Mountain Magic: Why the A-Frame Club Is Colorado’s New Must-Visit Retreat

The A-Frame Club is a unique lodging destination located in the mountain town of Winter Park, Colorado. Known for its distinct A-frame architecture, it offers guests a cozy, retro-modern getaway that blends mid-century design with the natural beauty of the Rockies. Being situated in Winter Park, which is known for outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking, the A-Frame Club offers easy access to the Winter Park Resort and other nearby outdoor adventures.

Discover Winter Park, CO

Winter Park, Colorado is a charming mountain town located in Grand County, about 67 miles northwest of Denver. Known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, especially winter sports, it has a rich history and is a year-round destination for visitors seeking adventure or relaxation in the Rockies.

Winter Park Resort

The town’s biggest draw is the Winter Park Resort, the longest continually operating ski resort in Colorado. It offers a wide range of winter activities like downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snow tubing. With over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and seven distinct territories, the resort caters to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Mary Jane Mountain, part of the resort, is famous for its challenging mogul runs and tree skiing. In the summer, Winter Park is known as “Mountain Bike Capital USA,” offering over 600 miles of trails and lift-serviced biking at the resort.

Summer Activities

Summer transforms Winter Park into a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. There are numerous hiking trails in the area, including those that offer stunning views of the Continental Divide. Nearby lakes and rivers, including Lake Granby and the Fraser River, provide great opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water activities. Additionally, the town has beautiful mountain golf courses, such as Pole Creek Golf Club, offering scenic views and challenging play.

Downtown Winter Park

The town has a quaint, small-town feel with a lively downtown area. You’ll find a variety of restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and local boutiques. Local cuisine includes everything from hearty mountain meals to farm-to-table dining. Additionally, Winter Park hosts a number of events and festivals throughout the year. Popular summer festivals include the Winter Park Jazz Festival and Blues from the Top, drawing music lovers from all over. The town also has seasonal markets and outdoor concerts.

Scenic Surroundings

• Rocky Mountain National Park: Winter Park is close to the western entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, offering easy access to stunning scenery, wildlife, and hiking opportunities.
• Fraser Valley: Nestled in the Fraser Valley, Winter Park is surrounded by the high peaks of the Continental Divide, providing breathtaking views and a serene mountain environment.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere

Winter Park is a family-friendly destination. Aside from skiing, the resort offers snow tubing, an alpine slide, zip lines, and a climbing wall during the summer.

Climate

Winter Park experiences a high-alpine climate, with cold, snowy winters and cool summers. Winter temperatures are ideal for snow sports, while summer temperatures are mild and perfect for hiking, biking, and exploring.

Overall, Winter Park is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, whether you’re hitting the slopes in winter or exploring trails in the summer. Its welcoming, laid-back atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

History of The A-Frame Club

The A-Frame Club in Winter Park, Colorado, is a unique lodging experience with roots that blend mid-century architecture with modern mountain hospitality. This resort and cabin retreat opened in Winter Park as a tribute to the iconic A-frame cabin style, which was immensely popular from the 1950s to the 1970s. A-frame cabins have a triangular, steep-pitched roof, an architectural design well-suited to snowy mountain environments, where the slanted roof helps prevent snow buildup.

Originally, A-frame cabins became popular in alpine regions for their simplicity, charm, and functional design. Over time, they evolved into an icon of rustic mountain living. Winter Park’s A-Frame Club reimagines this retro style, combining a cozy, back-to-nature atmosphere with updated amenities and an eco-conscious approach. Each cabin retains classic A-frame features while offering modern interiors that cater to today’s travelers.

With its focus on community and nature, the A-Frame Club captures a timeless mountain experience. The resort has been designed to reflect Winter Park’s history of outdoor adventure and laid-back culture, creating a unique stay for visitors looking to enjoy the beauty and activities of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains year-round.

Amenities: A-Frame Club

The A-Frame Club caters to outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for a tranquil retreat in a picturesque mountain setting. It has a vintage, nostalgic aesthetic while providing a high-end, comfortable experience for guests. Amenities at The A-Frame Club include:

• Fully equipped kitchenette
• On-site bar and restaurant
• Private outdoor patio/deck
• Smart TV
• Wifi
• Dog-friendly
• Vintage Pendleton Accents
• In-room malm fireplace
• Expansive mountain views
• High thread count linens
• Firepits
• Custom, locally-designed furniture
• Maharam rugs
• Soaking tub
• Overnight ski tuning
• Plush robes and slippers
• Ski + equipment storage
• Original David Hiser artwork
• Boot heaters
• Sauna
• Hot Tubs
• Cold plunge

What Makes The A-Frame Club Unique

Iconic A-Frame Architecture

• The A-Frame Club is designed around the classic A-frame cabin style, which was popular in mid-century mountain homes. These cabins have a triangular shape, with steeply pitched roofs that create a cozy, alpine feel. The design is nostalgic yet functional, offering a unique, retro aesthetic that’s become increasingly rare in modern lodgings.
• This architectural style provides a sense of seclusion and coziness, making guests feel tucked away in the forest, even though the cabins offer spacious interiors with large windows and modern comforts.

