The indoor ski resort, a $140 million, 350,000-square-foot facility, will be a year-round snow dome and will include the longest indoor ski runs in the world at 1,900 feet in length. The resort will offer multiple ski runs to accommodate beginner, intermediate and expert skiers; indoor ice climbing; a luge track; an Olympic half pipe and snowboard courses; and a snow play area for kids and adults of all ages.

With over 1.385 million-plus visitors expected annually and a daily capacity of over 4,550 visitors, the resort hopes to be “the coolest destination in Texas,” says Thurston.

“The Grand Alps will be a summertime favorite for Texans who want to escape the summer heat and enjoy a usually seasonal-only sport,” he says.

The hotel will feature 300 rooms, including 86 rooms overlooking the ski slopes, a rooftop pool complex with walkout pool deck rooms and two Rock Star Suites. The hotel will also offer live music performances and a spa.

“Travelers are seeking new adventures and a reprieve from the usual, which is exactly what Hard Rock offers to its guests,” says Levi Davis, co-chairman of The Grand Alps Group. “A Hard Rock Hotel is the perfect addition to our The Grand Alps Village development.”

Construction is slated to begin in January. The project, scheduled to deliver in January 2018, will create 1,900 jobs upon completion.