Aspen Valley Ranch Is The Modern Mountain Retreat You Need To Know

The 2021-launched upscale ranch meets luxury residential experience has exciting plans for the coming months.

Rugged foothills, bubbling streams and lush green pasture make up the 813 acres of this sprawling estate where spacious multi-million-dollar residences overlook the mountains. These luxury residences are joined by an array of upscale amenities facilitating exploration of the surrounding environment along with the opportunity to unwind. Trails leading through the estate’s landscape are navigated on horseback, by mountain bike or ATV and a private lake provides the idyllic setting for fly fishing and stand-up paddle boarding.

A little down-valley from Snowmass and Aspen, the luxury enclave places guests in the Woody Creek area of the Roaring Fork Valley perhaps best known for the legendary Woody Creek Tavern, which was famously a favorite hangout of Hunter S. Thompson. In its Woody Creek location, the ranch is a few minutes’ drive from downtown Aspen, with a path running along the Roaring Fork River providing a scenic route to e-bike back to the ranch from town.

In summer this is the ideal base for golfing, hiking the scenic Maroon Bells loop trail, white water rafting on the Roaring Fork River and riding the gondola up to the Sundeck on Aspen Mountain before getting to know highlights of the town including the architecturally impressive Aspen Art Museum, seasonal farmers market and buzzy restaurants such as the recently opened Catch Steak and Duemani, which are both drawing in the crowds with their atmosphere and drinks programs as well as culinary offering.

In winter, the ranch’s focus then turns to activities ranging from snow-shoeing, snowmobiling and skiing to sleigh rides, dog sledding and unwinding in the estate’s hot tub, steam room and heated pool, with guests and residents shuttled back and forth between the ranch and valley’s ski areas.

Only just launched mid 2021, the ranch is still undergoing its gradual development. The current five residences, of which three are now owned and two are still available for both sale and vacation rental (with a sixth overflow house for guests who need additional bedrooms) will soon be joined by another six homes completing the collection. Just like the existing properties, each new residence will be available for both sale and rental, with guests and residents gaining access to the extensive facilities and continually enhanced service.

Designed by Michael Fuller and Poss Architecture, the Residences at Aspen Valley Ranch each emanate contemporary mountain style with their open floor plans, modern craftsmanship reflecting the natural locale and indoor-outdoor flow. Spanning between 5,700 to 13,000 sq ft, these four- to five-bedroom homes come with expansive living areas, as well as outdoor space for entertaining, and are positioned for maximum privacy and views.

Currently, the five-bedroom Sopris House and Aspen Mountain House are available to rent for minimum two-week stays. On renting a residence, guests have access to facilities including a ranch clubhouse, a gym and pool house with hot tub and steam room, a historic barn featuring a games room and bar, and an eight-stall horse barn.

The ranch’s toy barn is equipped with snowmobiles, four-wheelers, electric bikes, dirt bikes and Polaris RZR ATVs and guests can make use of 220 acres of pastureland for horseback riding with the ranch’s on-site award-winning wrangler.

The overall experience, which includes housekeeping, a private chef and concierge service, has been developed in recent months, in particular with the culinary offering, which now highlights local produce in casual or more refined meals also benefitting from sommelier service.

With the promise of even more news in the near future, Aspen Valley Ranch is a modern mountain retreat worth keeping on your radar.