Visitors | Getting Here | Weekend | 7 Days | Kids | Facts
If we had to describe Aspen in a nutshell it might go something like this. We have four mountains that cater to beginner and expert skiers and riders, a plethora of hotels and condos throughout both Aspen and Snowmass, more than 80 mouthwatering restaurants, a rocking nightlife, a historical Silver Boom, and a laid-back, yet sophisticated, atmosphere that makes this mountain town feel miles away from the real world.
While all of this may seem overwhelming, don't stress, Aspen's easy to navigate. Visitors can find great shopping and dining on the walking malls located in downtown Aspen or at the stores and restaurants in the Snowmass Village Mall. Getting to the slopes is also a piece of cake, as the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) has ski shuttles that will bus you between the four mountains for free. Check out the map of Aspen below to help you get your bearings and don't be shy about asking the locals for directions--we promise they're friendly.
Sleeping: Where to Rest Your Head
While you probably won’t be spending much time in your hotel room during your time in Aspen, it’s still important to find the perfect accommodations for your stay. Located at the base of Aspen Mountain, The Little Nell is a five-star, five-diamond getaway that was featured on Condé Nast Traveller’s Gold List in 2006 for its on-site spa treatments, decadent restaurant, and indulgent service. The St. Regis Resort Aspen, which boasts 179 guestrooms and suites, has gained its upscale reputation for its Pratesi bed linens and flat-panel LCD TV's, as well as the hotel's extravagant Remède Spa. Since 1889 the historic Hotel Jerome, located on Main Street in the heart of Aspen, has offered comfortable elegance with all the modern amenities. The Jerome's delicious brunch at the J-Bar is also a must before you hit the slopes.
Looking for a more modest pick? The Annabelle Inn, located on Main Street, has 35 individually decorated guest rooms, a delicious complimentary breakfast, cookies at après, and our favorite amenity—a projection screen that plays movies by the outdoor hot tub.
Another option for the frugal vacationer (remember lift tickets aren’t cheap) is the Mountain Chalet, which has remained one of Aspen’s least expensive rooms since it opened its doors in 1954. Designed with enough European charm to make you feel like you are in the Swiss Alps, this classic chalet boasts a TV room, game room, and an unbeatable location just a few blocks from the gondola.
Activities: Mountain Town Must-dos
Whether you're a die-hard skier or seeking a vacation of R&R, a visit to Aspen wouldn't be complete without riding the Silver Queen Gondola. Newly refinished last year, the red and black gondolas seat six and feature plaques commemorating Aspen's skiing history. After the 15-minute ascent to the 11,212 ft. summit, you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the Roaring Fork Valley. Don’t forget your camera.
Aspen may be thought of primarily as an alpine ski destination but our mountain town also boasts the largest free, groomed cross-country system in North America. The Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Trail System offers more than 55 miles of terrain from Aspen to Basalt, perfect for enjoying the great outdoors while getting in a cardio workout.
Feeling nostalgic? Tap into Aspen's rich history with a tour of the Wheeler Opera House. Built during the height of Aspen's Silver Boom, it marked Aspen's architectural transformation from a muddy settlement into a booming metropolis. Today, the Wheeler seats 500 people and has hosted celebrated musicians, plays, film and comedy festivals, operas, and community events. Head to the intimate venue to enjoy a great show and make time to stroll through the historical hallways rich in stories from the past.
Looking for activities that the kids are sure to love? Check out A Kids' Guide to Aspen for ideas on how to keep the little ones happy and busy.
Shopping: Get Your Spend On
Here in Aspen you can find designer duds from the likes of Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Christian Dior, Prada, Bulgari, Gucci, and Ralph Lauren. While we love our haute couture, we recommend you check out some of Aspen’s high fashion boutiques such as Imelda's, Distractions, and Nuages. Now that you’re in a mountain town it’s time to outfit yourself in authentic cowboy gear. Luckily, Aspen is home to Kemo Sabe, which carries the finest Stetson and Rand’s cowboy hats, as well as alligator, shark, and ostrich Lucchese boots. However, it isn’t just about great belt buckles, ten-gallon hats, and authentic boots, it’s also about a friendly environment where there’s always a cold one waiting for you in the beer fridge.
