Aspen Winter Travel Guide
Aerial view of Aspen/Snowmass
Living in Aspen year-round means you get LOTS of experience with winter. Luckily, winter here is magical, even if it lasts 6 months. Aspen is spectacular no matter when you visit, but the winter provides so many opportunities to get out and enjoy one of our most prized resources…snow. Read below for our favorite winter activities in Aspen.
SKI ALL FOUR MOUNTAINS
If you spend your time in Aspen only skiing one mountain, you’re missing out on some amazing and varied terrain. I spend far too much time thinking about which one is my favorite, and I just can’t decide. I love them all!
ASPEN MOUNTAIN
Aspen Mountain (aka Ajax) is the mountain you can ski from town. There are no beginner runs on Ajax, so be sure you are at least an intermediate skier before you go.
Favorite Runs: Face of Bell
Favorite On-Mountain Restaurant: Bonnie’s is an Aspen classic. Go before 10:30 for the pancakes.
Favorite Place to Apres: The town of Aspen is your oyster when it comes to après from Ajax, but we’re partial to Ajax Tavern for the location right at the base.
BUTTERMILK
Buttermilk is the perfect beginner mountain, although it’s not just for novice skiers. We love taking our kids here and getting lunch at the base.
Favorite Run: Midway Avenue for their kid’s terrain park.
On-mountain Restaurant: Cliffhouse for the views and the Mountain Lodge for the chance to soak up some sun at the “beach”.
Favorite Place to Après: Home Team BBQ located inside the Inn at Aspen is always fun after a day of skiing.
ASPEN HIGHLANDS
Hiking to the top of the Highland Bowl
Highlands is such a fun mountain. The home of Cloud9 and the Highland Bowl, it attracts adrenaline junkies as well as those looking for some old-fashioned Aspen debauchery. Also not for beginners, there are some really nice groomers for intermediates.
Favorite Runs: Hine’s Sight on Highland Bowl or Golden Horn if you’re not up for hiking the Bowl.
On-mountain Restaurant: Cloud 9; the earlier seating for a quiet sit down or the 2 p.m. seating if you’re planning to get soaked in Champagne.
Après: Highland’s Ale House
SNOWMASS MOUNTAIN
Snowmass Mountain is larger than the other three mountains put together. As such, it has every type of terrain for every type of skier.
Favorite Run: Sheer Bliss
Favorite On-mountain Restaurant: Sam’s at the top of Sams Knob is a great place for a fancier on-mountain lunch. I especially love that they give you slippers to take off your boots while you eat.
Favorite place to Apres: Venga Venga is a slopeside Mexican restaurant at the base of Fanny Hill.
Horse-drawn carriage pulling up to Pine Creek Cookhouse
CROSS-COUNTRY SKI/SNOWSHOE
Downhill isn’t the only game in town when it comes to skiing. Cross-country skiing is such a wonderful way to get out in nature and enjoy the beautiful winter scenery around Aspen.
Northstar Nature Preserve is a peaceful area east of Aspen that has great routes for X-Country skiing.
Pinecreek Cookhouse- Head up Castle Creek Road to ski (or snowshoe) to a cozy restaurant in the woods. It’s only accessible via ski/snowshoe or horse-drawn carriage in the winter.
SNOWMOBILE TO THE MAROON BELLS
Snowmobiling to the maroon bells in the winter can be an incredible experience. Be sure to bundle up before you go, as it can definitely get chilly. Meet at T-Lazy-7 to start your tour.
White House Tavern
FAVORITE COZY WINTER RESTAURANTS
I’ve included for you a full list of my favorite restaurants here. In the winter, however, sometimes we’re looking for a cozier vibe.
Steakhouse 316 -Think moody and dark with deep banquettes and great steakhouse fare.
French Alpine Bistro- This is the place for cozy fondue in an intimate atmosphere.
Almresi- Step into the Alps and enjoy some schnitzel at this charming restaurant.
The Snow Lodge- This is a fun restaurant inside The St. Regis. It’s especially good for groups and a fun night out.
FAVORITE BARS
To meet locals: Silver City
For a quiet date night: Living Room at Hotel Jerome
To dance the night away: Escobar or The Sterling
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Jerome
Option 1: Oh, you fancy, huh?
If you are willing and able to do Aspen in style, the two best options are:
The Little Nell-This ski-in/ski-out option is owned by Aspen Skiing Company, the owners of the ski resorts, and offers a luxe experience at the base of Ajax. It is the best place to stay if you are looking for a true ski-in/ski-out experience.
Hotel Jerome- I love the charm of this beautifully updated historical hotel in the center of Aspen. It’s a little farther from the slopes, but there is a shuttle to the gondola. Additionally, if you’re a beginner skier and unable to ski Ajax, I would recommend the Jerome over Little Nell.
The St. Regis- For me, this hotel has the best spa in town. It also has a great location and pool. There is also champagne sabering nightly and the CUTEST St. Bernard named Kitty who roams the property.
Option 2: I’d Rather Save My Money for a Kemo Sabe hat
If you’re looking for a more economical option, so you can prioritize good food, shopping, or adventures, we love this little Airbnb. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in location and amenities.
If you still like the amenities of a hotel here are our top choices.
The rooftop pool/spa at W Aspen.
W Hotel-Perhaps not the most economical option, but this hotel has a fabulous location for skiing and dining. It also has a rooftop pool and hot tub with amazing views of Ajax Mountain.
Independence Square Lodge- This is a great option if you don’t care about frills or amenities. The rooms are small but well-equipped and in an amazing location right in downtown Aspen.