Rockport Founder’s Aspen Ski Getaway Walks on the Market at $17 Million

Aspen’s Red Mountain neighborhood is so sought-after by the über-rich, it’s referred to in the swanky Rocky Mountain ski resort as Billionaire Mountain. Built in 1974, this 6,644-square-foot contemporary residence is set on nearly three quarters of an acre of Billionaire Mountain, though its sales listing notes that “The private setting boasts generous outdoor space with potentially dramatic views of Aspen Mountain.” (The views are currently being enhanced with the removal of dead trees and weeds overseen by an expert arborist. Tiiiiiiimbaaah!) Asking $16.9 million, the property is available via Steven Shane at Compass.

The home is owned by the estate of Bruce Katz, founder of Rockport Shoe Company and Samuel Hubbard Shoe Company, who passed away in June. From a third-generation shoemaking family in New England, Katz is credited with creating the walking shoe in 1971; he was the first shoemaker to use rubber soles and athletic shoe technology in casual and dress shoes. As the 1970s progressed and companies like Nike sold ever-popular running shoes, Katz noted that, “Running was never the lifeblood of running shoe sales. Comfort was. And anyone who tried on a running shoe was reluctant to step back into a less comfortable conventional shoe.” And thus he created the hybrid RocSport.

Interestingly, Katz was also a pioneer of Internet technology. Having built his first computer in 1960 at the age of 13, he started one of the first internet service providers and in the late 1980s became active in online communities, eventually purchasing one of the first, The WELL (Whole Earth ‘Lectric Link).

Katz’s main home was in Marin County, so this was his ski getaway. There are three separate entertaining areas and five en-suite bedrooms, inclusive of an income generating apartment that could be used for staff or Airbnb. The kitchen is very large and top of the line with a handsome granite-topped island, while a game room comes complete with a pool table. Other nice touches include the multiple fireplaces for taking the chill of winter, the groin-vaulted ceiling in the living room, which includes a projection system for movie nights, the natural granite boulder incorporated into the marble-lined steam room, and the fun sleeper car bunks in one of the bedrooms.

Outside, there are many spots from which to take in the gorgeous mountain scenery 365 days a year. Multiple decks, patios, and balconies provide not only stunning vistas, but also fresh mountain air. Easiest of all, the house’s furnishings are included, so all next owners need to do is bring some clothes and toothbrush and bask in the glow of bing the newest residents of Billionaire Mountain.