You can almost hear the banging of saloon doors as you look up at the façade of Eleven Scarp Ridge Lodge in the Colorado mountain town of Crested Butte. What was built in 1885 as a drinking hole for Croatian coal miners is now luxury lodge that retains some of that Wild West charm.
It has just six suites – the Red Lady, named after Mount Emmons, which can be seen through the windows, has vaulted ceilings, a four-poster bed and a metal bathtub in the ensuite – but there are plenty of on-site facilities to enjoy, from a sitting room transformed using reclaimed iron from the town’s old mills to an indoor saltwater pool. Personally, after a long day on the mountain, we can’t think of anything better than taking a six-pack up to the hot tub on the rooftop.
What makes Eleven Scarp Ridge Lodge stand out, however, is the level of service. All the activities here are run by adventure travel specialists Eleven. A representative gets in touch before your visit to ensure that once you hit the ground, you can get running or mountain biking or skiing straight away. Oh, and you can buy out the entire property for a big family and friends celebration. One of the suites is a bunk room, with seven beds and a connecting nanny room.
Summer is beautiful here, with wildflowers turning the lush mountain landscape into a kaleidoscope of colour. Hiking is very popular and you can head off on one of the great Rocky Mountain walks when you set off to Aspen. You’ll trek 16km through the Elk Mountains, enjoying forests, alpine lakes and a rugged pass. Best of all, once you’ve arrived, someone will pick you up and ferry you back to the lodge. If fly fishing, rock climbing or mountain biking is more your speed, all can be organised. In fact, there are more than a thousand kilometres of trails to explore from two wheels.
When the weather changes, the snow arrives – about 450 inches of it every year. Each morning, guests are greeted at the front door by a snowcat that whisks them to the more than 400 hectares of terrain exclusive to Eleven in nearby Irwin. Guides lead guests to the best powder runs and alpine bowls, plus there are two on-mountain cabins with fireplaces, dining areas and lounges for warming up and recharging before the next run.
To break up the skiing, you can go snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, ice climbing or fat biking.
When you get back to base, book a Fire and Ice massage to restore those aching muscles.
The house chef prepares breakfast, lunch and après snacks, and can be booked to organise a private dinner, although most guests head into Crested Butte where there are more than 50 restaurants and bars to satisfy any craving.
Contact Information
512 2nd Street, Crested Butte, Colorado, 81224
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