Obituary: Gottfried Staufer
Provided Photo
January 10, 1942 – August 2, 2026
Gottfried Staufer was born on January 20, 1942, in a small house in Oberhehenfeld near Schörfling, Austria, the youngest of six children.
Gottfried was a genuine and amazing man. His love for his wife and family was inspirational. The way he lived, the way he loved, and the people whose lives he touched were all encompassing of his true and selfless heart.
It was clear early on that Gottfried had an appetite for wholesome mischief and exploration. In his youth, he decided he wanted to fly, so his brother Hermann entertained the idea by laying on his back and launching Gottfried off the bottom of his feet. It was a short flight that ended with a poor landing in the grass and a broken arm.
As teenagers, three of the Staufer brothers—Joe, Hermann, and Gottfried—all left home to find their path. Each of them trained in hospitality and developed skills that would one day help shape Vail’s world-class restaurants and resorts.
After completing hotel school in Gmunden, Gottfried traveled to Bermuda. He met Brigitta, the love of his life, on a visit back to Austria in 1963. She agreed to go back to Bermuda with Gottfried after knowing him for a mere six weeks. They married, lived, and worked there for a few years before following Joe and Hermann to Vail, Colorado, in 1967.
Gottfried and Brigitta moved back to Austria shortly after the birth of their daughter, Monika, in February 1968. They stayed in Austria for only two years before settling permanently in Vail.
Gottfried worked at the Lodge at Vail, the Lord Gore, and the Vail Village Inn before he and Brigitta established one of Vail’s most cherished and esteemed dining spots, Ambrosia, in 1977.
From 1977 to 1997, Ambrosia enjoyed the patronage of eminent historical figures such as President Gerald R. Ford, King Hussein of Jordan, Gregory Peck, Natalie Wood, and many others. The caliber of Gottfried’s guests was a testament to his fastidiousness as an entrepreneur, his skill as a chef, and his warmth of heart.
Gottfried’s kindness and service were not exclusive to the celebrities of his day. Vail’s “old-timers” will remember Gottfried as a gracious host, a dedicated craftsman, and a beloved member of the community. His genuine care for others, his generosity, and his welcoming spirit made Ambrosia much more than a restaurant—it became a place where people gathered, friendships were formed, and memories were made.
