Aspen Sundeck

The Aspen Sundeck is located at the top of the Silver Queen Gondola on Aspen Mountain. The Sundeck is open during the winter and summer seasons, closing for a brief time in the spring and fall. The Sundeck refers to the building itself, which has a mountain-top restaurant, amenities, and also the private Aspen Mountain Club. Outside… there is indeed an actual sun deck. You’ll see it in the photos below. The deck outside has perfect views of Aspen Highlands, the Highland Bowl, and the Elk Mountain Range.

Sundeck Stats

Aspen Sundeck exterior front at top of the gondola in winter season
scenic observation deck at aspen mountain sundeck
Observation deck outside of the Sundeck, Highland Bowl showing in the distance on the left

The original Sundeck was built in 1946 – The original Sundeck on top of Aspen was built by Herbert Bayer in 1946. It had an octagonal shape, and it primarily served as a warming hut with restrooms. Herbert also designed the campus for the Aspen Institute among other things.¹

View from the Aspen Sundeck

You’ll find unforgettable views here. The photo below was taken from the observation deck while facing southwest and looking into the Elk Mountains. The Highland Ridge can be seen here, along with the Highland Bowl at Aspen Highlands, Hunter Peak and Keefe Peak.

Elk Mountain Range panorama view from Aspen Sundeck
View of Elk Mountains from Aspen Sundeck
outside of aspen sundeck in winter morning with blue skies and snow
Morning outside of the Sundeck
giant fireplace inside of the aspen sundeck lodge
Giant fireplace inside Aspen Sundeck
aspen sundeck lodge as seen from aspen highlands
Aspen Sundeck seen from Aspen Highlands

Aspen Sundeck FAQ

No. While many CO resorts will run their gondola to an upper mountain restaurant at night, Aspen does not do this.

Yes! This space can be reserved for private events.

The building will open at 9:15 am with snacks available during the winter , and lunch starts at 11 am. It will open at 10 am during the summer season.

The Sundeck closes at 3:30 pm during the winter, and at 4 pm during the summer.

Burgers, salads, sandwiches, pizza… the staple foods that you would normally expect at a mid-mountain ski lodge.

Top of the Silver Queen Gondola on Aspen Mountain
Top of the gondola and Sundeck Building
Aspen Sundeck historical photo of original Sundeck
Entrance to the original hut

1. Osberger, M., & News, C. T. D. (2018, November 25). Bauhaus is our House. Aspen Daily News. https://www.aspendailynews.com/newsletters/sunday_feature/bauhaus-is-our-house/article_a102cd46-f05e-11e8-88b6-a357078d0cad.html