A Once-Vibrant Area Rediscovered (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Aspen, Colorado – Developers broke ground last fall on a long-awaited project to transform a neglected corner of Aspen Mountain into a vibrant second ski base village.
A Once-Vibrant Area Rediscovered
The Lift One site buzzed with activity in the 1950s and 1960s as the loading point for the city’s first mechanized ski route, a 1937 tow line later upgraded to a steel chairlift. A 1970s decision to relocate the lift higher up the slope shifted crowds to the established Little Nell base, leaving this area overlooked for decades. Jason Grosfeld, CEO of lead developer Irongate Group, described the shift as “the beginning of the end” for the spot’s prominence. He has skied Aspen since childhood and views the revival as a personal mission to recapture that lost energy. Groundbreaking last fall marked the start of construction on Chalet Alpina, a 200,000-square-foot development spanning two-and-a-half city blocks.
Local officials predict the project will fundamentally alter Aspen Mountain’s landscape. Cost estimates reach nearly $350 million, with completion targeted for 2029. The new setup promises easier access from downtown, addressing overcrowding at the primary base.
Navigating a Decade of Community Scrutiny
Plans emerged in the early 2010s amid resistance from residents wary of further development in one of America’s priciest resort towns. Extensive community engagement refined the proposal over years. In 2019, voters approved it by a razor-thin margin of 0.8%, or just 26 votes. Multiple landowners collaborated, including Irongate Group and HayMax Capital, Aspen Skiing Company, the City of Aspen, and Aman Group. Permits finalized in 2023 paved the way for construction approval in 2025.
Grosfeld called the process “really time-consuming and difficult, but meaningful.” He emphasized treating the rare opportunity with utmost care. The partnership’s complexity demanded alignment among private and public stakeholders.
Blending Legacy with Contemporary Appeal
New York-based Guerin Glass Architects drew inspiration from the site’s history, preserving remnants of the 1940s steel chairlift and relocating two mid-century chalets. One chalet will house a restaurant, the other a ski museum in partnership with the Aspen Historical Society. A modern lift will anchor the development, flanked by luxury hotel rooms, residences, and a spacious public plaza. Scott Glass, the firm’s cofounder, stressed intentional site placement: “It cascades down the hill and feels part of the slope.”
Design details echo 1940s board-formed retaining walls in new planters and the ski hut base. A ski run threads through the site, positioning Chalet Alpina as a true gateway. Glass highlighted its public focus: “It’s a resort project, but also a ski museum and portal to the town.”
Key Features at a Glance
- New high-speed lift closer to downtown for better accessibility.
- Luxury accommodations blending hotel and residential units.
- Relocated historic chalets repurposed as restaurant and museum.
- Expansive public plaza open to all visitors.
- Preservation of original lift remnants for historical continuity.
Key Takeaways
- Revives a forgotten historic site with modern amenities.
- Passed community vote by mere 26 ballots after years of debate.
- Expected to open in 2029, easing pressure on Aspen’s main base.
Chalet Alpina stands to reconnect Aspen with its skiing origins while meeting today’s demands for convenience and luxury. As construction advances, it promises a fresh chapter for the mountain’s east side. What changes do you hope it brings to Aspen’s ski scene? Share your thoughts in the comments.
