Aspen Mountain to be ‘fundamentally changed’ as construction starts near Lift One

Construction is slowly starting for the Chalet Alpina project near the original base of Lift One, bringing the resort “crafted from fables,” as its website puts it, one step closer to reality.

The project was originally passed by Aspen voters in 2019 by only 26 votes, with 1,555 voting in favor and 1,529 voting against. Irongate group, the real estate group behind Chalet Alpina, has proposed a vision that includes timeshares, residences, restaurants, retail, and additional amenities at the base of Aspen Mountain. A separate Aman destination hotel by Miami’s OKO Group, Lift 1A replacement, and rehabilitation of several historic buildings are also lined up as part of the project.

“So, obviously there are very different perspectives in town on whether this project found this balance in the proposed design and program,” Aspen’s Community Development Director Ben Anderson said of whether the city’s character will be preserved while expanding its resort footprint. “In my view, these will be beautiful, world-class hotels when they are complete.” 

Anderson noted the planned park/Dean Street plaza and public parking will provide additional amenities for the community, and the lift coming further down into town could improve the skiing experience. He also emphasized that the museum and rehabilitated original Lift One gantry and towers “will very much celebrate Aspen’s rich skiing legacy.” 

While all preservation work is being managed and led by the developers of Lift One Lodge, Aspen One’s Vice President of Corporate and Brand Communications Sara Roston expressed support for that element of the project.

“We strongly believe that preserving our city’s heritage and culture is incredibly important, and we are, of course, supportive of that work,” Roston said.

But before all the bigger construction begins, a new water main is currently being installed at the top of South Aspen Street, according to Anderson. Associated with that work is grading that will be a precursor to the new cul-de-sac that he said will “define” the top of South Aspen Street as the project progresses. 

There is also going to be some initial prep work, including asbestos abatement and stabilization, on the Skiers’ Chalet Lodge and Steakhouse in preparation for their eventual move. Anderson confirmed that move is planned for 2026. 

Sunrise Rundown: Headlines. Breaking News. Local Updates.
Get your essential news every weekday from The Aspen Times—start your day informed.

Sign up for the Sunrise Rundown at AspenTimes.com/newsletter

“That is the extent of the work until the major phase of Lift One Lodge begins,” he said.

The new water main crosses a number of property lines and has been issued as a standalone ROW/infrastructure permit — the Chalet Alpina permit and OKO hotel permit submitted for review earlier this year “remains a work in progress,” he noted, but will be required “before any work of significance begins on the Lift One Lodge property.”

Anderson added, “Elements of Lift One Lodge are still being reviewed within a phased permit issuance plan.”

The next phase of the Lift One Lodge project, which he said is likely to begin in spring 2026, will include the temporary relocation of the Chalet structures to the very north end of the Lift One Lodge property, the establishment of full construction mitigation plan requirements, excavation, shoring, and foundation work for the Lift One Project. 

Plans to replace the Shadow Mountain Lift are still evolving, according to Roston, and Aspen One remains unable to share design specifics thus far. She noted elements would be shared “once they’re finalized with our partners and stakeholders.”

She did confirm that there will be no construction impact to the 2025-26 winter season, although she did not comment on how it might specifically impact future seasons past that.

“Looking ahead, all parties — including Aspen Skiing Company, the city of Aspen, and development partners — are committed to working together to phase and coordinate construction to minimize impacts on skiing,” Roston said. 

Anderson did note that, as construction continues to progress, the environmental impact will be sizable.

“The environmental impacts will be consistent with construction projects of this scale that happen anywhere,” he said. “Significant, for sure.”

He acknowledged that there are many members of the community who are unhappy with the planned project and see it as moving Aspen in the “wrong direction.”

“There are elements of both views that are probably correct to some degree,” he said of the differing popular opinions, “but it is undeniable that this side of the face of Aspen Mountain will be fundamentally changed and the construction process will be very impactful.”