Apr

Pinnacle Named 2024 Innovator of the Year by Summit Chamber

We’re honored to share that The Pinnacle Companies has been recognized as the 2024 Innovator of the Year by the Summit Chamber Business Excellence Awards.

This recognition isn’t just about what we’ve built, it’s about how we’re working to do things differently. For us, innovation means staying curious, asking better questions, and challenging ourselves to improve the experience we deliver across every part of our business. Over the past year, that’s looked like integrating smarter technology into design, construction, property care, and hospitality, creating a more seamless, personalized journey for every client.

As an employee-owned company, this award reflects the shared mindset of our entire team. Innovation happens here not because of one idea or one person, but because of the collective care and creativity of a team committed to doing meaningful work, together.

Beyond the homes we build, we see community impact as a vital part of our work. Through our Pinnacle Gives initiative, our team had the opportunity to support 44 local nonprofits and contribute over 400 hours of volunteer time in 2024. These efforts may be small in the grand scheme, but we believe they’re part of building a stronger, more connected Summit County.

We’re grateful for the recognition, and even more grateful for the people, partners, and clients who make this work possible. There’s still so much ahead, and we’re committed to learning, growing, and building with purpose, every step of the way.

Mar

5 Reasons to Remodel

5 REASONS TO REMODEL

Sometimes there’s a moment when you realize your home isn’t quite keeping up.

The kitchen feels a little cramped during ski season. The living room never quite fits everyone for après. The house still works—but it’s not working for you the way it once did.

You’re not starting over. You’re simply ready for your home to catch up to your life.

Here are five reasons a remodel might be the next best step—drawn from real conversations we’ve had with homeowners just like you.

1. You Found the right spot. Now Let’s make the home match.

If you’ve found a home base in the mountains that you love, you’re already ahead. The view. The quiet. The trailhead just down the road.

Remodeling lets you hold onto the place you love while reshaping the home to better reflect who you are now. You don’t have to give up the location—you just have to reimagine the layout.

2. LIFE Changes. Your space should too.

More visitors. More skis. More pets. Mountain life moves fast, and your home should keep pace.

Whether it’s a reworked kitchen, better flow for gatherings, or storage that actually makes sense, remodeling brings your space back into alignment with the way you live today.

3. smart upgrades that pay off, now and later.

A smart remodel doesn’t just add long-term value—it transforms how your home feels right now.

More natural light. A layout that flows. Materials that suit the setting and age beautifully over time.

Guests will notice. Future buyers will too. But most importantly, you will. Every morning. Every evening. Every time you come back from a powder day.

4. Boost mountain homes work overtime. build for that.

Mountain homes are put to the test—snow loads, temperature swings, rugged terrain. Remodels here are about more than style—they’re about performance.

We consider the durability of every finish, the integrity of the roofline, the resilience of your materials. In the mountains, design has to look good and live well.

5. you don’t need the full plan. just a starting point.

Most people don’t come to us with drawings. They come with a feeling: this could be better. And that’s more than enough.

We’ll walk your space with you, talk through what’s working and what’s not, and help you see the potential. From there, we guide every step—from design to build—with your story at the center

this isn’t just a remodel. it’s a refresh on what you love most.

At Pinnacle Mountain Homes, we specialize in helping homeowners reimagine what’s already great. As custom home builders, we bring the structure, systems, and craftsmanship of a full-scale building company to every remodel. That means even smaller projects benefit from the same level of care, coordination, and efficiency that define our custom homes.

Our experience means your remodel is handled by a team that’s built to anticipate challenges, manage details, and deliver lasting results—all while keeping the process clear, collaborative, and centered on you.

Let’s start with a conversation.

get in touch

Feb

Perfect Home Location

Why Location Matters: Finding the Perfect Lot for Your Mountain Home

A mountain home isn’t just a place to live—it’s a retreat shaped by its surroundings, designed to embrace the elements while offering lasting comfort and beauty. From crisp alpine mornings to starlit nights, the right home enhances the experience of mountain living, balancing design with the realities of the environment. At Pinnacle Mountain Homes, we specialize in building homes that are not only breathtaking but engineered to thrive in high-altitude conditions. Choosing the right site is critical—not just for the views, but for how the home interacts with its environment, withstands the elements, and functions throughout the seasons. With our design-build expertise, including the architectural insight of Collective Architecture, we guide homeowners through every step—from site selection to final construction—ensuring a home that is both stunning and structurally sound. Whether you’re selecting the perfect lot, considering a remodel of an existing home, or planning a custom build, here’s what to consider when crafting your ideal mountain retreat.

