Aspen Sojourner: Inside Gwyn’s High Alpine Mid-Life Makeover
Snowmass’s iconic on-mountain dining spot gets a much-needed remodel from Z Group Architecture & Interior Design.
By Cindy Hirschfeld November 23, 2016 Published in the Holiday 2016 issue of Aspen Sojourner
Discover this on-mountain resort project: High Alpine and Alpin Room
Since George Gordon and his then-wife Gwyn first took over a Snowmass on-mountain restaurant in 1979, a lot has changed. The establishment, which was renamed Gwyn’s High Alpine (now known as High Alpine and Alpin Room), became a local institution; new lifts went up nearby, helping attract more clientele; George and Gwyn divorced but remain business partners; and their daughter, Whitney, is now the manager of Gwyn’s, the more formal, sit-down part of the operation. Through it all, though, a commitment to good food, friendly service, and hands-on oversight by George and Gwyn (now Knowlton) has remained. So when it came time for a much-needed building remodel this year, “we wanted people to see it as different yet the same,” says Jim “Gus” Gustafson, Principal Emeritus of Z Group Architecture & Interior Design, which oversaw the renovation.
The biggest changes were to the cafeteria area and the restrooms. The former now has a more modern “marketplace” configuration for food service, with a center island and assorted stations. The bathrooms were blessedly relocated from the lowest level to the ground floor. The bar, too, was brought upstairs; some 50 guests can now sip cocktails in the glow of a new wood-burning fireplace.
The original lower-level bar has been turned into a lounge area, with coffee and grab-and-go snacks. Outdoor decks were expanded. And everywhere, there’s more light, thanks to ample glass and added dormers in the roofline. “Every level has twice the amount of windows as before,” enthuses Knowlton.
Along with updates to the building came additions to the menu. Diners on the cafeteria side will find old favorites like Brunswick stew joined by more daily soups, an expanded selection of rice bowls and wraps, and specialty flatbreads. At Gwyn’s, new options include lobster fondue, a tenderloin steak sandwich, and grilled peach and caramelized onion burrata. A large outdoor smoker allows for more variety in smoked meats and fish—smoked trout eggs Benedict, for instance, at breakfast.
As for the question that’s on many a regular’s mind: yes, the glider that has long hung from the rafters in the midlevel dining area is still there. In 1980, flying that very plane, Knowlton became the first female pilot to win a stage at the national glider championships—and she remains the only woman to do so. Sometimes, it’s wise not to mess too much with an icon.
Ski in to the $5.9 million dollar remodel of the iconic on-mountain lodge for a grand opening celebration on Sunday at 11 a.m. with complimentary drinks, appetizers, and speeches. Speakers include Aspen Skiing Company’s Mike Kaplan, CEO and David Corbin, VP of Planning & Development, United States Forest Service’s Scott Fitzwilliams and the Knowlton/Gordon family.
Reimagining Mountain Hospitality, Honoring Its Legacy
Great hospitality design does more than transform a space. It preserves the stories that make a destination unforgettable. From iconic mountain restaurants to luxury resorts and gathering places, Z Group Architecture & Interior Design creates thoughtful, site-sensitive environments that honor the past while embracing the future.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What role did Z Group Architecture & Interior Design play in the renovation of Gwyn’s High Alpine?
Z Group Architecture & Interior Design oversaw the $5.9 million renovation of Gwyn’s High Alpine, an iconic on-mountain restaurant in Snowmass, Colorado. The project modernized the dining experience while preserving the establishment’s distinctive character and longstanding connection to the community.
What architectural improvements were made to Gwyn’s High Alpine?
The renovation introduced a modern marketplace-style cafeteria, relocated restrooms and bar facilities, expanded outdoor decks, and added a new wood-burning fireplace. Additional windows and roof dormers brought more natural light into the building, creating a brighter and more inviting mountain dining environment.
How did the renovation improve the guest experience?
The redesigned food-service areas improved circulation and offered guests more dining options. Relocating the restrooms and bar to the ground floor made these amenities more convenient, while the expanded decks and new lounge spaces created additional opportunities to relax and enjoy the mountain setting.
How did Z Group preserve the history of Gwyn’s High Alpine?
The renovation balanced contemporary architectural improvements with the restaurant's beloved traditions. One particularly meaningful feature remained untouched: the historic glider suspended above the dining area, commemorating Gwyn Knowlton's achievements in competitive aviation. Preserving this piece of history helped maintain the restaurant's unique identity.
Why is preserving local character important in mountain hospitality architecture?
Mountain restaurants and resorts often hold generations of memories for their communities. Thoughtful hospitality architecture respects these connections while introducing modern amenities, improved functionality, and spaces that respond to the surrounding landscape. At Z Group, this balance between heritage and innovation is central to creating enduring destinations.
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