Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection has unveiled a redesign by Miami-based firm Rose Ink Workshop, whose scheme features a distinct connection to the region’s mountain heritage and culture.
Located in the Colorado town of Telluride at 10,540 feet above sea level, the ski-in/ski-out mountain retreat features new social spaces, including Timber Room, an indoor-outdoor après ski bar and lounge, lobby and boutique. Complementing the renovation are new guest experiences and amenities – from ice-climbing to other outdoor pursuits – as well as a new hydration bar. The hotel has also collaborated with Olympian Gus Kenworthy to create the Recovery Ski Lounge, which offers a range of post-workout therapies including Hyperice, Normatec, and Hypervolt, along with a cool-down playlist curated by Kenworthy himself.
Anchored by a double-sided fireplace, Timber Room – designed for couples and larger groups – is the social heart of the resort and features cosy lounges for two together with chic booths punctuated by mountain landscapes. An ornate oak bar inspired by folkloric alpine design is a nod to jet-setting ski destinations such as Magève and Gstaad, while an outdoor space leads into Reflection Plaza, where guests can keep warm under sheepskin blankets and nestle next to a fire pit overlooking the mountain village’s popular ice rink.
Après-ski festivities commence every afternoon at Reflection Plaza, with Executive Chef Bill Greenwood’s ceremonial Alphorn serenade signalling across the slopes that it’s time to gather and exchange stories from the day’s adventures over creative cocktails, warming beverages and innovative dishes. Timber Room’s menu is refined, celebratory and designed to be shared; it complements the spirit of the mountainscape and begins with shareable “Graze” plates such as Duck Terrine Toast and signature Timber Room Baked Potato with crème fraîche and caviar, followed by “Feast” plates, larger family style dishes including Rocky Mountain Elk with local huckleberry jus. Dishes are presented on custom serving boards made by local artisan Matt Downer using native hardwoods and local slate, while marbled ceramic vessels hand-shaped by Telluride-based ceramicist Tara Carter and a custom ceramic share plates made by LGS Studio bring the cuisine to life.
The cocktail menu meanwhile showcases modern interpretations of classic libations with mountain touches such as blue spruce-infused syrup and slow-drip spiced bourbon, along with signature toasty cocktails ideal for fireside après. Guests can explore the interplay between fire and ice with smoky cocktails on the rocks, such as the New Fashioned or Eve in Eden, contrasted with the steaming TNT, a marriage of Telluride Whiskey, Montenegro and Steaming Bean Telluride coffee, shaken cream and fresh grated nutmeg. Adventurous groups can opt for tableside leather bota bags brimming with a house blend of vin chaud.
Culinary offerings from Greenwood are also available at Black Iron Kitchen + Bar, where guests are greeted with an inviting “come as you are” atmosphere, indoor-outdoor seating, entertainment and a fully transformed menu, including an impressive 32 oz. wagyu dry aged bone in ribeye. The adjacent Great Room is equipped with classic board games such as backgammon and mancala, along with a brand-new hydration bar. Here, a rotating mix of options will not only quench thirst but help acclimate guests to Telluride’s high altitude. Elsewhere, the outdoor Sky Terrace is surrounded by the soaring peaks of the San Juan Mountains and features a year-round heated pool and two hot tubs, daily Alpine s’mores and panoramic views.
A new programme of experiences further immerse guests in Telluride’s rich scenery; thrill-seekers can climb Colorado’s iconic Mystic Falls and use a Tyrolean Traverse to descend across a rocky gorge above the frozen falls, while adventure enthusiasts can take a helicopter tour of nearby San Sophia’s jagged peaks. Adventure Guides – a team of local Telluride concierges who collectively represent more than 60 years of residency in the town – greet residents on arrival and provide information on excursions, dining and entertainment.
Madeline’s location also provides guests easy access to outdoor adventures, from alpine skiing, dog sledding and fly fishing in the winter to hiking and stand-up paddle boarding on nearby alpine lakes in the summer. Guided activities and lessons are offered to all ages, while off the slopes, wellness experiences include mindfulness sessions, classes with visiting masters and new signature treatments at Telluride’s spa.
A new retail boutique, created in collaboration with Sacred Thistle, sits off the lobby and completes the redesign, offering handcrafted home goods, jewellery and earthy treasures, together with Telluride’s Azadi rugs, custom hats from Montana Territory Hat Company and a selection of books ranging from fine art photography to vintage and rare titles celebrating outdoor adventure in the Rocky Mountains. Upon check-in, guests are also offered seasonal Telluride Brewing company draft beer in Colorado-mined copper mugs.
“We are thrilled to welcome guests, homeowners and neighbors to our revitalized resort with its modern approach to luxury mountain living,” says General Manager Bryan Woody. “In this panoramic alpine setting, we have created one-of-a-kind experiences that celebrate the best ski mountain in the U.S. It has been a sincere pleasure to work with the passionate Auberge team, the design visionaries at Rose Ink Workshop, our talented culinary team, our friend Gus Kenworthy and our local community of artisans to transform Madeline Hotel & Residences and solidify its position as one of the top mountain resorts in the world.”