Building With the Land, Not Against It

In the mountains, a home should feel like a natural extension of its surroundings. The right site enhances architecture—framing views, capturing light, and working with the terrain rather than against it. For new builds, thoughtful positioning impacts everything from sun exposure and privacy to snow management and wind protection. Our in-house architecture team, Collective Architecture, specializes in designing homes that maximize a site’s natural beauty while ensuring structural integrity in challenging mountain conditions. For remodels, we refine existing homes to enhance their relationship with the landscape—expanding windows to highlight vistas, reconfiguring interiors for a better indoor-outdoor connection, or optimizing outdoor living spaces for year-round use. Our expertise in high-altitude renovations ensures homes not only look beautiful but function seamlessly in their environment.

Evaluating a Lot with an Existing Home

Many of the most desirable mountain properties already have homes on them. Rather than starting from scratch, a strategic remodel can modernize and optimize a home while preserving its prime location. Whether it’s updating layouts, improving energy efficiency, or reinforcing structures to withstand mountain weather, remodeling can elevate an existing property into an exceptional retreat.

The Challenges of Mountain Home Building—and How We Solve Them

Mountain construction presents unique challenges, and Pinnacle Mountain Homes has built a reputation for overcoming them. From steep slopes to extreme weather, we anticipate and engineer solutions that ensure longevity, efficiency, and ease of maintenance.

Topography & Soil Conditions – Steep lots often require additional engineering for foundations and retaining walls. We conduct early site evaluations to prevent costly surprises and design homes that work with the land’s natural contours.

Weather & Exposure – Factors like snowfall, wind, wildfire risk, and sun exposure shape design decisions. A south-facing home benefits from natural solar gain, while a north-facing site requires additional insulation and heating considerations.

Access & Infrastructure – Mountain roads can be steep and unpredictable. We ensure year-round accessibility by planning for reliable driveway grading, heating systems, and efficient utility solutions.

A site that seems perfect in summer may reveal winter access challenges or unexpected drainage issues. Our experience in high-altitude environments means we anticipate these factors, designing homes that perform as beautifully as they look.

For remodels, these same principles apply. We improve insulation, drainage, and structural reinforcements to help existing homes better withstand mountain conditions. Read More

Jan

Top Mountain Home Builders

Pinnacle Mountain Homes Named One of Mountain Living’s Top Mountain Home Builders

At Pinnacle Mountain Homes, building a home is more than a process—it’s a collaboration that turns vision into reality. Every home we create is designed to reflect its natural surroundings while capturing the unique lifestyle of the people who live in it. Our dedication to thoughtful design, expert craftsmanship, and innovative solutions has earned us a place among Mountain Living’s Top Mountain Home Builders.

Choosing the right builder is a critical step in making your dream home a reality. Mountain Living featured our How to Choose a Home Builder Guide (page 100) to help homeowners navigate this journey with clarity and confidence. You can also read our full blog post for a deeper dive into finding the right fit.

Our expertise in timeless mountain design was also showcased in a Collective Design editorial (page 128), highlighting how we bring together architecture, interiors, and craftsmanship to create homes that are as functional as they are beautiful.

A home should be more than a structure—it should be a reflection of your lifestyle, a place where every detail is intentional. Whether you’re building new or transforming an existing space, our team is here to bring your vision to life with creativity and precision.

Jan

The Impact of Pinnacle Gives

Building Homes, Building Community: The Impact of Pinnacle Gives

At Pinnacle Mountain Homes, creating exceptional homes is at the core of what we do—but contributing to a stronger, more connected community is just as important. That’s why, in 2018, we launched Pinnacle Gives to support local organizations making a meaningful difference here in Summit County.

Our efforts focus on five key areas that help enrich our community including Education & Youth, Arts & Culture, Environment, Immigration, and Healthy Communities. Through thoughtful contributions, hands-on volunteer time, and strong partnerships, we aim to create lasting change and ensure Summit County remains a vibrant and welcoming place for everyone who lives, works, or visits here.

2024: A Year of Impact

This past year, Pinnacle Gives reached exciting milestones:

44 nonprofits received funding.

