equipped with casters, to make it easier to move them around and add extra storage space. The washing machine and dryer are set up alongside fitting rooms and lockers to create home-like convenience for users, which is a thoughtful design beyond functional considerations.