Fire and Ice: A Mountain Retreat

Nestled into the mountainside amidst Aspen and native trees, Snowmass Retreat establishes a profound connection between earth, air, and the generations of family who will find joy within its walls. Fulfilling the client’s desire to draw inspiration from ‘fire and ice’, the design seamlessly integrates warm and cool elements to create a welcoming refuge.

As if carved out of the rocky mountain terrain, a modest single-story structure is built into the hillside with a partial lower level for convenient ski-in, ski-out access. Prioritizing natural light, scenic views, and privacy, the home embraces an “L” shape design. Quartzite stone walls with copper accents wrap around the exterior, partially enclosing a courtyard and extending inside at strategic points to blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors.

The program divides into four zones around a central glass-lined courtyard that invites sunlight and fresh air throughout the seasons. The west quadrant accommodates entry functions on the uphill approach side. The north wing features a glass-enclosed double-height living space opening to a terrace with an exterior fire feature facing an infinity-edge reflecting pool. Here, the roof slopes upward to highlight the expansive view of the valley, with clerestory windows capturing daylight from all directions. The south wing, with a private entrance, houses shared spaces around a fireplace, media room, terrace, hot tub, and swimming pool oriented to the sun. The east quadrant is open air, eroded, and given over to the landscape with a fire pit and long views down the valley.

Natural tones and finishes dominate the interior—including thin linear stacked quartzite stone walls, stained oak millwork, dark oxidized bronze hardware, burnished plaster walls, and walnut shelving. Custom cast glass light fixtures evoke ice and crystal, accompanied by strategic lighting that eliminates glass reflections and enables views of the landscape even at night.

Construction Manager: Hansen Construction Company
Structural Engineer: Kaup Engineering, Inc.
MEP/FP Engineer: Rader Engineering, Inc.
Landscape Architect: Design Workshop
Lighting Design: Lux Populi
Interior Design: Soucie Horner
Photography: Steve Hall, Hall+Merrick+McCaugherty Photographers