Our team contributed over 400 hours of paid volunteer time.

More than 50% of our organization worked together to make a difference.

Seeing our team come together—whether volunteering on-site, supporting local events, or participating in community initiatives—was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people unite with a shared purpose.

A Thoughtful Approach to Giving

We believe every contribution should make a meaningful difference. Our Pinnacle Gives board meets regularly to evaluate opportunities, prioritize community needs, and ensure resources go where they can have the greatest impact.

Whether it’s helping with basic needs, funding scholarships, or preserving trails, every decision reflects our commitment to helping Summit County thrive.

Making a Difference

While we’re proud to support a variety of local organizations, a few stood out this year for their incredible impact:

Friends of the Dillon Ranger District (FDRD) – We’re honored to have been named FDRD’s Volunteer Partner of the Year for 2024!

Adopt-an-Angel

Elk’s Community Dinner

Breck Backstage Theater

Smart Bellies

Family Intercultural Resource Center (FIRC)

Each of these organizations plays a vital role in our community, from protecting our natural environment to ensuring families have the resources and support they need.

Our First Full Year of Paid Volunteer Time

2024 marked the first full year of our paid volunteer time program, designed to encourage hands-on involvement. The response has been incredible. Our team members embraced the opportunity to give back, strengthening not just our community but also the bonds within our team.

Giving back is more than a commitment for us—it’s part of who we are. Whether we’re designing mountain homes or working alongside our community partners, we’re dedicated to creating a lasting, positive impact in Summit County.

Looking Ahead

As we move into 2025, we’re inspired to continue this work. Pinnacle Gives isn’t just about what we do—it’s about the people and places we serve.

Every project we take on represents another opportunity to give back—through local partnerships, volunteer efforts, or supporting organizations that make Summit County stronger. Together, we’re building more than homes; we’re shaping a community where connection and care are at the heart of everything.

To our team, our partners, and the incredible organizations we’ve worked with—thank you. It’s an honor to be part of this community, and we’re excited to see what we can achieve together in the year ahead.

For more on Pinnacle Gives and the organizations we support, visit Pinnacle Gives.

Jan

Remodeling Your Home

Remodeling Your Home:
Crafting the Mountain Lifestyle You’ve Always Envisioned

In a mountain town, location is everything. From breathtaking views to slope-side convenience or a serene spot near beloved trails, certain places hold unparalleled value. When your home doesn’t fully meet your needs, remodeling lets you preserve the location you cherish while reimagining your living space into something beautiful, functional, and perfectly suited to your mountain lifestyle.

The Value of Remodeling in a Mountain Setting

Mountain homes are as distinctive as their surroundings, requiring a thoughtful balance of comfort, resilience, and design that harmonizes with the natural beauty of the landscape. When you’ve already found your perfect location, remodeling can be the ideal path to elevate your home.

Remodeling lets you:

Adapt to Today’s Lifestyle: Redefine outdated layouts, create dedicated spaces for outdoor gear, and design open, inviting areas perfect for gathering with family and friends.
Embrace Year-Round Comfort: Thoughtful upgrades ensure your home remains a cozy retreat, no matter the season or conditions.
Celebrate Personal Style: Refresh your home with timeless, organic materials like stone, wood, and metal, blending modern elegance with mountain charm.

For many, remodeling is about creating a home that not only fits how you live today but grows with you, ensuring it remains a cherished retreat for years to come.

Upgrades That Make a Lasting Difference

Some remodeling projects go beyond aesthetics—they transform your everyday life and enhance your home’s enduring value:

Kitchens Designed for Connection: More than a space to cook, the kitchen becomes the heart of your home with open layouts, custom cabinetry, and state-of-the-art appliances that blend style and functionality.
Bathrooms That Prioritize Comfort: Spa-inspired features like walk-in showers, heated floors, and timeless finishes create a personal retreat while boosting your home’s appeal for years to come.
Outdoor Living Spaces That Inspire: Fire pits, covered patios, and outdoor kitchens seamlessly extend your living area, inviting you to relax, entertain, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the mountains year-round.

Mountain-Specific Remodeling Solutions

Mountain living presents unique challenges—steep terrain, unpredictable weather, and accessibility concerns can make remodels complex. At Pinnacle Mountain Homes, our expertise in high-altitude construction allows us to transform these challenges into opportunities for innovation.

