Beyond the Slopes: Aspen Meadows a Bauhaus Getaway

Eric Stein

Aspen is a playground in both winter and summer, offering luxurious dining establishments, shopping and hotels. Whether skiing down the slopes or hiking summer trails, this premier mountain town is humming with activity during the high seasons. Aspen Meadows has been a long-standing Aspen icon. Modeled in the Bauhaus style, the hotel is host to a plethora of guests and is home to one of the best views from a hotel in the valley.Located next to the Roaring Fork River, Aspen Meadows, operated by Salamander Hotels & Resorts and owned by Aspen Institute, is a quiet location overlooking all four of Aspen’s ski peaks as well as the prestigious Red Mountain.

Jason Dewey

Taking a stroll under the canopies of quaking aspen trees, the picturesque property is one of Aspen’s first hotels and the grounds have been the center point of important, history-making decisions and lectures. Arriving on property, guests check in the main lodge, which is home to the West End Social Lounge and West End Restaurant. For those who love the Bauhaus style, this is the property for you. Cozy fireside seating, bright paintings, and artful chandeliers make the lobby area gleam.

Jason Dewey-West End Social lounge

The rooms are on the historic registry, making any exterior enhancements subject to review of the historical society and delightfully authentic to the era. Inside, the renovated rooms are spacious and comfortable. Pops of color in furniture and art are the backdrop to the space, and a sliding glass door opens up to singing birds and swaying aspen trees with mountain views beyond. It’s no wonder the Aspen Institute campus continues to be a space and place that the greatest minds in the world converge upon this peaceful setting.

Jason Dewey

The Aspen Institute incorporates octagonal configurations in its many meeting spaces and rooms, encouraging a Socratic style meeting space for discussion and participation. An auditorium for 400 people, a library peppered with several 1steditions, patio areas, the Aspen Music Festival Tent, and Doerr Hosier Center are all found on the campus, alongside lawns for weddings and events, rooftop terraces and smaller breakout rooms. The Doerr Hosier Center is fronted by a geothermal pond, which helps regulate the temperature of the building seasonally. Stone River, by world renowned artist Andy Goldsworthy, snakes its way from the land through the building, into the river below to further connect guests to nature. Ballrooms and board rooms in the center are perfect for events, and the Bass Terrace is an ideal cocktail reception spot overlooking the river and Red Mountain beyond.

Chris Council-Wagyu Tartare at West End Social

West End is the restaurant and lounge providing breakfast, après snacks and dinner offerings. With breathtaking views of the peaks, this is arguably one of the most picturesque dining spots in Aspen (especially in the fall when the aspens turn to a brilliant gold). The Meadows Café is also a great spot for a quick bite and adjacent to additional event space at the Madeleine Albright Pavilion.

Chris Council

Food at West End Social

Chris Council

The outdoor pool and hot tub are a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the mountain air. A three-lane lap pool an idyllic spot to get some exercise before giving a lecture at the Institute or part of a workout regimen in the well-equipped health center. Enjoy a steam or massage afterwards or practice some guided yoga for a well-rounded health experience.

Chris Council-Mont Blanc Pavlova at West End Social

The Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies is located on the campus of Aspen Institute and not to be missed while staying at Aspen Meadows. Opening in 2022, this esteemed space pays homage to one of the biggest influences in the history of Aspen, turning the once forgotten silver mining town into the epicenter it is today. Herbert Bayer introduced modernism to Aspen, which had been what is referred to as its “quiet years” until 1945, following the Silver Bust where the Silver Standard was abandoned for the Gold Standard. Having immigrated to the United States in 1938 to escape Nazi Germany, the artist’s wife is credited for moving not only Bayer but his noteworthy collection of artworks to the United States, thus saving the body of work that is so esteemed today. A history room about his life as well as original works compliment a lower level of rotating artwork. Museum tours give fascinating insight to the life and works, as well as context of the property and influence on Aspen itself.

A celebrated stay in Aspen, Aspen Meadows continues to welcome guests since the 1950s. Whether visiting for skiing, enjoying summer activities, or for a conference at the Aspen Institute, there is a wide variety awaiting guests at Aspen Meadows. For rates and reservations, visit www.aspenmeadows.com