The Alpine Club, Telluride’s first fully private, on-mountain club currently under construction, has announced the appointment of George Bigley as general manager. Developed by family-owned club operator Southworth, in partnership with longtime Telluride residents Scott and Lauren Woodward, The Alpine Club will deliver curated experiences and unparalleled access to the internationally celebrated mountain town. Bigley will oversee all aspects of operations, culture and member engagement as the club prepares for its 2027 debut.
“Telluride holds a special place in my heart, as it’s where I met my wife and our daughter was born,” said Bigley. “The opportunity to return and help shape The Alpine Club is incredibly meaningful and I’m excited to create a destination where members feel truly at home in the mountains.”
Bigley joins The Alpine Club from Willowbend on Cape Cod, Southworth’s original flagship property, where he served as general manager for the past three years. During his tenure, he helped strengthen the club’s member experience and operational strategy. Before joining Southworth, Bigley spent nearly a decade in Telluride, opening Allred’s Restaurant before rising to executive director of food & beverage for Telluride Ski & Golf, where he was instrumental in the creation of Alpino Vino, one of Telluride’s premier on-mountain restaurants. He later opened The 10th, a fine dining restaurant on Vail Mountain, and went on to serve as senior director of Vail’s Signature Clubs portfolio, overseeing several of the region’s most prestigious private mountain clubs, including Vail Mountain Club, Beaver Creek Club and more. Earlier in his career, Bigley held leadership roles at Charlie Trotter’s in Chicago and Las Vegas during an era that included a James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant in the U.S.
“George brings a rare combination of fine dining expertise, luxury ski club knowledge and proven leadership across some of the most respected names in mountain hospitality,” said Tommy Southworth, president of Southworth. “His personal connection to Telluride and track record of elevating club experiences make him the ideal leader to bring The Alpine Club to life.”
Situated at 10,540 feet at San Sophia Station with panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains, The Alpine Club will offer members a year-round mountain retreat. The 26,000 square-foot club will include an indoor/outdoor après lounge; expansive great room; world-class dining with a signature bar, private dining room and chef’s table; a dedicated kids club; a state-of-the-art golf, gaming and multi-sport simulator room with cinema; personalized concierge services; ski and parking valet; luxury owners’ lockers; and a fitness center with massage rooms, sauna and cold plunge. Members can also expect a thoughtfully curated calendar of events, from early morning tracks and exclusive access for mountain adventures to signature après gatherings and wellness retreats.
Construction for The Alpine Club is underway, and the club is currently accepting memberships with pre-opening benefits including exclusive access to events and excursions, curated gifts, special member benefits, and more.
