Unique Solutions to Unique Projects: Aspen Skiing Company
- Z Group Architecture & Interior Design
- Apr 23, 2019
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 11, 2025
Z Group Architecture & Interior Design partnered with Aspen Skiing Company to deliver innovative, site-sensitive architectural solutions in Aspen, Colorado. Each project balances high-performance functionality, cutting-edge sustainability strategies, and the unique spirit of mountain resort design. As Aspen’s longest-standing architecture firm, Z Group continues to create spaces that reflect both client needs and community values while setting a standard for Colorado ski resort architecture.
Designing for Aspen’s Mountain Culture
At Z Group Architecture & Interior Design, we hold our clients in the highest regard. Whether we are designing a luxury mountain residence in Aspen, a multi-family development in the Roaring Fork Valley, a Colorado healthcare facility, or a recreation center on the Western Slope, we feel privileged to bring each client’s vision to life. For Aspen Skiing Company, this is no different. From the interior design of on-mountain fine dining restaurants to mountain-based booster stations powering Aspen Mountain’s snowmaking system, our passion is to serve the community through quality architecture, sustainable design, and collaborative partnership.
Each client brings unique objectives and challenges that require innovative solutions. Aspen Skiing Company’s goals are especially distinctive. Since 1997, the company has been a leader in environmental sustainability within the ski industry, with a strong focus on reducing carbon emissions, utilizing sustainable building materials, and implementing energy-efficient architecture. Their projects span four mountains—Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Highlands—each with different elevations and environmental conditions. From 8,000 feet to nearly 12,000 feet above sea level, our designs must withstand sudden temperature shifts, heavy snow loads, and intense alpine sun exposure, all while maintaining guest comfort and operational efficiency.
Another layer of complexity lies in the wide range of facility types required: from casual and fine-dining restaurants in Aspen ski resorts, to civil engineering projects supporting snowmaking operations, to ski schools, children’s play areas, Ski Patrol facilities, lift operations hubs, and administrative offices. Each project requires a tailored approach that reflects Aspen Skiing Company’s mission while embracing Z Group’s legacy of site-sensitive, sustainable architecture in Colorado’s high country.
By weaving together resort architecture, sustainability, and local culture, we help Aspen Skiing Company continue to shape not only the guest experience but also the long-term environmental stewardship of Aspen and the Western Slope.
High Alpine Restaurant at Snowmass Mountain – Snowmass, Colorado
Located at 10,500 feet on Snowmass Mountain, the High Alpine Restaurant (formerly Gwyn's High Alpine) is a signature on-mountain dining destination for Aspen Skiing Company. Positioned at the top of Alpine Springs, this project combines fine dining, food court options, a full-service bar and lounge, retail space, and expansive outdoor terraces that showcase panoramic mountain views.
The design scope encompassed a substantial addition to the existing building, along with a comprehensive renovation of both the interior and exterior. A complete commercial kitchen redesign transformed the flow and efficiency of food preparation, while the dining concept evolved from traditional cafeteria service into a modern, guest-focused food court model.
The result is a project that balances sustainability, operational performance, and guest experience. Every element was designed to withstand the challenges of high-elevation architecture—heavy snow, sudden temperature shifts, and direct alpine sun—while delivering a welcoming, contemporary environment for skiers and visitors alike.
Up 4 Pizza at Snowmass Mountain – Snowmass, Colorado
Perched at 11,835 feet at the top of Snowmass Mountain’s Big Burn and Sheer Bliss lifts, Up 4 Pizza is one of Aspen Skiing Company’s most beloved on-mountain dining and operations facilities. This unique structure combines a casual ski-in/ski-out restaurant with essential Ski Patrol operations, making it both a gathering place for guests and a hub of mountain safety.
Z Group Architecture & Interior Design led a comprehensive high-elevation renovation that included:
A full re-cladding of the exterior, including roof and siding, with durable materials designed to withstand heavy snow and high winds.
Installation of energy-efficient windows to improve building performance in extreme alpine conditions.
Integration of new exterior insulation and solar shading on the south façade to balance natural light with energy efficiency.
At nearly 12,000 feet, durable, low-maintenance materials are critical for long-term performance. The design ensures that energy efficiency and sustainability are not compromised, even under the most extreme mountain weather conditions.
This project exemplifies Z Group’s expertise in Colorado ski resort architecture, delivering site-sensitive, sustainable design solutions that enhance the guest experience while meeting the operational demands of Aspen Skiing Company.
