Overview The Hygge Chalet is located in the rural Rocky Mountains of Colorado. It is only 1 hour from downtown Denver, 40 minutes to Red Rocks, 1.5 hours to Boulder, and 1 hour to ski resorts. There is an abundance of outdoor activities nearby that make perfect day trips all year round. The home is a renovated original 70's A-Frame inspired by Scandinavian design and the concept of hygge nestled on 3.5 private acres. There is a seasonal private trail from the property into the adjacent National Forest with huge aspen groves, a beautiful creek, and expansive overlooks from the saddle.
House Rules No pets, no parties, no smoking, no bonfires. 4 Guests Max. AWD is required during snowy months (November-April).
Living Essentials The home is 1400 square feet with an open floor plan. There is a full kitchen with high-quality cookware and dining essentials. Basics such as, cooking oil, salt and pepper, some spices, condiments, etc. are provided. A fair-trade and organic warm beverage bar with Chemex, local coffee, tea, and hot chocolate is also yours to indulge in. The home is stocked with books, lots of board games, an iPad for movies, music, and information, a Bluetooth speaker loud enough to fill the home, and a Norwegian gas fireplace for ambiance. All high-quality linens, towels, robes, and slippers are freshly-washed right before your stay. As is customary for almost all homes at high elevation, there is no A/C due to the cool temps year-round in the evenings and mornings. We are very intentional about furnishing the Hygge Chalet with local and sustainable products as much as possible.
Bed & Bath Both the loft and downstairs rooms have super comfortable memory foam queen beds. The bathroom has a walk-in shower and many toiletries and extras in case you forgot to bring something. There is a pack n play with sheets and play pen available for little ones upon request.
Sauna The barrel steam 4 person sauna truly sets this place apart from all the rest. It's easy to use and allows you to sauna bathe in the traditional Finnish way by pouring water onto heated rocks to create steam. Most nights in the Rockies are clear enough to see the Milky Way and star-gazing is exceptional here, especially when taking a cool-down break from the sauna.
Outdoor Living The 3.5 acres of land is mostly wooded and backs up to National Forest. The seasonal outdoor space includes 2 decks with stunning views, café lights, dining area, 2 hammocks, Adirondack chairs, and a high-end gas grill with a smoker. Behind the home is a custom street art-inspired mural as a nod to Denver with an Aspen and Mandala scene created by a local Denver artist.
Privacy and Road Noise While the home feels private and secluded, it is still in a small neighborhood. There is also proximity to the main road (I-285). Depending on the weather and traffic (especially busy holiday weekends) the sounds from the road will vary. If you're expecting absolute silence and total seclusion, this may not the place for you. The closest neighbors are at the bottom of the hill. They are also fellow co-hosts, feel free to wave or say hi if you see them! They're wonderful to have nearby should any urgent need arise.
Fires Absolutely NO open fires. Forest fires are a very serious and real threat in the dry Colorado climate. Making a fire in the fire pit or anywhere else will result in being asked to leave without a refund. It may also result in a huge fine from the country.
Winter Driving The road leading to the house is plowed after 5 inches or so. AWD or 4X4 is REQUIRED Nov through April; however, please understand that it can snow as early as Oct and and into early May.
Internet WiFi is provided via a Verizon LTE hotspot, which should fast enough for most remote work needs. A 12in iPad is also provided for your use. Movie and music streaming is allowed ONLY on the iPad, which has unlimited data and plenty of apps to cover your media needs. There is no tv at the house by design because we encourage unplugging as much as possible.
Elevation The cabin is at 9,000 feet. Some people experience minor to severe symptoms from the altitude (headache, sleepiness, dizziness, nausea, etc.). If you are coming from a lower elevation and are sensitive to altitude, I HIGHLY recommend giving yourself at least a day to acclimate in the Denver/Boulder area. Staying super hydrated and avoiding alcohol will also help prevent these symptoms. The natural bedrock spring water direct from the sink is some of the best water in the US, so please stay well hydrated during your time and always have water with you on day trips. Reusable water bottles and hydration powder packets are provided to help guests acclimate.