Another contender to the throne presented itself to Mammoth Town Council at its regular meeting via Zoom on Wednesday. 

The contender is the Little Nell Hotel Group, owned by Aspen Skiing Company, which wishes to develop the seven-acre parcel adjacent to the Westin Monache, bordering both Canyon Boulevard and Lake Mary Road. 

Various lawyers, architects and senior vice-presidents were on the call. Their ultimate goal: To negotiate a development agreement (DA) with the Town. 

Little Nell consists of two brands: Little Nell and Limelight. It features properties in Aspen, Snowmass and Ketchum, Idaho (Sun Valley), with projects under development in Boulder (scheduled opening 2024) and Mammoth. Little Nell is wholly owned by Aspen Skiing and not affiliated with Alterra Mountain Company. 

The proposal for Mammoth: A true hotel (as opposed to a condo-hotel) consisting of 151 rooms and 23 residences. 5,000-square feet of conference/meeting facilities, 10,000-square feet of outdoor event space and 250 understructure parking spaces.

The project would be expected to create 80 full-time jobs.  

Little Nell V.P. of Development Andy Reed (not to be confused with the Andy Reid coaching in the Super Bowl this weekend) suggested certain improvements, like a pedestrian bridge to the Village at Mammoth or an extra deck of parking, which could be achieved via a DA. 

The presentation Reed gave mentioned the Town’s Walk, Bike, Ride plan countless times. It also talked up Little Nell’s environmental record and various awards the company has received in that realm. 

Which resonated with at least two Councilmembers. 

“The crunchy-hippie in me loves the presentation,” said Councilmember Sarah Rea. 

“We’ve long looked for this type of partner,” added Councilman John Wentworth. 

As is Council’s wont, Councilmembers at one point began to get a bit … expansive, talking about all the various problems that their new romantic partner might solve. 

Reed wasn’t as starry-eyed. “I get nervous when I hear about the Town’s litany of asks,” he said bluntly. 

Council voted unanimously to authorize staff to begin working with the applicant on a DA.