PARK CITY — By the spring of 2009, America's top skiing and snowboarding athletes will have access to one of the most advanced training centers in the world.

Bill Marolt, president/CEO of the U.S. Ski Association, called the new center the "next step" in the development of America's winter sports program.

Ground was broken midday Wednesday on a $22.5 million national training center to be located on five acres of land east of Park City.

The Center of Excellence will consist of 85,000 square feet on three levels, and will offer athletes the latest in science, technology, medical, education and physical training.

"This is something we've been working on for 10 years," said Marolt. "It started with the idea of having a place for athletes who are injured to come to rehabilitate. It grew from there into a full-blown national training center for skiers and snowboarders."

Currently, the ski team has a temporary center in Park City offering basic training services.

The new center will offer elite teams, athletes and coaches proper training for World Cup, World Championship and Olympic competition.

"It will have everything our athletes need in terms of service. It will help prepare them to compete with the best in the world," Marolt said.

Included in the center will be:

• A "Walk of Fame" that features a photo gallery of athletes, along with memorabilia from past athletes and events.

• A gymnasium and weight room offering the latest technology and conditioning equipment.

• A sport nutrition center offering individual diet and food programs.

• A "ramps and tramps" area designed for such gymnastic-type sports as halfpipe, aerials and moguls.

• A sports medicine center for high-tech physiological and biomechanical research and analysis.

• An equipment workshop dealing with cutting-edge research and preparation of competitive gear.

The center was modeled after facilities and programs falling under the Australian national sports effort. Australia's sports program is considered one of the most sophisticated in the world.

Along with the elite athletes, Marolt said the center will also be open to skiers and snowboarders, "from the elite all the way down to the grassroots programs.

"We want to provide the guidance and education necessary to do a good job at the local levels. Our goal is to enhance and help bring these clubs to a new level."

Ski and snowboard clubs from all over the United States, such as those in Park City and Snowbird, will be able to send coaches and developing athletes to the center for training and education.