getaway
COURTESY RED MOUNTAIN ALPINE LODGE
RED MOUNTAIN ALPINE LODGE Words by Lexi Reich
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custom-timber frame lodge in the midst of
take guests on inspiring trips into the mountains
the San Juan Mountains filled with heated
to widen their outlooks on life, all while feeling
floors, warm showers and hearty chef-prepared
supported, safe and taken care of.
meals, steps away from lush backcountry skiing
and ice climbing galore — what could be better
most idyllic views in the Mountain West, and
for a mountain lover or an alpine enthusiast?
once you approach this hidden gem right off
Driving up Highway 550 offers some of the
This winter, a stay at the Red Mountain
the road, it feels like you’ve entered a sacred
Alpine Lodge in Ouray, Colorado, is the perfect
opening. A wooden deck wraps around the
way to seamlessly experience all the San Juan
lodge front and houses a fireplace facing views
Mountains have to offer.
of striking peaks — an ideal spot to sip some of
Co-owners Nate Disser and Mark Luppenlatz
the complimentary coffee and tea offered inside.
opened the lodge’s doors on the Winter Solstice
During the warmer months, there’s a luxurious
in 2018, serving as an expansion of their guiding
yoga deck in the back.
company, San Juan Mountain Guides (SJMG),
which they’ve run together since 2012. It’s a
out into the wilderness, in my view, is one of
family-run operation: Nate’s wife Keeton is the
the most important things you can do with your
SJMG office manager and Mark’s wife Andrea
time off,” shares Disser. “And we take care of all
is the lodge manager. Together their vision is to
the details.”
“Connecting into the mountains and getting
