Dumb and Dumber had it right: Aspen is a place where the mountains are pristine, the scene is bustling from day to night, and the beer does indeed flow like wine—especially après-ski. Whether or not you hit the slopes is inconsequential in the lavish resort town nestled high up in the Rockies, as there’s plenty to do otherwise: post up fireside at The Little Nell with a glass of wine in hand, dine out at award-winning restaurants (just make sure to make reservations well in advance), and visit buzzy art exhibits—the Aspen Art Museum never disappoints. Here’s what else not to miss.
What to See
La Prairie at the St. Regis Spa
What could be more relaxing after a long flight than a spa day? This season, La Prairie is popping up at the St. Regis Aspen, bringing its luxe skin care products to specialty treatment rooms. Choose from two exclusive facials, both incorporating the beauty brand’s new White Caviar Light Concentrate. You can book here through the end of the month.
Aspen Collection
A far cry from your average rental shop, Aspen Collection, conveniently located at the base of Aspen Mountain (a.k.a. Ajax) beneath the gondola steps, has it all: designer skis, brand-new gear, and complimentary pastries and coffee whenever you feel like it.
Aspen Art Museum
If you want to take a day off from skiing, the Aspen Art Museum is worth a visit. But what’s even more unique is that the venue is hosting the world’s first ski-in, ski-out art exhibit on Aspen Mountain this season. “Heaven” is an immersive installation by L.A. artist Alex Israel and can be explored with just a lift ticket. While at an elevation of 11,212 feet, be sure to stop by Eleven212, Aspen’s newest outdoor après spot.
Cynthia Rowley Cloud Quilted Down Trapper Hat
Cynthia Rowley Backcountry Puffer Jacket
Where to Eat
Casa Tua Aspen
The Casa Tua concept gets Aspen-ified in this rustic, refined space with views of downtown Aspen. The winter menu features bison and venison-heavy dishes, along with signatures like Miky’s Salad, pasta, and, of course, handspun pistachio gelato.
Ajax Tavern
For a quick and satisfying meal after a day on the mountain, head to Ajax Tavern, a quick walk form the Silver Queen Gondola. With bistro food and a laid-back atmosphere (casual winter boots and sweaters are totally fine here), you’ll be in and out—and very full. We recommend the lamb bolognese.
Campo de Fiori
Don’t let its downstairs location at the Mill Street Mall fool you: If you want good Italian in Aspen, Campo de Fiori is your best bet. One of the city’s lower maintenance but nonetheless satisfying dining options, the dishes do not disappoint—especially the generously sized portion of frutti di mare.
We Norwegians Setesdal Merino-Wool and Cashmere-Blend Turtleneck Sweater
Cordova Ribbed Thermal Leggings
Moon Boot Icon Low Shell and Faux Leather Snow Boots
Where to Drink
The Snow Lodge
Led by founder and creative director Jayma Cardoso, the team behind The Surf Lodge in Montauk brings its cast of rotating DJs and hard-to-get-into door out west with The Snow Lodge, a winter restaurant concept with a seasonally-focused menu inside the St. Regis. Apart from the after-dinner ambiance in the elegant Jade Room, the Après-Ski concerts in the courtyard every Saturday offer a totally different vibe.
Caribou Club
If you manage to score an invite to Caribou, Aspen’s first private members-only club, then you’re one of the lucky ones. Before or after you eat, have a cocktail by the fire in the Great Room—an elevated alpine lodge that looks straight out of Twin Peaks—and enjoy one of the most exclusive haunts in town.
The Wine Bar at The Little Nell
Oenophiles, take note: The Little Nell’s world-famous wine program is available to order in a quiet location within the hotel. This is a good choice for those who want to wind down and relax circa cocktail hour, though be warned that later on at night the vinyl DJ booth and champagne trunk are out in full force.
Pistola Denim Cassie Jeans
Where to Stay
The St. Regis Aspen Resort
In addition to its prime location at the base of Aspen Mountain, the St. Regis Aspen has all the amenities of a luxury hotel. Think: a fitness center, a pool, a sprawling lobby filled with shops and several fire places, and the option to book the Paradis Suite, complete with a Steinway baby grand piano, a chandelier, and a full sampling of Hennessy cognac.
The Little Nell
The Little Nell is not only the premiere five-star, five-diamond hotel in Aspen—it boasts ski-in, ski-out access, an outdoor heated pool and hot tub, three restaurants, and incomparable hospitality (truffles at turn-down service!). It’s no surprise that Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Justin Bieber, and Paris Hilton are regular guests.
The Limelight Hotel Aspen
The Limelight is a great place to book if you want a central location, modern amenities, spacious rooms, a lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a very impressive (and complimentary) breakfast spread. And let’s be real, who doesn’t?
Tumi Alpha Ski/Snowboard Duffel
Dearfoams Mel Genuine Shearling Moccasin Slipper
Amazon Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote
Beauty Picks
Agent Nateur Après (Ski) Winter Recovery Kit
Behold: everything you will need to deeply moisturize your skin without damaging it under goggles and gear.
Mēle No Shade Sunscreen Oil SPF 30
No matter what your skin tone, this crystal clear SPF thwarts damaging sun rays with zero white cast left behind.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm
When gathering all your belongings for the day, don’t forget that your lips need nourishing protection, too.
