Reimagining Ski Slopes in Copenhagen

An outlier in the skyline

During my semester abroad, I made my home in the city of Copenhagen. The Danish capital is bustling with busy crosswalks, bike-filled streets, and roofs of all different shapes and sizes creating the skyline. Interrupting this picturesque view is a building that happens to be the tallest point in Denmark - a gray 84-meter-tall factory. Copenhill stands tall—literally and figuratively—as a groundbreaking example of how public spaces can serve multiple purposes for different people. Officially known as the Amager Resource Center (ARC), this power plant is not only a facility for waste-to-energy conversion; it is also a ski slope, hiking trail, climbing wall, and a vibrant social hub.

Ski Slope at Copenhill (Photo: Nela Chestojanova)

From Waste to Recreation

I took a bus to see this architectural miracle, and I was surprised to find that my bus, which was leaving the city center for a residential area, was packed with tourists who all descended at the bus stop Amager Bakke. Their destination, Copenhill, is a waste incineration plant that converts 400,000 tons of municipal waste from the city into clean energy annually. 

However, Copenhill is also known for its unique recreational design. With an 84-meter climbing wall (the tallest one in the world) and a 450-meter ski slope, this towering structure transforms waste management into an accessible, community-focused activity. Here, visitors can ski on a green-grass-like carpet, climb the wall of the building, hike up the stairs, or take an elevator to the top. Visitors to this unique space enjoy panoramic views of Copenhagen, the Baltic Sea, and even Sweden in the distance.

Oresund—the longest bridge/undersea tunnel in Scandinavia, connecting Denmark to Sweden. View from the top of Copenhill. (Photo: Nela Chestojanova)

The Danes are proud of this design and unafraid to show it. The innovative design embodies sustainability, integrating urban resource-handling with recreational opportunities. On the way to the top of Copenhill, numerous posters and signs explain the importance of the incineration plan, and there is even an “elevator pitch” on the ride up explaining the work happening inside. The plant produces energy and clean water while also minimizing harmful emissions, reinforcing Copenhagen’s goal of becoming the world’s first carbon-neutral capital by the end of this year. 

A Social Hub in the Sky

When I arrived at the top of Copenhill, I realized that the site is more than a place for adrenaline-filled activities. I found a space for friends to come to socialize and enjoy the views, or perhaps to achieve their fitness goals by climbing up 500 stairs, or to rent skis no matter the weather, or to simply relax and read a book while enjoying a drink from the rooftop bar. After a day of activities at Copenhill, the après-ski bar and café provide the perfect spot to unwind, share stories, and enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Skiers on Copenhill. (Photo: Nela Chestojanova)

Public Spaces with a Purpose

Throughout my semester in Denmark, I have continuously noticed the way that public infrastructure is designed to serve multiple purposes and fulfill many roles. Architectural shapeshifting in each street and neighborhood depends on the needs of that space’s residents. Much like Copenhagen’s innovative trash bin shelves for recyclable bottles and cans, Copenhill’s multipurpose design demonstrates a commitment to blending practicality with social and environmental consciousness. These spaces reflect the Danish ethos of creating systems that benefit both individuals and the community, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and connection.

The Climbing wall on Copenhill. (Photo: Nela Chestojanova)

The Future of Urban Spaces

Copenhill is more than just a local recreational attraction and an incineration plant; it’s a model for how cities worldwide can reimagine their public spaces to better suit the communities that they serve. By combining sustainability with recreation, Copenhill  is an example of how urban infrastructure can be both functional and enjoyable. The facility’s success—welcoming tens of thousands of visitors annually and earning recognition as the World Building of the Year 2021—proves that cities don’t have to choose between utility and creativity. They can have both. 

As urban populations grow and environmental challenges mount, spaces like CopenHill provide a blueprint for a more integrated and sustainable future. They remind us that public spaces aren’t just about functionality; they’re about fostering community, supporting well-being, and inspiring innovation.

The chimney of the incineration factory. (Photo: Nela Chestojanova)