Aspen, September 18, 2025
News Summary
Construction has officially commenced on the Chalet Alpina project near Lift One in Aspen. Approved by local voters in 2019, the development aims to balance modern amenities with the preservation of historical character. Led by Irongate Group, it will feature timeshares, residences, restaurants, and an Aman destination hotel. The project also focuses on improving skiing infrastructure and enhancing community amenities, including a planned park and public parking. Initial constructions involve water main installation and grading work, with major phases set for 2026.
Construction Begins for the Chalet Alpina Project at Aspen Mountain’s Lift One
The Chalet Alpina project has officially kicked off construction near the original base of Lift One in Aspen. This ambitious development is set to transform the area significantly and is spearheaded by the Irongate Group. The project, which has stirred both excitement and dissent within the community, promises a mix of timeshares, residences, restaurants, retail spaces, and various additional amenities.
The concept of the Chalet Alpina project was approved by Aspen voters in 2019, albeit by a narrow margin of only 26 votes. In total, there were 1,555 votes in favor and 1,529 against the plan. This level of community engagement highlights the mixed perspectives surrounding development and preservation within Aspen’s scenic environment.
A key feature of the project is an Aman destination hotel, developed by the OKO Group from Miami, which adds an element of luxury to the overall development. Furthermore, plans include replacing Lift 1A and rehabilitating several historic buildings to honor Aspen’s storied ski legacy. This focus on historical preservation is aimed at celebrating significant structures that are part of the community’s identity.
Ben Anderson, Aspen’s Community Development Director, acknowledged the differing opinions around the project’s balance between development and maintaining the character of the city. He assured residents that a planned park and Dean Street plaza, along with public parking areas, are intended to enhance community amenities.
In terms of skiing improvements, the project aims to extend the lift further down into town, thereby enhancing the skiing experience for locals and visitors alike. Initial construction efforts are focused on installing a new water main and grading work for a new cul-de-sac at the top of South Aspen Street.
Preparatory work is set to include asbestos abatement and the stabilization of the Skiers’ Chalet Lodge and Steakhouse, with plans to relocate the lodge in 2026. The subsequent phases of construction for the Lift One Lodge project are expected to commence in Spring 2026, featuring excavations and foundation work. Importantly, there will be no construction impacts logged for the upcoming 2025-26 winter season.
Despite community concerns regarding the environmental impacts, which are typical for large-scale construction projects, Anderson emphasized the ongoing discourse related to these issues. There remains persistent community dissent, with some residents voicing that the project leads Aspen in the wrong direction.
The construction will proceed under a phased permit issuance plan currently under review. Future elements concerning the Lift One Lodge and the Shadow Mountain Lift remain in development stages, reflecting the project’s evolving nature. City officials along with ski resort operators are committed to coordinating construction efforts to minimize disruption to skiing activities during the winter, ensuring that the broader community can still enjoy the ski season.
Residents are encouraged to engage in ongoing discussions about the construction and its effects on the town, aiming to ensure resident support for future developments while balancing progress with the preservation of Aspen’s cherished character.
FAQ
What is the Chalet Alpina Project?
The Chalet Alpina project is a new development near the original base of Lift One in Aspen, including timeshares, residences, restaurants, retail spaces, and additional amenities.
How did the community react to the project’s approval?
The project’s concept was approved by Aspen voters in 2019 by a narrow margin of 26 votes, with 1,555 votes in favor and 1,529 against.
What are some amenities planned for the Chalet Alpina project?
The project will include an Aman destination hotel, a park/dean street plaza, public parking areas, and enhanced skiing experiences with an extended lift.
When will construction begin and what will it include?
Initial construction focuses on installing a new water main and grading work for a new cul-de-sac, with asbestos abatement and stabilization of the Skiers’ Chalet Lodge set to begin before relocating in 2026.
Will construction affect skiing activities?
There will be no construction impacts logged for the 2025-26 winter season, with efforts to minimize disruptions to skiing activities.
Key Features of the Chalet Alpina Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Near the original base of Lift One in Aspen |
| Approval Margin | 26 votes (1,555 for, 1,529 against) |
| Main Developer | Irongate Group |
| Key Amenities | Timeshares, residences, restaurants, retail spaces, Aman hotel |
| Construction Start | Initial construction focuses on water main installation |
| Impact on Ski Season | No construction impacts for 2025-26 winter season |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Forbes: Exclusive First Look at Aspen’s Newest Hotel, Chalet Alpina
- Aspen Daily News: World Cup Racing Future Depends on Clarity Around Lift One Corridor
- Aspen Times: Aspen Mountain to Be Fundamentally Changed as Construction Starts Near Lift One
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aspen
- Google Search: Chalet Alpina
Author: Construction TX News
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