Blend of Rustic and Modern

• The A-Frame Club merges rustic charm with modern amenities. While the cabins evoke a sense of stepping back into a 1960s mountain retreat, they come with updated features.
• The balance of old and new makes it a perfect spot for guests seeking both adventure and comfort, creating a “back-to-nature” atmosphere without sacrificing convenience.

Intimate, Small-Scale Lodging

• Unlike large resorts or hotels, the A-Frame Club offers a more personal, boutique experience. With fewer cabins spread out in a quiet, wooded area, guests can enjoy more privacy and tranquility. This small-scale approach ensures an intimate stay, ideal for couples, small groups, or families looking for a peaceful retreat.

Connection to the Outdoors

• Each cabin features outdoor amenities like private decks, some with fire pits, encouraging guests to spend time outside, soaking in the fresh mountain air and scenic views of the surrounding forest and mountains. The large windows and open-concept designs also bring the outside in, enhancing the connection to nature.
• Winter Park is renowned for its outdoor activities, and the A-Frame Club offers easy access to nearby attractions like skiing in winter and hiking, biking, and fishing in summer, making it a great base camp for adventurers.

Communal Spaces & Social Atmosphere

• The A-Frame Club is designed not just for isolation, but also for community. It features a clubhouse where guests can gather, socialize, or participate in events. This creates a welcoming and friendly environment, perfect for travelers looking to meet others or engage in local experiences.
• The social aspect is further enhanced by on-site dining and drink options, with the clubhouse or nearby restaurants offering a chance to enjoy local cuisine and après-ski activities.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design

• The A-Frame Club emphasizes sustainability by using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs in their cabins. This focus on green building practices resonates with guests who are environmentally conscious and value sustainable travel options.

Year-Round Destination

• The A-Frame Club is not just a winter destination. In addition to being a cozy, scenic retreat in winter for skiers and snowboarders, it transforms into a summer paradise, offering access to mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and outdoor festivals. This versatility makes it a great choice any time of year. We had the pleasure of visiting in the Fall and loved the vivid colors of the beautiful Aspen trees right outside our cabin!

In short, the A-Frame Club is a distinctive blend of retro architecture, modern amenities, and a connection to nature, creating an intimate and cozy atmosphere in the heart of Colorado’s mountains. Its focus on both comfort and outdoor adventure makes it a unique and sought-after destination for travelers looking for an authentic yet luxurious retreat.

Booking The A-Frame Club

The A-Frame Club

1008 Winter Park Dr, Winter Park, CO 80482

 (970) 627-4637

Gallery

About Me

With a heart that beats for the outdoors and a camera never far from reach, I have forged a path that blends my love for nature with the art of storytelling. As a mother, I discovered a renewed appreciation for the world around me, igniting a passion for the outdoors that became both a personal sanctuary and a professional inspiration. This love for the wild and untamed has driven my career as a travel journalist and photographer, allowing me to capture and share the beauty of nature’s most hidden gems.

My work is deeply influenced by my experiences, from the rugged trails of Boulder’s peaks to remote, off-the-beaten-path destinations around the globe. With an eye for detail and a commitment to authenticity, I craft stories that connect readers not just to places but to experiences, inviting them to see through my lens and feel the pull of adventure. Each story and image I create reflects not only my technical skill but my genuine reverence for the land and its power to renew and inspire.

As a current full-time emergency room medic in a level 1 trauma center, I carry a unique perspective into my work. My experience  has honed my resilience and deepened my appreciation for life’s fragile beauty, adding a profound layer to my storytelling. I approach each assignment with a compassionate lens, capturing the human element of travel alongside the awe-inspiring landscapes.

As a freelance travel journalist and photographer, I dedicate myself to exploring the intersections of family, nature, and wellness, often through the lens of functional medicine and mindful living. My work is a celebration of life’s small moments, the rugged beauty of untouched landscapes, and the resilience that defines both people and the natural world. Whether hiking up a mountain peak or documenting a coastal sunrise, I continue to chase stories that inspire others to find solace, connection, and adventure in the outdoors.

Explore My Other Work

• Explore by destination
• Explore travel guides
• Explore attractions by destination
• Hotel reviews
• Restaurant reviews
• Outdoor Adventure Guides (National Parks, State Parks, and more)
• Summit Series: Essential Hiking Guides
• Photography

Posted By: fehn.isabel.a · In: Travel