And don’t forget to pick up something for loved ones back home at Art Tee Gallery, which boasts a wide selection of Aspen t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and shot glasses. (It just doesn’t seem right to leave town without a “How’s Your Aspen?” shirt).
Vacationers can also find souvenirs—and everything else—at Carl’s Pharmacy, which is Aspen’s one-stop general store and pharmacy where you’ll find Advil, paintbrushes, make-up, blow-dryers, dog toys, and everything else you can think of.
Apres: Loosen the Boots and Stay a While
The Bar at the Little Nell is the place to see and be seen during après ski. Keep your eyes peeled for celebrities as you sip the signature Montagna Martini made with Van Gogh wild apple vodka, elderberry, and champagne. Located at the base of Aspen Mountain, The Tavern, boasts the perfect vantage point for watching people descend Little Nell run as you enjoy a glass of cab after a long day. Open for lunch and après ski, the famous Ajax truffle fries, classic fondue, and onion soup gratinée are not-to-be-missed indulgences.
A funkier option for apres is 39° at the Sky Hotel, where tired skiers and riders can ease their aching legs in the heated pool and hot tub while inside DJ Dillon keeps the crowd moving and shaking. Another locals’ favorite après-ski locale is Mezzaluna, located one-and-a-half blocks south of Silver Queen Gondola, it's arguably the cheapest après in town—pizza and a beer for under $10.
ZG Grill, at the base of Highlands, offers a comfort food-focused menu, live bands several days a week, and flat-screen TV’s for watching sports events. If you're skiing and riding at Snowmass be sure to grab a beer and enjoy the daily live music at the Cirque Bar & Grill, as the perfect end to the perfect day.
If you're looking for an early dinner after après be sure to check out Plum's Restaurant Directory.
Dining Out: A Healthy Appetite in Aspen
Our mountain town offers more than its share of delicious dining. With tons of restaurants to pick from, where to eat can be a tough decision. Cache Cache has perfected romantic ambiance and a menu of decadent French-American cuisine that includes White Marble Farms pork tenderloin, natural rotisserie chicken with pomme frites, and, of course, escargot that melts in your mouth.
Treat yourself to the Tuscan-seared prime-beef rib eye at Montagna in The Little Nell and ask Master Sommelier Richard Betts to pair your decadent dinner with a bottle of wine from their private cellar, which boasts 15,000 bottles. Or try out D19, where you can savor one of chef Dena Marino's Italian-inspired delicacies such as a the Roman artichoke with mint, garlic, chili flakes, and pinot grigio. But be sure to make a reservation for these upscale eateries because they always have a full house.
While Jimmy’s has a formal dining room, locals love the delicious and inexpensive bar menu that offers nightly $12 specials on dishes such as New York Strip and king crab legs, as well as everyday deals on to-die-for meat loaf and macaroni and cheese. If you’re a late diner, Jimmy’s is the place for you as they serve food until 11:30 p.m.
Brunelleschi’s is a casual Italian eatery that cooks up traditional dishes such as calzones, brick-oven pizzas, and spaghetti Bolognese. The wallet-friendly prices and kid-friendly atmosphere (little ones can make their own pizzas) make it the perfect place for couples and families alike.
Nightlife: Aspen After Dark
If you can find a way into the private Caribou Club, indulge in a bit of highbrow luxury while sipping champagne and taking in the incredible people-watching. This exclusive club, with its big couches and Western-chic feel, offers a comfortable atmosphere and old-world hospitality to members, celebs, and whoever is lucky enough to get past the doorman.
For a hearty dose of socializing and sports, head to the historic J-Bar in the Hotel Jerome. This bar was one of Aspen’s first establishments where miners used to indulge in Aspen Crud—a mix of bourbon and ice cream.
If you're looking for a little more action, make your way to Aspen's premiere live-music venue, Belly Up. While countless big-name acts have graced the Belly Up stage, including Stephen Marley, Chris Isaak, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Snoop Dogg, this club also features tons of up-and-coming acts soon to make it huge.
If you want to do a bar crawl without ever going outside, the Eric’s complex is perfect for you with its four bars—Eric’s Bar, Cigar Bar, Su Casa, and Aspen Billiards, each with distinctly different atmospheres. If you’re still raring to go, hit the hip-hop scene at Club Chelsea for some late-night dancing.
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