Aspen 
United States
Nestled among the majestic Elk Mountains, Aspen has the formula for the perfect winter trip. A place that combines top-notch skiing with multiple other snow activities, first-class hospitality, starred cuisine, cool galleries and stores, and an exciting nightlife – all permeated by a sophisticated atmosphere that attracts the global jet-setters. What is known as Aspen is, in fact, a set of four mountains that add up to no less than 360 runs, called Aspen Snowmass. Connected by an efficient shuttle system that goes from one to the other in up to fifteen minutes, they offer different experiences that complement each other. Famous for its advanced runs and trendy mountain restaurants, Aspen Mountain is in the charming town of Aspen, which has historic architecture and flat, walkable streets. Neighboring Snowmass, with its variety of trails, it also has the region’s largest children’s entertainment center – the Treehouse Kids Adventure Center – and its own village centered around an ice skating rink. Among them are Aspen Highlands, home of the amazing Cloud 9 bistro, with tables that overlook the region’s peaks, and lastly, Buttermilk, which hosts the famous X Games and offers terrain parks and very fun slopes for snowboarders to practice their tricks. Besides skiing, the range of attractions at the resorts goes from yoga classes and roller coasters to cultural festivals throughout the season.
SEASON
Northern Hemisphere November to April
MONTAIN
Base - 8,104 feet
Top - 12,510 feet
336 SKI RUNS
Lift
40
SERVICES
GASTRONOMY
In the village: Aspen's sprawling food scene adds a foodie flair to a ski vacation. Don't miss the Nobu group's Matsuhisa, which has the best Japanese food in town; Venga Venga, a relaxed spot with Mexican delicacies and après-ski; Betula, with its inventive dishes and mountain views; and Element 47, which is located at The Little Nell hotel and has a haute cuisine menu and an unbeatable wine list. The city's darling Meat & Cheese is a mix of store, deli and restaurant, while Creperi du Village brings French charm in a rustic setting. Bosq brings a mix of western and eastern flavors designed by chef Barclay Dodge and Betula Aspen brings French and "Pan-American" inspiration. On the mountain: the Sundeck, at the top of the Silver Queen gondola, on Aspen Mountain is perfect for quick bites and has incredible views. At the base of the mountain, the highlight is the Ajax Tavern, with outdoor seating and the hottest après-ski in town. In Aspen Highlands, be sure to have lunch at Cloud Nine, which also has a lively après-ski. In Snowmass, Elk Camp serves quick dishes such as soups, salads, sandwiches and pizzas, some buffet-style – children have special combos for them and a friendly foodtruck that is located each day in a different part of the mountain.
WHAT TO DO BEYOND THE SKIING
There is everything from yoga on top of the mountain to activities such as ice skating, snowmobiling, sleigh ride, rock climbing, tubing and snowshoeing guided by local nature experts. In town, there are shows at the Wheeler Opera House, contemporary shows at the Aspen Art Museum and the historic street cinema Isis Theater showing classic and new films. For those looking to relax, the Remède Spa inside the St. Regis has beautiful massage rooms, rest lounges, heated pool and sauna.
ACTIVITIES FOR THE KIDS
Kids can participate in different groups, organized according to ages, where they can enjoy ski classes and supervised activities on the mountain. The Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center in Snowmass is a 21,527 ft2 entertainment complex for kids from ages 8 months to 4 years old. There is also the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, a roller coaster in the snow that reaches speeds of up to 28 mph and offers a thrilling experience to both parents and kids. The recreation center in Buttermilk called The Hideout provides ski class with a gentle training slope with a “magic carpet” lift as well as more game rooms.
SHOPPING
In addition to international brands such as Dior, Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Ralph Loren, Aspen has local winter and ski stores such as Gorsuch and Aspen Fur & Shearling, clothing and accessories with an Old West feel, such as Kemo. You know, and designer boutiques like Maison Ullens. In 2022, traditional ski clothing store AspenX launched a super stylish new limited-edition line inspired by the season's energy and vibrant atmosphere in partnership with Prada.
NIGHTLIFE
The happy hours, or après-ski, are famous in the region. At the base of Aspen Mountain, the Ajax Tavern is a classic, with lively afternoons filled with champagne and truffle french fries and the deck at Cloud 9 at the top of the Aspen Highlands mountain turns into a great party on sunny days. For a night out on the town, Escobar stays open until the late hours.
HOW TO GET HERE
MAP
Lodging Options
Aspen Square Condominium Hotel
A two-minute walk from the lift, the hotel is ideal for those looking for the comfort of a fully equipped apartment and enjoy shopping in the center’s markets to prepare meals at home. It has a living room with a fireplace, comfortable rooms and balconies overlooking the mountains. The common…
Limelight Hotel Aspen
With a helpful team and a family-like atmosphere, the hotel offers spacious rooms with contemporary decor and a complete leisure structure including a pool, jacuzzi, and gym. Among the services offered are airport transfers and daily breakfast included. The restaurant, The Lounge, not only provides coffee, après-ski, and dinner but…
The Gant
The Gant offers the comfort and privacy of a condominium at the base of the Aspen mountain, with upscale hospitality style, staff, and services. It is ideal for tourists, both domestic and foreign, who want the best ski slopes in Aspen, in one of the town’s best location. Facilities include…
The Little Nell
One of Aspen’s most emblematic hotels, The Little Nell offers a collection of unbeatable attributes, starting with its ski-in/ski-out access to Aspen Mountain and the ski concierge, which takes care of equipment for the guests and books special classes and tours. The accommodations are spacious and carefully decorated with details…
The St. Regis Aspen Resort
Inspired by elegant 19th century mountain homes, the luxurious St. Regis has sophisticated decor, including furniture by Ralph Lauren and marble bathrooms. The hotel has great restaurants like the Velvet Buck, for modern American cuisine made with local ingredients, and Mountain Social Bar & Lounge, for stylish après-ski, plus a…
W Aspen
Next to the Silver Queen Gondola, W Aspen is one of the trendiest options in the city. With a super modern and bold design, the hotel enlivens Aspen’s social scene with The Living Room restaurant, open all day, the 39° bar with inventive snacks and cocktails, and the WET deck…