Aspen Mountain Booster Station – Aspen, Colorado
Situated near the base of Aspen Mountain, the Aspen Mountain Booster Station plays a critical role in the resort’s snowmaking operations, housing a large pump that powers snow distribution across the mountain. While highly functional, the project also demonstrates Z Group Architecture & Interior Design’s ability to blend technical infrastructure with thoughtful architectural design.
The building was designed with low-maintenance yet attractive exterior materials, ensuring long-term durability and reduced operational costs. The use of pre-manufactured insulated concrete blocks for both the foundation and base provided a highly durable finish inside and out, while also maintaining optimal thermal performance for the wall assembly.
At its core, the project showcases Z Group’s expertise in high-altitude, performance-driven architecture—designing structures that withstand harsh Rocky Mountain conditions while supporting the operational excellence of Aspen Skiing Company. The result is a facility that is both functional and enduring, serving as a backbone to Aspen’s world-class ski experience.
Fort Frog at Buttermilk Ski Area – Aspen, Colorado
Located at 9,600 feet on Buttermilk Ski Area, Fort Frog is a playful, imaginative ski school destination for children, completely rebuilt after the original fort burned down several years ago. Designed by Z Group Architecture & Interior Design in collaboration with Aspen Skiing Company, the new Fort Frog is bigger, bolder, and more engaging, offering a unique blend of fun, functionality, and mountain-inspired design.
The design features include:
Three towers with a high observation deck, providing adventurous kids with a commanding view of the ski area.
A snowball-making defense system (aka snowball slingshot) for playful battles in the snow.
A swinging bridge connecting two towers and leading to a hidden slide within the third tower.
A cozy warming hut stocked with candy—kept at just the right temperature for maximum enjoyment.
A whimsical jail with an escape route, adding to the fort’s sense of adventure.
A check-in office and mail station, giving kids the chance to “write home” during their stay.
Beyond being a children’s play structure, Fort Frog represents Z Group’s ability to deliver experiential, story-driven architecture in Aspen’s ski resorts. It is not only a fun-filled attraction but also a purpose-built educational and recreational facility, designed to endure the challenges of high-elevation environments.
Designing with Purpose, Building with Legacy
No matter how unique or complex a project’s objectives may be, the team at Z Group Architecture & Interior Design understands the importance of designing with intention. Every detail is crafted to align with our clients’ goals, values, and long-term vision. By delivering site-sensitive, sustainable architecture that reflects a company’s mission, we empower our clients—from resort operators like Aspen Skiing Company to private homeowners across Colorado—to continue doing what they do best.
For over 70 years, Z Group has been shaping mountain architecture in Aspen and the Western Slope, blending innovation, functionality, and legacy into every project.
Let’s Build Your Vision Together
At Z Group, design is more than structure—it’s about storytelling, sustainability, and creating spaces that endure. Whether you are planning a ski resort facility, hospitality project, or private mountain home, our team is here to bring your story to life.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Aspen Skiing Company projects unique from other resort architecture?
Each project is located at high elevations across Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Highlands—ranging from 8,000 to nearly 12,000 feet. These extreme conditions require durable, energy-efficient, and site-sensitive design solutions that strike a balance between sustainability and guest experience.
How does Z Group integrate sustainability into ski resort architecture?
Z Group uses local and low-maintenance materials, energy-efficient windows, solar shading, and advanced insulation systems. These strategies reduce environmental impact while ensuring operational efficiency, even in the harshest mountain climates.
What role does design play in enhancing the guest experience at Aspen resorts?
Architecture directly shapes how visitors connect with the mountain. From fine dining at High Alpine Restaurant to family fun at Fort Frog, Z Group’s designs create memorable, functional spaces that blend hospitality, recreation, and cultural storytelling.
How does Z Group approach high-altitude construction challenges?
At nearly 12,000 feet, projects must endure sudden weather changes, heavy snow, and intense sun exposure. Z Group prioritizes durable materials, energy efficiency, and thoughtful siting to ensure long-term resilience without compromising design.
Why is Z Group the preferred architecture firm for ski resort projects in Aspen?
With over 70 years of legacy in Aspen and the Western Slope, Z Group combines deep local knowledge, innovative sustainability strategies, and a collaborative client approach. This ensures every project reflects the values, goals, and long-term vision of the client.
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