Summary
Welcome to Frontier Drive-Inn
Few sounds travel through the mountain ranges surrounding the Frontier Drive-Inn in San Luis Valley, Colorado. Nearby, balers thresh hay, conveyor belts move potatoes from the earth to transport trucks, and a robot hums softly as it creates 3D-printed “Skylos” made from Adobe mud.
The futuristic machine seems inconsistent with the natural landscape as it deposits mud in a circular pattern, creating structures that encapsulate the old-meets-new atmosphere Frontier Drive-Inn aims to offer.
Experience Luxury Accommodations
More than three decades ago, the screens at the Frontier Drive-Inn went dark. However, a wayward movie production and one man’s vision revitalized the site in the summer of 2022. This revival included the opening of luxury hotel suites made from Steelmaster sheds and plush glamping yurts, allowing guests the option to watch movies right from bed or watch the stars while staying in a Skylo.
Architectural Detail and Vision
Ron Rael, the architect behind the innovative designs, emphasizes the importance of local culture and materials. “Many of the potato cellars, houses, and even the downtown buildings in the San Luis Valley are largely Native-built Adobe structures,” Rael points out. He states that the Skylos represent a union of traditional practices and modern technology. This connection enriches the visitor experience at the inn.
Rael’s deep reverence for the land influences his designs. He ensures that the structures’ patterns are reflective of the local landscape, with circular fields surrounding the drive-in. His 3D printer spins around the center, mirroring the geography of the area.
Connection to Local Farming
The drive-in first opened in 1955 but stood abandoned since 1986. Notably, in 2015, Adam Gildar discovered the location while scouting for filming opportunities, leading to its eventual revival. The current site, located between the Wolf Creek Ski Area and Great Sand Dunes National Park, offers visually captivating experiences due to its rich mix of materials, from bright steel sheds to soft canvas yurts.
During a recent visit, I experienced the chic accommodations of a Steelmaster shed. Upon entry, I felt the cool concrete floors underfoot, and the decorative elements created a calming atmosphere. The luxurious details included a sleek ceiling fan, radiant floor heating, and a spacious shower stall.
Conclusion
Guests can opt for one of the yurts, designed similarly but featuring a skylight and shared bathhouses nearby. Visitors to Frontier Drive-Inn can also enjoy communal movie-watching experiences on the green lawn, complete with vintage snacks from the nostalgic snack bar.
On my last morning, I was up early to witness the sun rising over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The sight of hardworking farmers gathering potatoes reinforced the idea that the Frontier Drive-Inn occupies a unique space. It’s a delightful experience to embrace the in-between where history and modern luxury converge.
