The team at Above the Desk presented a ten-minute first look at their new game – Above the Snow, offering a glimpse into the challenges and joys of managing a mountain shelter high in the Alps. In this high-altitude adventure, hikers and travelers will not be alone! They will be guided and inspired by real-world legends, including American alpinist Ed Viesturs and Polish explorer Marek Kamiński as in-game characters.
Above the Desk revealed the first gameplay footage of Above the Snow – a narrative experience where players step into the role of an alpine shelter manager. Their goal is to create a cozy place for travelers by keeping an eye on daily operations, designing hiking routes, and ensuring the safety of everyone who finds their way to the warmth of the lodge hidden among the picturesque peaks.
The project has already earned recognition as the Grand Winner in the “PC Game – City-Building” category at the NYX Games Awards 2025. Above the Snow is set to launch in the first half of 2026.
Welcome to the heart of the Alps – take a seat, warm up by the fire, and enjoy the gameplay trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxoohLN42yo
Above the Snow lets players run their mountain lodge on their own terms – from designing interiors and furnishing cozy rooms with authentic mid-century pieces by Heywood Wakefield and Fjordfiesta, to equipping their guests and staff with high-quality outdoor gear from Cortazu, a premium adventure apparel brand valued by mountaineers and explorers worldwide.
The developers aim for more than just an engaging management experience. Their goal with Above the Snow is to inspire appreciation for the beauty, challenges, and spirit of the high mountains. Drawing from the history of alpinism and the heritage of outdoor exploration, the game will feature several surprises, including in-game appearances by real-world legends such as Ed Viesturs, the iconic climber who summited all eight-thousanders without supplemental oxygen, and Marek Kamiński, the first person to reach both poles solo.
Step into the boots of a mountain host – and see if you can handle it… without oxygen support!
Above the Snow is an isometric narrative tycoon set in a 1960s-inspired alpine refuge. Your mission: build a warm, welcoming haven for travelers. Starting from interior design and guest comfort to managing local attractions and planning mountain expeditions. Happy guests spread the word, bookings increase, and soon, your cozy lodge becomes a bustling hub where every decision counts. After all, in the mountains, staying cool under pressure is just part of everyday life.
But the gameplay isn’t just closed within the lodge’s wooden walls. Players can chart their own hiking routes, taking into account scenic viewpoints and dangerous passes. A specialized task system allows you to organize rescue operations, transport supplies, and uncover new corners of the breathtaking alpine landscape.
Above the Snow is set to release in 2026 – if you want to keep up with any further information about the game, consider adding it to your Steam wishlist, and follow the project on X and Instagram.
Press materials are now available HERE.
About Above the Desk
Above the Desk is an independent game studio built by a small but passionate team founded by Michał Wasiak, an industry veteran, and a mix of seasoned industry veterans and bold new talent. We believe that this blend of perspectives, skills, and creative energy is our greatest strength. Our mission is to craft games that stand out with original ideas, engaging mechanics, and a sharp sense of humor. We don’t cut corners – we focus on originality, quality, and fresh takes on familiar formulas.
