The Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce is recognizing Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa as our April 2026 Member of the Month. The Member of the Month program is an ongoing effort by the Chamber to provide residents and visitors information about businesses and organizations in the area and promote the patronage of our local resources and our small, independent companies. RACC recently sat down with owners Todd and Shari Mezrah to discuss how their desire to create the ultimate guest experience led them to purchasing Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa.
1. Can you please introduce yourself and your business?
Hello! We are Shari and Todd Mezrah. We own Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa in Ridgway, CO.
2. Why is the lodge named Chipeta? Can you tell us a bit about her story?
Chipeta is an important woman in Colorado history. Born in the 1840s, Chipeta was an influential figure in the Ute Indian tribe and was married to Chief Ouray. They lived along the Uncompahgre River near present-day Montrose and held land in this area. Chipeta played a significant role in negotiations with the U.S. government, advocating for peace and the rights of her people. She was inducted into the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame in 1985 for her accomplishments. Her legacy as a leader, peacemaker, and a woman of formidable strength and kindness is the foundation upon which Chipeta Lodge is built. Our roots are deep. We connect you with nature, history, adventure, relaxation and the enduring spirit of a remarkable woman.
3. When did you become the owner of Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa and what drew you to owning and operating a business in Ridgway?
We have traveled all over the world and appreciate great hospitality when and where we find it. We found ourselves talking a lot about and analyzing what was a great stay, how things could have been improved, and what makes an exceptional stay away from home.
This love for searching for the ultimate guest experience motivated us to create something special that could be delivered at Chipeta Lodge. We discovered a great location with great bones. In September 2022, we began our passion project.
Our vision is to provide a welcoming getaway in the mountains that is memorable and lasting. A unique stay with phenomenal guest service at an affordable price point in a special community.
4. What amenities does Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa offer?
Chipeta Lodge Spa by ISUN -
At Chipeta Lodge Spa by ISUN, we have created a boutique sanctuary of tranquility, surrounded by the serene beauty of the San Juan Mountains. We want our guests to indulge in a transformative spa experience; our expert therapists utilize the luxurious, intentional products produced right here in Ridgway by ISUN Skincare. We offer a range of different massages, body treatments and facials to help guests feel relaxed, renewed, revitalized, and pampered. Guests can use our outdoor heated swimming pool, hot tubs and dry sauna during their time with us. We hope they leave feeling more connected to nature and their own well-being.
White Buffalo Restaurant + Bar and
White Buffalo Rooftop Bar
Something we loved about the property when we purchased it was its uniquely elevated dining space. With incredible views and a rooftop bar, we imagined it as an enjoyable gathering space for our guests but more importantly for the entire community.
Sitting within the heart of Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa, White Buffalo Restaurant + Bar provides a beautifully curated menu of dishes created with locally sourced ingredients and paired with a charming atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to meet friends or to dine alone with seasonal menus, signature cocktails, wine and beer!
Our menu focuses on dishes that invoke the history of Western Slope Colorado. With inspiration that has been drawn from traditional ingredients of indigenous Ute tribes, Colorado style cuisine and Hispanic influences of the area. Our seasonal menu is eclectic, thoughtful, and a heartfelt representation of Colorado’s rich history.
We have spectacular panoramic views from the White Buffalo Rooftop where you can enjoy the Alpenglow of the sunset or just hang out with friends and enjoy the view. There is plenty of convenient parking and we are an easy walk, on sidewalks, from the Main Street.
Chipeta Lodge
Overnight guests of the Lodge have a wide variety of room types and layouts to choose from. We have one set of suites that all have their own private hot tubs and many rooms have their own fireplaces. Many rooms have kitchenettes or full kitchens, which are perfect for families, or guests that come for an extended stay. Some rooms have private decks or terraces. All overnight guests get access to our heated outdoor pool, communal hot tubs, and outdoor lounge area with fire pits. They also enjoy access to our dry sauna and workout room. Our Kiva Center and Great Lawn are the perfect spaces for events, reunions, retreats, and more! Breakfast is included and made fresh daily. Complimentary WIFI and parking on-site.
Other little extras:
Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa Signature Bath Products
Plush Bathrobes
Luxury Linens and Towels
Apple TV in-room
Mini-Fridge (select rooms)
Coffee Maker in room with our signature Chipeta Lodge blend
Mountain Bikes (day use)
Yoga Mats (day use)
Tennis and Pickleball Racquets (day use)
Corn Hole (day use)
Board Games (in lobby)
5. What is the most rewarding experience about owning and operating your own business in Ridgway?
The People. Taking care of our Guests and our Community is the most rewarding experience to us.
We want Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa to be a destination. We want our guests to stay with us for three nights or more. Many of our rooms have built-in full kitchens to allow for extended stays. We really feel that Chipeta Lodge is a place where singles, couples and families can stay for a week at a time. Our goal is to be the preferred place to stay in the area, given our beautiful Ridgway location, our all-encompassing amenities and our focus on providing unmatched hospitality and service….but the most important is to create memorable experiences that guests will keep coming back for, time and time again!
We love our Ridgway and neighboring communities and want to welcome them to experience our local retreat!
