Ah, Aspen. 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 by the fire at The Little Nell with a glass of wine in hand, dine out at award-winning restaurants (just make sure to make a reservation well in advance), and visit buzzy art exhibits—Andy Warhol: Lifetimes at the Aspen Art Museum recently caught Kendall Jenner’s attention. Here’s what else not to miss.
Leah RomeroAspen Art Museum: Andy Warhol: Lifetimes
Courtesy Aspen Art MuseumEven the most die-hard fans of the omnipresent yetfamously elusive artist could learn a thing or two from this traveling exhibition, which originally started at the Tate Modern in London. Andy Warhol: Lifetimes zeros in on the lesser-known details of Warhol’s life, like how he came to embrace his queer identity and challenged conventions in both art and advertising.
Chanel’s Boutique Pop-Up
Courtesy ChanelWhile there’s no shortage of shopping in downtown Aspen, Chanel’s new two-floor boutique is a must-see—even with a line down the block. With interiors that pay homage to Coco Chanel’s apartment at 31 Rue Cambon (think: white and beige with pops of black and gold), you’ll covet everything from the wool tweed couches to the gloves and goggles.
ASPENX
Daniel BayerA far cry from your average rental shop, ASPENX, conveniently located at the base of Aspen Mountain (aka Ajax), has everything: designer skis (from the retailer’s limited-edition collaboration with Prada), brand-new gear, pastries and coffee to-go whenever you feel like it. A true luxury experience.
Jersey Graphic SweatshirtASPENX Prada$1,970.00SHOP NOW Hero Shearling-Lined Lug-Sole BootsMackage$650.00SHOP NOW Pink Gradient Wallet on ChainChanel$3,550.00AVAILABLE AT CHANELLeah Romero
Ajax Tavern
Courtesy Ajax TavernFor a quick and satisfying meal after a day on the mountain, head to Ajax Tavern, a stone’s throw away from the Silver Queen Gondola. Offering bistro fare with a laid-back atmosphere (casual winter boots and sweaters are totally fine here), you’ll be in and out—and very full. Order the lamb bolognese with a side of people-watching.
The Snow Lodge
Courtesy The Snow LodgeLed 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 new restaurant concept with a seasonally-focused menu inside the St. Regis. Apart from the after-dinner ambiance in the Red Room—featuring specialty cocktails from Eva Longoria’s tequila brand Casa del Sol—the artist-in-residence program is worth checking out—a recent installation by multi-hyphenate artist Heart Evangelista includes a series of painted designer bags, including Birkins.
Campo de Fiori
Stefano BossiDon’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 delicious dining options, the dishes do not disappoint—especially the generously sized portion of frutti di mare. No frills, no fuss.
Lou SweaterRebecca Minkoff$98.00SHOP NOW Hooded Embroidered Quilted Shell Down JacketGucci x North Face$2,550.00SHOP NOW Joan of Arctic Next BootSorel$369.13SHOP NOWLeah RomeroSnow Beach
Courtesy Snow BeachSnow Beach is straight out of a Gray Malin photograph—literally. Inspired by the artist’s trademark aerial shots, taken everywhere from Miami to the Mediterranean Coast, the slopeside venue perched atop Ajax boasts sweeping views, cabanas, even bottle service. This is an experience that begs to be Instagrammed.
The Wine Bar at The Little Nell
Courtesy The Wine BarOenophiles, take note: The Little Nell’s world-famous wine program now has a new home. This is a solid choice for those who want to wind down and relax circa cocktail hour, though later on at night, the vinyl DJ booth and champagne trunk are out in full force.
Caribou Club
Caribou ClubIf you manage to snag an invite to Caribou, Aspen’s first private members-only club, you’d be remiss not to try it out. Before or after you eat, have a cocktail by the fire in the Great Room—an ultra-luxe alpine lodge that looks straight out of Twin Peaks—and relish in the fact that you’re seated at one of the most exclusive haunts in town.
Colorado Thong BodysuitWolford$250.00SHOP NOW Medium Hollow Hoop EarringsStone and Strand$425.00SHOP NOW High-Waist Rascal Ankle Step Fray JeansMOTHER$258.00SHOP NOWLeah RomeroThe Little Nell
Courtesy The Little NellThe crème de la crème of resorts, The Little Nell is not only the premiere five-star, five-diamond hotel in Aspen—it offers ski-in, ski-out access, an outdoor heated pool and hot tub, three restaurants, and incomparable hospitality (truffles at turn-down service? Don’t mind if we do!). It’s no surprise that Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Justin Bieber, and Paris Hilton are all regulars.
The Limelight Hotel Aspen
Courtesy Limelight Hotel AspenThe Limelight, which recently underwent a six-month renovation, 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?
W Aspen
Courtesy W AspenIn addition to its unbeatable views of Ajax, this ski season, W Aspen partnered with Select Aperitivo on the Select Slopeside pop-up, so guests can enjoy rounds of spritzes and live music by an open fire at their leisure. A bit of Italy in Aspen, why not?
Alpha 2 Wheel Ski Snowboard Duffel BagTumi$1,295.00SHOP NOW Mel Genuine Shearling Moccasin SlipperDearfoams$28.50SHOP NOW Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice RemoteAmazon$39.99$24.99 (38% off)SHOP NOWLeah RomeroSki CreamDr. Barbara Sturm$115.00SHOP NOWThe water-in-oil hybrid deeply moisturizes skin without feeling heavy or sticky under goggles and gear.
No Shade Sunscreen Oil SPF 30Mēle$19.99SHOP NOWNo matter what your skin tone, this crystal clear SPF thwarts damaging sun rays with zero white cast left behind.
Soothe Bath SaltsFlexpower$48.00SHOP NOWAfter a long day on the mountain, drop a few scoops of this calming soak to melt away muscle tension.
SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip BalmSun Bum$9.99SHOP NOWWhen gathering all your belongings for the day, don’t forget that your lips need nourishing protection, too.