A Rustic-Chic Cabin Blends Mountain Charm With Modern Elegance

Photos courtesy of Stephan Werk | Mid-century-inspired cabins offer guests their own sanctuaries to stay cozy all four seasons.

Nestled on 2 1⁄2 acres in Winter Park, A-Frame Club sprouts like a magical fairy ring in a pine forest. Consisting of 31 cabins (some dog-friendly), a saloon and a restaurant specializing in wood-fired cuisine, A-Frame Club is a haven for those seeking a blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. Marrying the old and the new, this mountain gem is captivating locals and visitors alike, creating a retreat that embraces the beauty of its surroundings.

“The A-frame is a very iconic architectural form that sort of mimics the trees, mimics the mountains,” says Adam Larkey, chief operating officer of Zeppelin Development, the company that created A-Frame Club. “It evokes nostalgia for childhood ski weekends and midcentury or Nordic chic,” says Zeppelin marketing director Kelsey McCartney. “The inviting form also provides soaring interior spaces in an unusual and memorable geometry.”

The resort has a unique layout: The cabins are clustered in pods with a raised boardwalk to connect them. Every unit is grounded in the forest, embracing the natural views and alpine beauty. And though the cabins are connected—a layout that is great for groups that want to rent a pod or a cluster of cabins—there is still plenty of privacy for those looking for a more solitary retreat.

Designed by Skylab Architects from Portland, Ore., the A-frames are 475 square feet (28 feet tall) and consist of a main-floor living room, entryway, bathroom (with heated floors), kitchenette, lofted bedroom and exterior deck. They are elevated on piers, resulting in improved views, a sense of being in and among the natural environment. Ample glass allows for filtered natural light to permeate and highlight mountain views of Winter Park. Constructed primarily with organic materials, the connection with nature is tangible.

Each cabin’s interior is lined with cedar, giving the walls and ceiling a warm and natural palette. Malm fireplaces provide warmth and comfort while evoking a midcentury modern vibe. The lofted bedroom (complete with an onsen-style soaking tub) is accessed by a ship’s ladder. The living room couch folds out as an additional bed.

The cabins are designed to allow guests control of their space and comfort, from individual keypads for self-check-in to simple, automated controls for heating, cooling and lighting. These cabins are designed for efficiency—but don’t confuse “efficient” with “spartan.”

Tall ceilings, beautiful birchwood throughout and special touches like custom Malm fireplaces combined with incredible views allow guests to connect with nature.

Signed prints by David Hiser, a prolific photojournalist who documented Hunter Thompson’s legendary run for sheriff in 1970, share wall space with vintage ski posters. Denver Upholstery created unique beds, cushions and couch elements, bringing the outside in with natural fibers such as canvas and leather. Vintage Pendleton designs and the occasional cheeky jackalope complete the ambience.

“The overall feel and experience are sort of the simpler times of Colorado ski culture from the 1970s, when it was a party,” Larkey says. “It was fun, it was simple. It was a time that we now think back on with a lot of nostalgia. Kyle Zeppelin, our owner, grew up in Summit County and grew up skiing. A lot of it is trying to recreate that feel and culture.”

The result is an elevated yet approachable experience that blends the best of the outdoors with the comforts of sophistication. During the day, sunlight floods the cabin interiors, highlighting the carefully selected furnishings and accentuating the natural textures of the wood and stone. In the evening, stars provide a magical backdrop that transforms the A-Frame Club into a cozy retreat that is as enchanting as it is sophisticated.

As Winter Park transforms into its annual snowy paradise, A-Frame Club stands as a testament to the seamless integration of nature and design. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or a lively social hub, the cabins offer the perfect harmony of rustic charm and modern elegance in the heart of the Rockies.

Rates start at $225 per night. Dog-friendly accommodations are available for a $75/night pet fee.  

Katie Coakley is a freelance writer based in Eagle County. She’s written for a variety of local and national newspapers and magazines. She’s currently saving up money for her own A-frame deep in the woods.