Aspen Intel · Lift One Corridor

Lift One Corridor: What's Being Built, and When the New Lift Opens

Updated October 18, 2026 · Susan C. Plummer, Christie's International Real Estate Aspen Snowmass

The west side of Aspen Mountain is now a construction zone, and it will stay one for about three winters. Lift 1A is gone. Chalet Alpina has broken ground. An Aman hotel is next. Here is what is going up, what skiers lose in the meantime, and when the new Lift One is scheduled to spin.

Susan Plummer with the Chalet Alpina architectural model, South Aspen Street, Aspen
Previewing the Chalet Alpina model. Photo: Susan C. Plummer
Rendering of Chalet Alpina at the base of the new Lift One on Aspen Mountain in winter
Chalet Alpina, rendering

At a glance

  • Lift 1A: removal began in late July 2026, after 55 years.
  • Chalet Alpina: broke ground in September 2026. Completion is targeted for 2030.
  • Aman Aspen: a new hotel; underground work starts in 2027, building enclosed by fall 2028.
  • New Lift One: will run to Dean Street, about 500 feet closer to town. Target: the 2029–30 ski season.
  • Historic Skiers Chalet: the lodge and steakhouse will be restored and moved; one building becomes the Aspen Snowsports History Museum (opening targeted for early 2030).
  • Public space: about two acres of new park, with city park and street work planned for 2029.

This winter: how to reach that side of the mountain

  • No lift on the Lift One side for about three winters.
  • Ride the Silver Queen Gondola, or the new Nell Bell chairlift from Gondola Plaza.
  • Schuss Gully stays open as conditions allow. Norway and Normandy are closed.
  • A skiway down to South Aspen Street is planned when snow allows.
  • Expect fewer ski races on that side while the base is a construction site.

Chalet Alpina, in brief

Developed by Irongate Group and Aspen-based HayMax Capital, Chalet Alpina combines shared-ownership residences, six private mountain homes and a members' day club at the base of the new lift.

  • 26 shared-ownership residences, two to four bedrooms, from under $3 million.
  • Six full-ownership homes, four and five bedrooms. The September 2026 launch priced them from the mid-$40 millions (August reports said mid-$30 millions).
  • The Skiers Chalet Restaurant reopens after more than 20 years, plus a supper club, an omakase speakeasy, a lobby bar and a rooftop lounge.
  • Rooftop pool, spa, ski shop and concierge.

Insider note · From the groundbreaking

I was at the September groundbreaking. Three of the six full-ownership homes are already under contract. In the four-bedroom residences, sold in quarter shares, four shares remain.

One strategy I'm seeing: buyers pair a three-bedroom share (about $9 million) with a four-bedroom share (about $12 million), the equivalent of half ownership for about $21 million. For a family with four grown children and grandkids, the overflow guests have their own place, in the center of everything. Compare that with $40 to $60 million and up for a home on Red Mountain.

The downside: small (albeit elegant) spaces, close neighbors, and high HOA dues, which cover the amenities, property taxes, utilities and maintenance.

Call me for current availability →

The Lift One neighborhood and downtown Aspen in summer, seen from Aspen Mountain
The Lift One neighborhood, looking down at town

The timeline

2026Lift 1A removed; Chalet Alpina digs first; Skiers Chalet buildings may move this fall.
2027Underground work and parking garage for Aman Aspen and Chalet Alpina.
2028Chalet Alpina buildings rise; Aman enclosed by fall. Developers' "greenlight" notice to Aspen Skiing Company due October 31; lift ordered that November.
2029Lift installed (about a seven-month window starting April or May); city park and street work.
2029–30New Lift One opens for the ski season, if the schedule holds.
2030Snowsports museum opens early in the year; Chalet Alpina interiors finish by summer.

The schedule is not guaranteed. If the developers miss their notice dates, the lift slips a year, and late fees kick in.

What it means if you own or are buying nearby

Homes near South Aspen Street and Dean Street will live with construction traffic and noise for the next few years. On the other side of it: a new lift 500 feet closer to town, a luxury hotel, restaurants and a park at the end of the street. Timing a purchase or a sale around that matters. Call me and I'll walk you through what is on the market near the corridor, including homes that never reach the MLS.

Call Susan · 970-948-6786Join ASPEN INTEL →

Related: Aspen restaurant openings and closings · Homes not on the MLS

Sources: Aspen Journalism, Aug. 14, 2026; Aspen Public Radio, Aug. 24, 2026; Chalet Alpina announcement, Sept. 8, 2026.