Weekend in Aspen

Aspen

We have now had the pleasure of visiting Aspen during ski season and during the offseason.  I think it’s safe to say, either way you go, you can’t really lose.  While we were advised that, while traveling to Aspen during COVID, you are required to show a negative PCR test or agree to a mandatory quarantine, interestingly enough, we were never asked for our test results.  You are, however, required to fill out a form before landing indicating that info though.

Airport (ASE)

Aspen (thankfully) has its own airport and I highly recommend flying straight in instead of driving from Denver, if at all possible.  It’s so convenient and close and you don’t have to worry about road conditions on your way from Denver, if you fly in during the winter.

Renting a car?

Even if you fly into Aspen, especially during COVID, I highly recommend getting a rental car (preferably a Jeep or other 4×4 during the winter months).  We found, on our last trip, that there were basically no Uber/Lyft drivers available and, probably because of that, the price of getting a taxi or private car to go even a short distance is very expensive.  

Where to Stay?

• Hotel Jerome-This is probably one of my favorite hotels we’ve ever stayed in and it’s right in the heart of downtown Aspen!  Apart from feeling like you are staying at a fancy hotel out of the Old West, it has such a cozy vibe with great service and beautiful architecture!  We stayed here in early November one year for our birthday and it was so much fun!  The bar there (J Bar) is a must even if you don’t stay in the hotel.  If you are skiing, they have a shuttle that can take you the few short blocks to the Aspen Mountain Gondola.
• Viceroy Snowmass-We stayed here on our most recent trip and absolutely loved our stay!  This hotel is right at the base of Snowmass Mountain and is such a fun ski in/ski out resort.  They have a ski/boot rental shop set up on the bottom floor where you can rent your gear, and the coolest part is that they will transfer your skis, etc. to any of the other mountains in the area for free, if you want to try to ski other mountains.  Also, with the lift basically right outside the door and the ski valet service they have, this hotel is extremely convenient for anyone going to the area for some great skiing.  On another note, the hot tub is a dream!  We spent a lot of time in the hot tub and the heated pool making new friends.  They also have a nice poolside bar to help you relax after a long day on the slopes.  To top it off, the rooms were so nice too.  We loved the little (but full) kitchen we were provided.  Every hotel should have a full set of proper glassware in my opinion!

• The Little Nell-We had brunch here one morning and it was, even from just eating there, a beautiful hotel.  It is pretty pricey, but I guess that is to be expected at a five-star hotel in Aspen.  The rooftop also looks insane.
• St Regis Aspen-Much like The Little Nell, this place is gorgeous, expensive and extravagant…all the things you would expect from the St. Regis!!
• Limelight Hotel-There have locations in Aspen, Ketchum, & Snowmass.  All of them look nice. There is one in Snowmass Village that has a really cool Après Ski vibe.  I also hear great things about their flatbreads, but, sadly, we were not able to make it to try them last time.
• The Westin Snowmass
• The W Hotel Aspen

Ski Information, if that’s your thing

The 4 mountains included in the lift ticket you get for the area are Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, & Buttermilk.

• We went to Aspen Highlands for the first half of the first day.  We had a reservation for Cloud 9 which is an amazing Après Ski restaurant about halfway up the mountain which is every Veuve lover’s dream!!  They have insane champagne spraying parties during non-COVID times, but, even during COVID, it was a great, boozy lunch.

• Aspen Mountain-That first afternoon we skied here, and I found it to be a way more challenging mountain.  We hit up Ajax, at the base of the mountain, to (of course) partake in their Après Ski festivities.  It’s a fun spot, but you can tell that it would be so much more vibrant and fun in a non-COVID universe.

• Snowmass-We skied this one on the 2^nd day for the full day.  It is a much bigger mountain than the other three and seemed to have a bunch of good runs for all levels of skiers.  It was a great day, especially since we could walk out the back door and our skis were already waiting for us.  Since you guys have probably figured out I may or may not have an Après Ski problem, I’ll go ahead and tell you that they too have some super cute Après ski places on the base of the mountain (go figure).  Some of them even have igloos!

• We didn’t get around to skiing Buttermilk, but I have heard it’s also a great mountain.  The X Games were held there this year, so I think it’s pretty safe to say it’s quality.

What to do during non-ski season

• Hiking-There are a ton of good hiking trails in the area.  One of our absolute favorites hikes is the one to Maroon Bells.  It isn’t too challenging, and the whole trek is absolutely gorgeous!!!!  It is a great way to get a more rustic view at how incredibly beautiful that part of the country is.

• Shop and stroll Downtown Aspen-If you like shopping and walking around with beautiful people, Aspen is basically the Beverly Hills of the Rocky Mountains.  You could spend a whole day browsing all that the cute shops in the village have to offer.

• Horseback Riding-I have yet to do it in Aspen, but it looks BEAUTIFUL!! On our next spring or summer trip there, I will definitely make it a priority.
• Biking and (really) anything outdoors-The place is absolutely beautiful no matter what time of year you go, so get outside and enjoy the amazing views and fresh air!

What to Eat?

• Jimmy’s-This was actually my first meal in Aspen, and it was simply delicious.  It is an American restaurant with a killer menu and a really good wine list.
• Matsuhisa-You guys know my LOVE for Nobu!!!!  I am obsessed with all of his restaurants, and this one definitely doesn’t disappoint.  Also, this location is in this cute little house in Downtown Aspen, so it has a different vibe from most of his spots.  As with Nobu, I always get the black cod and mochi.  Trust me!
• White House Tavern-We ate lunch here while watching a game and had the best time.  It is right around the corner from Matsuhisa and is a very good (and cute) lunch spot.
• Element 47-This is located in The Little Nell Hotel and has a really cool vibe.  I’m not sure about dinner here, but I will say the brunch was AMAZING! I highly recommend!
• Betula-I think this restaurant is fairly new. I loved it! They specialize in French cuisine, they serve unreal, Instagram-worthy cocktails, and, to top it off, the wine list is unreal!
• Steakhouse No. 316-I have yet to make it here, but I have heard it’s great!
• Wild Fig-Again, I haven’t tried it, but all I hear are good things.
• French Alpine Bistro-This is another good French spot that gets a lot of buzz.
• Crepe Shack by MK-If you are looking for an awesome way to start your day, this little crepe place will do the trick.  It’s at the base of Snowmass Mountain, so, especially if you are skiing there, hit this place up before heading to the slopes.

Bars

• As I mentioned earlier, definitely stop by the J Bar located inside Hotel Jerome.
• Clark’s Aspen-During COVID, it’s, well, not quite the same, but this is a good one.
• Escobar Aspen– I have heard this place is a blast.

Après Ski

• Cloud Nine Bistro-This place was the one with the champagne spraying parties I talked about earlier.  It is located on Aspen Highlands Mountain and, while pricey, it is still a great place to stop and have some bubbly or a cocktail before, during, or after a great day of skiing.
• Ajax Tavern-This is a famous Après Ski destination located at the bottom of Aspen Mountain. 
• The Wine Bar-Get ready to spend some money if you hit up this Après Ski spot.  It is located at The Little Nell, so at least you know it will be classy and have amazing drinks.