Our Story
Hospitality has been a way of life for our family for over six decades — and Aspen Winds on Fall River is where that story continues.
Today, Aspen Winds on Fall River is a family-owned and operated specialty lodging property sitting alongside the beautiful Fall River, nestled between downtown Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Phil, Dot, and their son Ryan are here every day — taking care of the property and taking care of the guests, just as they have for over 27 years.
In 1964, Phil’s family left Lincoln, Nebraska to start fresh in the motel business in Estes Park. Phil and his brother grew up here, graduating from Estes Park High School and putting down roots in this mountain town. Then, in the summer of 1971, a college student named Dot headed west with a couple of friends looking for a seasonal job — and found something far more lasting. She was working at a neighboring motel when her boss decided she needed a boyfriend for the summer, and introduced her to Phil. One year later, after a long-distance relationship, they were married in June of 1972.
Phil’s parents had just sold their first motel and were breaking ground on a new one across town, so Phil and Dot began their married life building and developing three motels over the next 27 years — alongside Phil’s parents, with a few detours along the way, including a stint farming back in Nebraska and owning and operating a laundromat and dry-cleaning business in Estes Park. Their two children grew up in the thick of it all: cleaning rooms, folding towels and washcloths, and meeting people from every corner of the country.
After 35 years in the motel business, Phil’s parents retired and Phil and Dot began looking for something a little more seasonal. After exploring many options without luck, their banker suggested they look at Aspen Winds on Fall River. Doug and Linda Cook had it on the market, their contract with the real estate company had just expired, and because the busy season was approaching, they hadn’t relisted. The banker knew their situation and made the introduction. Phil and Dot visited, fell in love with the property, and on April 26, 1999 — signed what felt like eight feet of paperwork. Aspen Winds was theirs.
Their son Ryan, 18 years old at signing, wanted nothing to do with the motel business — until something clicked. He’s now spent 27 years learning every inch of this property: maintaining, improving, and remodeling it with the kind of care only someone who truly loves a place can give. Their daughter, 14 at the time, took on laundry and room cleaning before going on to study business and marketing in college. Though she isn’t officially on staff, she has a deep appreciation for hospitality and works in the industry today.
Over the years, Aspen Winds has weathered economic downturns, floods, and fires — all of epic proportion. Through all of it, the people have made the difference. Guests have come from all over the world; many have returned year after year and become true friends. Our staff feels like an extension of our family. Our office manager started here a decade ago as a part-time housekeeper and now runs the front office, handles advertising, and even picks up a paintbrush when needed — and he’s quite good at it. Our housekeeping team takes genuine pride in making sure every suite is beautifully prepared for your arrival.
We are so grateful for every guest who has walked through our door. We hope to see your footprints here soon.
“There are some people that come into our lives and quickly go, others that stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same.”
