Harbor Properties and their Schweitzer Mountain resort in north Idaho commissioned EffectDesign to invent and produce the nation's first entertainment experience around their new high-speed ski lift.

The project had to satisfy local residents as well as seasoned skiers from across the U.S. The design and production had to be accomplished within an eight month timeframe. Non-theatrical craftspeople had to be trained to bring the designs to life since it was not practical to relocate talents from the west coast.

From the beginning the goal of the project was to inspire the imagination of guests - young and old - to provide an experience like none other in the ski industry. After opening in the winter of 2000 the Stella barn became "the" place to discover while on Schweitzer's slopes. Born from a fictitious story of Phineas J. Schweitzer and his innovative 'cable carriage', it was an adventure to find the old barn in the real wilderness. And the comfortable ride to the top of the mountain was the fastest in the region.

The environmental design and production of the Stella barn came in at $420,000 - an investment that continues to return today in the form of word-of-mouth recognition across the country.