Embrace an A-frame state of mind

By Brittany Anas

Special to The Denver Post

You’ll want to pack your best colorblockskisuitbeforecheckingintoWinter Park’snewesthotel.TheA-FrameClub— which is actually a collection of 31 cabins shaped like equilateral triangles — may be new, but the theme is decidedly retro. ThinkanA-framecabinwithaloftedbedroom that’s anchored by a colorful Malm fireplace and accented with cedarwood panels and a globe floor lamp. Then, throw in some trail maps and magazines that have a rounded Cooper typeface to hint they’re from a groovier era.

“The vibe we’re going for is that 1970s, old Colorado ski culture mixed with a little European après flair, ” says Adam Larkey, the chief operating officer at Zeppelin Development, a Denver-based firm that’sbreakingintothehighcountryhotel sector. (Atpresstime,thecabinswereon track for a December opening.)

Thenewlifestylehotelfitssquarely(or, rather, triangularly) into a broader travel trend:A-frameshavebeentrendingonvacation booking platforms like Airbnb for the last several years as they embrace recent design trends, namely tiny homes meets mid-century mania. (Ben Rahm’s photo-driven book “The Modern AFrame”showsthecrossoverwell.)They’re also cute in their simplicity and dial up nostalgia to a post-World War II era of prosperity when Americans started buying weekend homes near lakes, in mountain towns and tucked away in forests.

“I think the appeal of A-frames, above anything else, is that the imagery is one that’s associated with leisure time, ” says AmirAmeri,aprofessorattheUniversity of Colorado Denver’s College of Architecture and Planning.

It’strue:A-Framesaremadeforcharming mountain vacations, with their steep roofs pointing at blue winter skies and large windows letting in the alpenglow. Buttheseeasy-to-constructcabinsactuallyhaveutilitarianorigins,Ameriexplains. Before Austrian-born Rudolph Schindler built an “all-roof” home in Lake Arrowhead, Calif., A-frame cabins in Switzerland were designed to help heavy snow slideoffthesteeplypitchedroofs,hesays. Yet triangle-shaped dwellings date to ancient Japan and Polynesia.

Looking to book a cabin getaway this winter? These stays earn an easy A.

A-Frame Club

Theclubissituatedona2-acrewooded site that’s bordered by the Fraser River. Elevated slightly on piers, the cabins are connectedbyboardwalks,andtheycome with individual decks. Each 475-squareA classic A-frame cabin on a creek near Grand Lake that is available for short-term rental on Airbnb. Provided by Airbnb

This A-frame near Bailey is available for rent via Airbnb and includes a outdoor hot tub.

Provided by Airbnb

A-FRAME

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foot A-frame includes a kitchenette and lofted bedroom that’s outfitted with an Onsen-stylesoakingtub.Tallwindowslet thelightin.TheLodgebarandrestaurant is in a historic saloon building. Ask the bartender to make you a Harvey Wallbanger after a day on the slopes.

From $550 a night

A-Frame with panoramic views

The tip of this A-frame near Jefferson peaksoutfromthetreesinfrontofit,with undulatingmountainsinthebackground. Behind the red front door, a spiral staircase leads to a lofted bedroom. Patterned tiles and a retro refrigerator pop in the kitchen. Take in the views from a hot tub.

Average rate: $244 a night

Classic Colorado A-frame in Grand Lake

Close to Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park, this stylish A-frame has been one of the most popular Airbnb rentals in Colorado. Tongue-and-groove wall paneling is juxtaposed with modern furnishings in this light-filled cabin that’s biggerthanmostA-frames(itcanaccommodate 12 guests). Tucked away in trees, thecabinhaslargedecksoffthefrontand back and is outfitted with Adirondack chairs and portable fire pit.

Average rate: $297 a night

Renovated A-frame with hot tub

An hour outside of Denver and nestled in ponderosa pines, the well-designed Aframe rental near Bailey has a spacious deck, propane fire pit and modern interior with cheerful patterns on the tiles and rugs. (The cabin was once featured on HGTV.) Soak and stargaze in the cedar tub after exploring local trails or playing disc golf on the nearby course. Keep an eye out for wildlife; deer are known to drop by.

Average rate: $258 a night

Off-Grid A-Frame in Westcliffe

This off-grid, solar- and wind-powered A-framechalethasgreatviewsoftheSangredeCristoMountainsfromitsperchat 8,400feet.Alargedeckisperfectforstargazing in this Dark Sky-designated destination. Inside, find a rainbow of colors andcheerfulpatterns,plusaclawfoottub.

Average rate: $216 a night