Construction of the 25,000-sq-ft Aerie restaurant at the top of Colorado’s Copper Mountain required an unconventional approach to building at 11,207 ft. The venue is designed to be open year-round to bring in consistent revenue for the resort, and the facility is attached to the American Eagle gondola, which unloads at its second-floor deck.

The ski resort had halted the project during the pandemic, and work was only 10% complete when Hyder Construction assumed leadership of the $26-million, two-story lodge in 2022. Project executive Doug Thompson says the contractor made the tough call to work through the ski season to get it built as quickly as possible.

Image courtesy Brandon Huttenlocher and Copper Mountain

“The hardest part is always getting crews up to the site, but the gondola made that feasible due to its proximity,” he notes.

Image courtesy Brandon Huttenlocher and Copper Mountain

incorporated innovative techniques and design elements that came with myriad environmental considerations. Work near the gondola required careful coordination, and activities were strictly controlled. The building design included parameters to avoid conflicts with the gondola’s operation, and Hyder worked with the lift operator to ensure everyone’s safety. Snowcat delivery of tools and equipment was permitted just once per day and Thompson says it took a high level of planning to figure out what was absolutely needed for each trip up the mountain. The snowcats could only haul 5-yard dumpsters so minimizing construction waste was essential. A full-time employee inspected and crated each load to prevent excess material delivery.

The Aerie is designed to enhance Copper Mountain’s multi-use capabilities and includes a formal dining room, bar and lounge.
Image courtesy Brandon Huttenlocher and Copper Mountain

The Aerie’s kitchen equipment includes a biodigester to turn organic waste into grey water instead of sending it to landfills. The first of its type in Colorado, the system is designed to operate efficiently at high elevation, enabling staff to serve more people in a smaller space and setting a new standard for on-mountain facilities. The project was delivered on schedule and within budget in October 2023.