With OZ-Designed Limelight Hotel, Snowmass Finally Gets Its ‘Living Room’

When the Snowmass ski area opened more than a half-century ago near Aspen, CO, it was hailed for having some of the finest skiing anywhere. Finally, 50 years later, Snowmass appears to have a village, and a centerpiece hotel, to match its world-class skiing (and scenery, hiking, biking, fishing…).

A $600 million redevelopment project has brought an authentically relaxed and welcoming village vibe, all-season appeal and functionality, and a new sense of community to Snowmass Village, an area that has seen more than its share of financial and developmental upheaval over the years. At the heart of the pedestrian-friendly redevelopment is the OZ-designed Limelight Hotel Snowmass, which has drawn glowing reviews from locals and visitors alike since opening in December 2018.

Designed by an OZ Architecture team that included principal architects Rebecca Stone, Dan Miller and Mairi Mashburn, the Limelight Snowmass brings an open-armed mountain elegance to the heart of Snowmass Village, where its 99 rooms, 11 private residences and indoor and outdoor gathering spaces already have become a community hub — so much so that it’s been dubbed the “living room” of Snowmass. Looking out on a bustling public plaza (designed collaboratively by Studio Insite and OZ) on one side and the ruggedly beautiful Elk Mountains on the other, the Limelight Snowmass blends traditional mountain contemporary elements with modern resort amenities. Its exterior comes across like the heart of a village should, as both the focal point and the backdrop to the village plaza.

The Limelight’s indoor environments and patio melt seamlessly into adjacent outdoor community spaces, including the plaza, which features an ice rink during winter that transforms when the weather warms to a grassy lawn for concerts, open-air markets and informal gathering.

Inside and out, the Limelight’s thoughtful design projects functional luxury — the kind you’re happy to come home to after a day on the slopes, on the trail, or at the shops. Multiple materials and finishes (wood, concrete, steel, glass) provide texture, tone and contrast; pops of light and color throughout are measured, not gaudy, set amid subtle whites, greys, and natural wood finishes.All of which make the Limelight Snowmass not just a living room but an inviting community hub surrounded by local artists, makers and eateries, designed for multiple generations and meant to be experienced indoors and out, regardless of the season.

The lounge is a place where guests feel comfortable hanging out anytime , from breakfast to afternoon work meetings to après ski, when the local community come in and the live music begins. There is a roaring fire and plenty of seating groups to allow for singles, small parties and large groups. The space adapts to the time of day and how the hotel programs it. The Limelight is welcoming and embraces the greater Snowmass community with activities and events that are definitely geared toward the outdoor adventurer, but also invite everyone to participate.

Guest rooms are tastefully and cozily warm, with practical flourishes like a wealth of storage for the outdoor gear that guests here tend to bring, a small, but functional wet bar for après snacks and beverages, roomy but simple bathrooms, and comfortable banquette seating for dining, working or game night. Many rooms come with a gas fireplace, balcony/terrace and direct ski in/ski out access.

Then there are the amenities: two pool spas flanked by cabanas and fireplaces that look over the plaza and are part of the action, a fitness center equipped with TRX and Peloton workout opportunities, a game room for kids, a mountain club, slope-side ski and boot storage, pet-friendly attitudes, and Colorado’s tallest climbing wall, which reaches five stories on the face of the building and is visible from virtually everywhere in Snowmass Village.

All of which make the Limelight Snowmass not just a living room but an inviting community hub surrounded by local artists, makers and eateries, designed for multiple generations and meant to be experienced indoors and out, regardless of the season.