It’s still a construction site, but the much-anticipated Viceroy Snowmass Resort & Residences is set to open the day before the ski lifts do at Snowmass: November 25. The ski-in/ski-out property is the signature hotel of Snowmass’ Base Village and it’s got an enviable location — literally a stone’s throw from the Assay Hill lift (the chairs nearly cross above the hotel’s outdoor pool area). It’s a 10-minute drive to downtown Aspen, with its array of restaurants, shopping and nightlife — sleepy Snowmass still lacks some in this department!
Artist's rendering of the front entrance to the Viceroy Snowmass.
General Manager Jeff Daniel, formerly of the Viceroy Anguilla, led me on a tour of the property Tuesday. Though the hotel is a work in progress, it’s very clear few expenses have been spared when it comes to the details in the interior design and finish work. To wit: the giant column covered in real redwood bark, as well as the dozens of real aspen- and birch-tree dividing walls in the lobby (bringing the natural outdoors in). Then there’s the massive “antler” chandelier in the spa’s relaxation room that’s made of lead and silver. And buffalo bone (!) insets in the wooden cabinet doors in the spa treatment rooms.
Truly, every detail has been thought through — from the dramatic lighting in the spa and spacious cabanas by the pool to safety-conscious induction cooktops in the rooms and custom-produced ambient music throughout the hotel.
Here are just a few more highlights of the fashion-forward, Asian-meets-alpine-inspired property:
- Hip staff uniforms are being custom designed. Front desk staff will sport turtlenecks and double-breasted leather jackets and waitstaff will wear Chuck Taylors.
- Full kitchens in the multi-bedroom residences feature Viking and Wolf appliances. (Each room configuration can be individually owned and put into the rental pool.)
- Some one-bedrooms have a pull-out sleeper sofa and a little den/playroom for kids that an be outfitted with a teepee, stuffed animals and games on request.
- Outdoor swimming pool and two small hot tubs are open year round.
- Upscale grab-and-go cafe is just off the ski slope and open to the public. (Think Dean and Deluca in the mountains.)
- Kids’ menu in the super-suave Eight K main restaurant is via 3-D viewfinder. (How cute is that?)
- The hotel is Silver LEED certified and eco-friendly: deluxe toiletries in each room are in reusable containers. (No little dinky bottles that end up in the trash.)
Be one of the first to experience the glamorous property at introductory prices, by booking a room sometime before December 17. You’ll pay the standard rate for the first night, and then it’s 50 percent off each successive night. Midweek in early December, standard rates start at $150 for a studio, $375 for a one-bedroom and $475 for a one-bedroom plus den. Not cheap by any means, but from what I can tell (and from what I’ve been told) guests will enjoy unparalleled service, ambiance and amenities at the Viceroy Snowmass.
