My Aspen Travel Guide (Winter Edition)
Visiting Aspen in winter has been on my bucket list for a long time. I’m a sucker for the glitz, especially when it immerses me in nature. Fresh snow dumped on four mountains, and a swanky town center riddled with delicious food, high-end shops, and people wrapped in furs, is what makes the winter scene here so sensational.
Hit the Slopes
Aspen is perched 8,000 feet above sea level. The magical mountain town is rich with outdoor recreational activities, including access to its four ski resorts with one pass: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. I skied for two days when I was there, starting with what’s considered the easiest (Buttermilk), and jumping up to what’s considered the hardest (Aspen Mountain, or Ajax to locals). The town offers free public transportation on their many buses, making visiting all four resorts a breeze.
If you choose Ajax, you can take the gondola up, ski or snowboard to your heart’s desire, then grab some grub and a drink at the Sundeck, which offers killer views of Aspen Highlands and the Highland Bowl. When you’re done for the day, the base of the mountain is tucked right in town, so you can store your gear in a nearby locker, then enjoy more après-ski action.
Shop Till Your Wallet Drops
Despite all the alpine opportunities, the town is equally as bustling throughout the day. There’s no shortage of retail options, whether you’re looking for a perfectly tailored one-piece ski suit that transitions swimmingly from the slopes to the bar, or pass the infamous Kemo Sabe shop and just have to go in for a custom Stetson cowboy hat (they offer complimentary branding and a la carte options to dress up your hat, from feathers to hat bands), or find yourself drooling over the furs at one of the many high-end boutiques. Luxury aficionados will enjoy the flurry of brands like Prada, Gucci, and Chanel, all with shops right in downtown. There’s also so many unique boutiques that repurpose vintage luxury garb and gear into stunning works of art. When I was walking around town with my mum, she commented that the town doesn’t miss a beat with its retail offerings. Whatever you want, you got it!
Eat (and Drink) Up!
I just love the restaurant scene in Aspen. Cozy, alpine vibes mixed with chic decor, breathtaking views, and top notch menu items make it worth every penny.
For Coffee: The Felix
If you want a very cool breakfast scene, check out The Felix located at the historic Hotel Jerome. Velvet booths, elaborate tin ceilings, custom floral wallpaper, and sparkling chandeliers offer an undeniable mood.
For Seafood: Clark’s
As a New Englander gone west, there’s something very nostalgic about this tavern-esque oyster bar. It has a no-frills vibe, yet the clientele remains refined. Order a dozen oysters and a glass of champagne despite the chilly outdoor temperatures, then finish off with a hot dish like the linguine and clams to warm up before you go back out.
For European-Chic Dining: French Alpine Bistro
Another favorite, whether for lunch or dinner, is French Alpine Bistro. The setting transports you to a European village with its cozy, fur-cloaked seating inside reclaimed wood walls, while French Alps-inspired dishes like cheese fondue and escargots en brioche entice.
For Views of Ajax: Betula
An unassuming frontage in the heart of Aspen leads you up a set of stairs and into a sexy second story restaurant called Betula. The linen-heavy decor is reminiscent of a chic beach resort, while touches like effortlessly draped sheepskin rugs over chairs keep things local. After you dine on the delicious French pan-American cuisine, enjoy the in-house DJ beats by the fire with an espresso martini.
For an Exclusive Experience: Caribou Club
A more exclusive option is Caribou Club. You can get a weekly membership while in town to make your way down to the moody basement level of the establishment for dinner or late-night drinks. Since 1990, the club has prided itself on exclusivity. Aspen’s first members-only club, it offers world-class dining, a nightly DJ, and more.
For a Dinner with Music: The Snow Lodge at St. Regis
The idea of a supperclub just speaks to me. Sexy beats playing while you dine on decadent food? Sign me up! Start in the “red room” just outside The Snow Lodge where you can enjoy a cocktail with live music beneath deep red velvet drapery, a disco ball, and intimate seating. Continue the party with a full meal and more DJ vibes in the restaurant.
For Innovative Cocktails: Bad Harriet
Located beneath the Aspen Times, next to (and part of) Hotel Jerome, is the sensual speakeasy known as Bad Harriet. A set of dark stairs leads you down to a vibey watering hole where velvet, leather, and crystal reign supreme. Ask for the cocktail tasting menu experience, where you’ll enjoy a series of full drinks paired with small bites like a healthy dollop of caviar on a mini pastry.
Après All Day
Who doesn’t love a good après-ski scene? After a day on the slopes, sidling up to a bar just hits right.
After you’ve taken your last run of the day, you can quite literally run into Ajax Tavern — the pinnacle of an après-ski establishment. The restaurant is directly adjacent to the Silver Queen Gondola at the base of Aspen Mountain. Sit outside on a sunny day and watch people fly down the steep face of Ajax. Get the wagyu burger. It’s the best you’ll ever have.
Chica
The new kid on the block is booming! Hugging the other side of the Silver Queen Gondola, Chica is located inside the Residences at the Little Nell. Sit outside when the weather calls for it, and warm up beneath the tableside heaters while you nosh on Latin American cuisine and sip on innovative cocktails like a black truffle old fashioned.
Another new but big hit is the Limelight Lounge. Located in the lobby of the Limelight Hotel, the approachable setting features a cozy"living-room" ambiance with live music and an inviting fireplace. The daily happy hour is a hit, especially in an area where finding a deal is difficult. Expect wine, beer, and cocktails all under $10, and yummy bites like wood-fired pizza.
Where to Sleep (In)
There are a lot of incredible choices for where to stay in Aspen, from luxe on-mountain rentals, to glamorous downtown hotels.
I can’t say enough good things about The Gant. The upscale condominiums give guests an opportunity to spread out for the week like they’re at home, while reading like a hotel in its onsite amenities (pools, restaurants, shuttle to town at a moment’s notice). The property boasts 140 individually owned and decorated condos ideal for families, big groups, or an extended stay for two. Expect full kitchens, living and dining areas, wood-burning fireplaces, and a patio or balcony. The staff works tirelessly to provide you with the best experience possible, and it shows in everything they do.
This year, in honor of Aspen’s 75th Diamond Anniversary, The Gant unveiled the cozy-chic rooftop Diamond Dome. Located on the rooftop terrace, the experience features a private rooftop après experience in a bubble dome where you can dine, imbibe, and take in the surrounding views.
Step out of your car and be whisked away by staff donning cowboy garb head-to-toe, as you’re transported into the wild west (luxury style of course). The Jerome has been a landmark of Aspen since its opening in 1889 during the height of the town’s silver boom. Cowboys, soldiers, and Hunter S. Thompson all contributed to the allure of the hotel, and to this day, you can feel their presence within the walls (and on the walls thanks to appropriate art). I’ve never been more inspired by decor than at Hotel Jerome, between the gorgeous lobby to the spacious rooms, the restaurants, bars, etc. The Victorian era has a hold on the overall look, while modern touches keep things crisp.
Have you been to Aspen? Share your experience in the comments below!
Lex Erickson
Exploring life's many facets one glass of wine, pair of heels, and yoga class at a time.
