Luxury Ski Stays: Modern Home Design in Aspen & Telluride
There's nothing quite like spring skiing in Colorado. When the days are longer and the sun mellows the snow into ideal landing pads for grazing smoothing arcs, Aspen and Telluride become vertical Eden that blends adventure with sensory refinement. But far beyond the slopes, these destinations provide posh lodging that reimagines the meaning of mountain escape. Whether you seek out ski-in/ski-out conveniences, five-star spa pampering, or a palatial architecture and design studio masterpiece to call home, here's a look at the finest luxury lodgings that elevate your spring ski getaway in Aspen and Telluride.
Aspen: Mountain Luxury Meets Architectural Excellence
Aspen is a byword for upscale living, and its array of high-end accommodations matches that reputation. From historic sites made new with modern style to avant-garde chalets, these places deliver sophisticated design and world-class amenities, incorporating sustainable architectural practices that ensure both luxury and environmental consciousness.
The Little Nell – Aspen’s Ultimate Luxury Retreat
For those who want ski-in/ski-out access and won’t sacrifice luxury, The Little Nell is the ultimate in five-star mountain living. At this Relais & Châteaux property, exclusive access to Aspen Mountain means skiing from door to slope (and back again — plush après-ski settings await, afternoon’s end). Decorated in a modern yet cozy alpine vibe, The Little Nell has a fresh-from-the-archives interior, updated by Luis Bustamante, that combines contemporary furnishings with curated art collections. The Wine Bar and secret speakeasy, The BoardRoom, bring added layers of exclusivity to the experience.
Why Stay Here?
Slope-side location with dedicated ski concierge
Rooftop hot tub and heated outdoor pool
Fine dining at Element 47 and award-winning wine program
Personalized adventure experiences, from snowcat tours to backcountry heli-skiing
Hotel Jerome – A Historic Landmark with Modern Flair
Burying Hotel Jerome's uniqueness is a mix of Aspen's silver mining shimmer and modern luxury, making it one of the town's most singular stays. One of the Auberge Resorts, this landmark 1889 hotel features Victorian architecture enhanced with modern mountain-chic interiors, reflecting the best of modern home design aesthetics. After a day on the slopes, visit the Bad Harriet speakeasy, housed in a refurbished newspaper building, for high-end cocktails.
Why Stay Here?
Historic-meets-modern aesthetic with designer interiors
Outdoor courtyard with a heated pool and spa
Central downtown Aspen location, minutes from the gondola
Michelin-level dining and speakeasy cocktail bar
W Aspen – Boutique, Trendy, and Vibrant
If a design-forward boutique hotel with a vibrant social scene is what you’re after, look no further than W Aspen. With interiors by Rowland+Broughton Architects, this retro-chic alpine retreat reimagines ski luxury with its rooftop WET Deck — an all-season pool and lounge with fire pits and sweeping views. The bold, playful decor is a departure from the traditional luxury hotels of Aspen, which makes W Aspen a popular choice for younger, design-savvy travelers.
Why Stay Here?
Ski-in access with on-site gear storage
Vibrant après-ski scene with DJs and signature cocktails
Contemporary ski chalet-inspired design
Steps from Aspen’s best nightlife and dining
Aspen Street Lodge – The Ultimate Private Buyout
For travelers in search of privacy and architectural interest, Aspen Street Lodge offers an exclusive-use boutique experience. The lodge, which emphasizes natural stone and blackened wood siding, includes nine luxurious suites and a two-bedroom penthouse, making it suitable for private family or group retreats.
Why Stay Here?
Fully private buyout option for a high-end retreat
Rooftop pool and outdoor lounge overlooking Aspen Mountain
Curated interiors blending modern and rustic elegance
A short walk from Aspen’s gondola and luxury shopping
Telluride: Exclusive Mountain Modern Retreats
Telluride's high-desert box canyon aesthetic draws low-key luxury travelers seeking intimacy and design excellence. These modern home design havens not only provide an escape from the everyday but also emphasize architectural mastery in line with sustainable architectural practices.
Madeline Hotel & Residences – Five-Star Slope side Sophistication
A modern alpine escape inspired by European design, Madeline Hotel (by Auberge Resorts) is located in Telluride's Mountain Village. After a top-to-bottom redesign, the hotel now boasts a Swiss-inspired chalet aesthetic, with hand-carved wooden details, rich textures, and a cozy but polished vibe, reflecting the latest in modern home design.
Why Stay Here?
Ski-in/ski-out convenience at Mountain Village
Newly redesigned interiors with high-end European touches
Full-service spa, oxygen bar, and hot tubs with mountain views
Michelin-rated hospitality
Lumière with Inspirato – A Private Boutique Residence Hotel
There are just 18 private residences, and Lumière with Inspirato delivers five-star service in an intimate space. Each one affords bespoke mountain modern interiors, including dark wood floors, stone fireplaces and open-concept kitchens, making them feel like a luxe home-away-from-home. There’s a Black Tie Ski Concierge on site that makes ski access to Telluride effortless,
Why Stay Here?
Small-scale luxury with high-touch service
Ski valet and in-room gear fittings
Outdoor hot tub and resistance pool for après-ski unwinding
Gondola access to downtown Telluride
Element 52 – Architectural Excellence with a Private Funicular
Offering a mix of modern architecture and luxury amenities, Element 52 (an Auberge Residences property) is for travelers who want the best of both worlds. Tommy Hein Architects is the design firm behind this mountainside enclave, which showcases contemporary style and natural materials such as stone, timber and glass. There’s a private funicular lift for unobtrusive ski-in/ski-out access, and two outdoor hot tubs and an on-site spa offer a relaxing retreat from the elements.
Why Stay Here?
Private residences with full hotel services
Modern mountain design with expansive glass walls
Ski concierge and in-house private chef options
Exclusive funicular lift to ski slopes
Dunton Town House – A European-Inspired Chalet in Telluride
For a European style boutique stay, Dunton Town House offers a cozy, intimate Tyrolean-inspired escape. This Victorian home turned luxury inn, with only five guest rooms, is painstakingly restored, an antique Austrian furniture and hand-woven textiles and warm rustic ambiance.
Why Stay Here?
Authentic Alpine-inspired decor
Personalized concierge services
Gourmet European-style breakfast
Located steps from Telluride’s gondola
Conclusion: Luxury and Design at Their Peak
Aspen and Telluride aren't just ski towns but luxury, design, and architecture centers. Starting with an iconic five-star resort, a boutique design hotel, or an exclusive private residence, these accommodations elevate the spring skiing experience with first-class service, sophisticated interiors, and premier access to the slopes. From architecture and design studio creations to sustainable modern homes, these destinations represent the pinnacle of mountain luxury. So throw your skis in the car or book your luxe retreat, and get ready for a spring adventure of powder, après-ski indulgence, and top-notch mountain design.
For more insights on Colorado mountain architecture and luxury ski retreats, Contact ROAM design studio.