We thoughtfully integrate features like expansive, panoramic windows to frame the stunning views and select materials that stand up to heavy snow, wind, and the test of time. From creating functional mudrooms tailored to your outdoor adventures to designing kitchens that bring people together for après-ski gatherings, every detail is crafted to enhance your lifestyle while harmonizing with the mountain environment.

Why Choose Remodeling Over Starting Fresh?

In sought-after mountain towns, the most coveted locations are often already built upon. Remodeling offers a practical and rewarding alternative to new construction, allowing you to:

Preserve What You Love: Maintain your cherished lot, breathtaking views, and the convenient access to the lifestyle that drew you to the mountains in the first place.
Streamline the Process: Remodeling is often a more time-efficient and cost-effective way to achieve a transformed living space without the extended timelines and complexities of building from scratch.
Enhance Without Relocating: Skip the stress of navigating competitive mountain real estate markets by turning your current home into the space you’ve always envisioned.

Remodeling combines the best of both worlds: the location you love with the home you’ve dreamed of.

Your Dream Mountain Home, Reimagined

A mountain home is more than just a house—it’s a place where memories are made, adventures are shared, and the beauty of nature becomes part of everyday life. Remodeling offers the unique opportunity to enhance your connection to the location you love while creating a home that perfectly aligns with your lifestyle.

At Pinnacle Mountain Homes, we take pride in crafting thoughtful renovations that blend expert craftsmanship with timeless design. From reimagining your kitchen as the heart of your gatherings to expanding outdoor spaces that celebrate mountain living, we focus on creating a home that is as functional as it is beautiful.

Let us help you transform your mountain retreat into a space that is intentionally designed, effortlessly comfortable, and uniquely yours—a home where every day feels extraordinary.

get in touch

Dec

A Peak Retreat

Featured in Modern Luxury Peak

A PEAK RETREAT
Breaking ground on this Blue River project in the middle of winter proved tricky, especially when Pinnacle Mountain Homes discovered a large clay bed beneath the foundation that required over excavation. Preserving nearby wetlands was also a concern, but despite these challenges, Pinnacle completed the six-bedroom, 5,446-square-foot home in just over a year. “The lot had incredible views, which made working on-site easy,” says Zane Levin, Pinnacle’s principal architect.

“The clients knew what they wanted and trusted the process.” The clients, a couple native to Colorado but living in Texas, sought a retreat with a look and feel that reflected their love for the mountains. Pinnacle’s in-house Collective Design , which served as both architect and interior designer, relied on unique decor to
bring nature indoors. Primary bathroom pendants resemble dripping icicles and a Hubbardton Forge crystal drop chandelier hangs above the main staircase, beautifully sparkling as it reflects sun and snow.

An earthy color palette and innovative design touches create comfortable yet functional vignettes throughout. A multi-piece coffee table in the great room can be arranged into different layouts for larger gatherings, while the barnwood-wrapped library nook features a singular chair for quiet moments. A sitting area with an agate cocktail table is framed by a black-and-white David Yarrow photo of Cara Delevingne in Leadville. At two kitchen islands, four custom Vanguard counter stools invite conversation over coffee.

One of the couple’s favorite parts about the property is a private backyard pond stocked with rainbow trout, with Quandary Peak soaring in the distance.
“They plan to use this house for their own private getaways with their two rescue dogs—and to host their growing family,” says lead designer Lauren Richards.
“Colorado has always had a special place in their hearts.”

read article

Oct

Outside Magazine Best Place to Work

The Pinnacle Companies Recognized as One of
Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work

At Pinnacle Mountain Homes, we’re honored to be recognized by Outside Magazine as one of the Best Places to Work. This recognition is a testament to the culture we’ve worked hard to create—one that values collaboration, innovation, and, most importantly, the well-being of our team.

As a company rooted in the Colorado mountains, we know that creating beautiful homes starts with fostering an environment where employees feel supported, inspired, and empowered to do their best work. Our team thrives in a culture that balances professional excellence with personal growth, which not only benefits our team members but also enhances the quality of the homes we build.

Life at Pinnacle goes beyond work. We celebrate our shared love for the outdoors with activities like annual team trips to Mexico, ski days at Arapahoe Basin, and our summer picnic, where employees and their families come together. Employees are encouraged to embrace the stunning surroundings through outdoor interest groups for activities like hiking, skiing, or mountain biking. Monthly gatherings also bring everyone together, building a strong sense of community.

This recognition by Outside Magazine underscores the importance of creating a workplace where people feel valued and excited to come to work each day. We’re proud to provide a space where talented individuals can grow their careers while enjoying everything life in the mountains has to offer.

For us, being named one of the Best Places to Work is more than an accolade—it reflects our belief that happy, healthy employees are the foundation of exceptional homes and lasting client relationships. We’re excited to continue building great homes and an even stronger workplace culture in the years to come.

Oct

The Building Process

From Concept to Creation: Navigating the Process of Building Your Mountain Home

Building a custom mountain home is an exciting opportunity to create a retreat that allows you to fully embrace the mountain lifestyle—a place to escape, enjoy outdoor adventures, and gather with loved ones. Beyond providing a sanctuary for today, this home is a chance to build a legacy—a place for future generations to create lasting memories in a setting that reflects both your style and the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

STEP 1: SHAPING YOUR VISION

Begin by considering how you’ll use your home throughout the year. Will it serve as a cozy winter retreat, a summer haven for outdoor activities, or both? Large windows can offer stunning views, but they also impact energy efficiency during colder months. Working with an architect early ensures that your vision balances your lifestyle needs while maximizing the unique features of your mountain property—natural light, views, and terrain.

STEP 2: CHOOSING THE RIGHT TEAM

The success of your project hinges on assembling the right team. Mountain construction requires expertise in managing steep terrain, unpredictable weather, and logistics. Skilled professionals can guide you through these challenges, executing your vision to the highest standards. Look for a team with proven experience in mountain builds and a history of effectively navigating high-altitude demands. Pinnacle Mountain Homes brings this specialized experience, combining clear communication and craftsmanship to ensure that architects, builders, and clients stay aligned from start to finish.

STEP 3: DESIGNING WITH THE LANDSCAPE

Designing a mountain home can seem complex, but Pinnacle Mountain Homes makes it a smooth process by managing the details. We position your home thoughtfully to capture natural light, views, and optimal terrain use, allowing you to focus on the enjoyable parts—like selecting materials that enhance the environment. Our expertise minimizes design challenges, ensuring the home harmonizes with the landscape from day one.

STEP 4: NAVIGATING PERMITS AND APPROVALS

Permitting can feel daunting, but at Pinnacle, we take care of every step. With deep knowledge of local zoning and environmental regulations, we anticipate issues and work to avoid delays, keeping your project on track. You’ll stay informed through regular updates without the stress of managing paperwork.

STEP 5: CONSTRUCTION AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

During construction, several details ensure your home’s longevity. Foundations and drainage systems must be expertly designed to withstand slopes and runoff. Roofing should handle heavy snow loads, and weather-resistant materials are essential for protecting against strong winds and fluctuating temperatures. Energy-efficient insulation and windows keep your home comfortable while lowering long-term energy costs. At Pinnacle Mountain Homes, we manage these complexities seamlessly, ensuring your home is both beautiful and resilient. We handle the challenges, so you can enjoy the process of seeing your vision take shape.

STEP 6: POST-CONSTRUCTION CARE

Once complete, mountain homes require diligent maintenance. Shifting mountain climates bring snow, ice, and temperature fluctuations that can impact your home’s structure and systems. Regular inspections are essential for preserving both functionality and beauty. Pinnacle’s Lodging HomeCare team provides routine checks, seasonal inspections, and fast issue resolution to give you peace of mind, knowing your mountain retreat will continue serving your family for generations.

COMPLETING THE VISION

Building a custom mountain home is about more than construction—it’s about creating something timeless. Every decision, from design through to completion, reflects how you want to live, connect, and experience the world around you. As your home takes shape, it becomes a testament to the lifestyle you cherish and the legacy you want to leave behind. With the right team beside you, the journey becomes transformative, creating a home that endures beautifully and becomes the heart of your family’s mountain story for years to come.

Oct

Best of Summit 2024

We’re thrilled to be named Summit County’s Best Builder! It’s a reflection of the care we put into every project and the strong relationships we build with our clients. For us, it’s not just about construction—it’s about creating homes that capture the unique vision of each homeowner.

This award really speaks to the teamwork behind everything we do. From our architects to our builders, everyone plays a part in making sure we meet the high standards we’re known for. Most importantly, it’s a reminder of the trust our clients place in us to create homes that truly stand the test of time.

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