With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Aspen is truly a year round destination. The community’s mantra – mind, body, spirit – is as fresh today as it was 60 years ago. Aspen made a name for itself as a winter destination. Visionary skiers, philosophers, blue-collar workers, and locals created a cultural hub high up in the Rocky Mountains centered around skiing. Summertime and the seasons that bookend summer, however, illustrate the “mind, body, spirit” ethos that makes Aspen so special.
What sets Aspen apart from other mountain towns? It is the striking beauty of the natural landscape and the close-knit community of locals who have planted roots in this idyllic mountain town. Aspen is the greenest, healthiest, most sophisticated and most beautiful small town in America. Often referred to as the Rocky Mountain playground for the rich and famous, no matter how you choose to spend a day in Aspen, there is an unforgettable experience right at your doorstep. A place like no other place.
The Small List
Best Hotels
The Little Nell – Aspen’s only Five-Star, Five-Diamond boutique hotel, with a cosmopolitan, modern design and an intimate, timeless appeal. In the heart of downtown, just steps from the Silver Queen Gondola, you can experience the invigorating mountain air, world class couture and consignment shopping, and boundless adventures all year round.
Hotel Jerome – One of Aspen’s crown jewels offering the perfect retreat where you can explore abundant outdoor activities and world-class dining and shopping. This landmark hotel is renowned among Aspen’s luxury hotels for its relaxed elegance, gracious service and authentic mountain spirit.
The St. Regis Aspen Resort – Ideally located at the base of the majestic Aspen Mountain and within steps of the historic town, this iconic resort hotel offers premier services and world class accommodations tailored to exceed every expectation.
Trendiest Restaurants
Betula – Flavorful and fun, where the elegant, stylish and fashionable have found a home made by restaurateur Juan Carlos Perez Febres and his wife, who picked up a little piece of St. Barts and dropped it in our mountains. With influences from France, South America, and the Caribbean, the thoughtfully curated dishes from the land and sea are an experience for all the senses. Friendly and cozy, welcoming locals and jet-setters alike, Betula is here to stay!
Matsuhisa – The premiere sushi restaurant for Japanese fare located in a charming Victorian house in downtown Aspen. “Matsu” is the first Matsuhisa location outside of Chef Nobu’s original Beverly Hills restaurant. A lively and stylish spot with impeccable service and outstanding sushi and cocktails.
Catch Steak – Catch Steak is a classic steakhouse with an energetic vibe. The menu features a carefully curated collection of the world’s best steaks and Catch style side dishes. The warm restaurant with rich wood includes an outdoor patio with sweeping views of Aspen Mountain.
Cache Cache – Consistent, heartfelt and upscale French-American cuisine with an impeccable wine list in a warm and sexy atmosphere. This chic bistro never disappoints with impeccable service and a commitment to excellence.
Caribou Club – Aspen’s first and only exclusive private membership dinner and dancing club, opened in 1989, offering world class dining, an extensive wine list, and an über-sexy bar and nightclub. Whether you sink into one of the overstuffed couches for an after dinner drink, dine in the exceptional restaurant, or dance the night away, you will be rubbing shoulders with those “in the know” of Aspen’s finest.
Best Italian Restaurants
Casa Tua – Casa Tua offers an unparalleled dining experience by blending elements of the five senses in a sophisticated space adorned with fine artwork meticulously selected and ever-changing. Superb Northern Italian cuisine with only the best and freshest ingredients and a members-only club upstairs.
Casa d’Angelo – A taste of Italy in Aspen with warm hospitality and very indulgent, authentic Tuscan cooking. Chef Angelo and Denise have warmed our hearts and filled our bellies with food prepared according to Old World traditions straight from the heart of Italy. Don’t miss the carefully curated wine list.
Campo de Fiore – Using the freshest local ingredients and imported goods from Italy, Campo creates dishes that will entice your senses and delight your palate. Enjoy the authentic Italian cuisine while basking in the glow of Aspen Mountain in the warm, vibrant, and very lively atmosphere.
Acquolina – A casually chic and polished trattoria and pizzeria with stylish and genuine Italian fare that will make your mouth water. Undoubtedly, the atmosphere will make you feel like you are at home. Eat, drink, and enjoy!
Best Mexican Restaurant
Las Montañas – Gourmet Tex-Mex in the heart of Aspen with panoramic views of the mountains. Indulge in sizzling fajitas and agave spirits. Open 7 days a weeks for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
Best Asian Cuisine
Jing – JING’s menu features a Global Fusion Cuisine, with a focus on prime steaks, sushi, and seafood. Chef Frank has cultivated a passion for international cuisine. His passion is cooking the best food for everyone.
One MICHELIN Star
Bosq – With an extreme passion for flavor, entertaining, gathering friends and sharing a unique food experience in an enchanting environment, Bosq was born. Passionate about the tradition of agriculture in the Aspen Valley, Chef Barclay creates an alchemy of flavor through his dishes. Tasting menu only restaurant offering four, five and nine course menus.
Most Romantic Restaurant
French Alpine Bistro – Crêperie du Village – Aspen’s only authentic French and Fondue restaurant where St. Tropez meets Paris. It has an incredibly cozy and charming ambience, making it ideal for a casual lunch, après-ski, a romantic candlelit dinner and so much more. Seductive and sexy!
Best Restaurants for Lunch
Ajax Tavern – Best known for Après ski, truffle fries, and people watching, don’t miss a coveted seat on the sun-drenched mountainside patio with a bottle of Veuve and dancing as the sun dips behind the mountain. Undeniably, the best seat in town! Glamorous yet easy.
Clark’s Aspen – A bustling oyster bar set in the historic and beloved former Little Annie’s restaurant. Open all year round, Clark’s offers the best oyster and caviar selections. Enjoy an $8 Shot and a Beer…for Aspen & Austin locals only!
Pine Creek Cookhouse – The Cookhouse is a unique Aspen restaurant dining experience. You can bike, ski, snowshoe or take a horse-drawn sleigh ride during the day or night to Pine Creek Cookhouse for gourmet mountain fare.
The White House Tavern – The White House Tavern offers premium sandwiches along with distinctive wines, beers, and cocktails.
Best On Mountain Restaurants
Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro – A slice of Switzerland in the Rocky Mountains. Ski In and Dance Out at this iconic, high-end European restaurant at 11,000 feet serving lunch, Aprés ski and select snowcat dinners. There is no shortage of Verve Clicquot, sizzling raclette or spectacular mountain views…the party never stops! Skis required!
ASPENX Mountain Club – Offering exclusive, breathtaking views of the Elk Mountain Range at one of the world’s most exclusive private clubs. Most importantly, the ASPENX Mountain Club presents beautiful food, beautiful people, and a charming atmosphere. Unquestionably, a hidden gem. Members Only!
Best Après Ski
The Snow Lodge – The Snow Lodge is the winter sister of Montauk’s perennially trendy Surf Lodge. It is located in the St. Regis, and it’s not the run of the mill supper club. With cocktails crafted by New York City’s Dante, this hot spot is sexy and intimate. Expect to be fully entertained, especially thanks to a curated music series with DJ sets and unplugged acoustic concerts. Unforgettable experiences await you!
CHICA Aspen – CHICA is a celebration of Latin flavors by celebrity chef Lorena Garcia. She features influences from Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Mexico and Argentina, among many others. In conclusion, this hot spot is hip and trendy!
Best Nightlife
Caribou Club – The DJ begins nightly at 10pm and the dance floor heats up by 11pm. Music is an eclectric pop with the DJ feeling out the crowd to get the party started.
Sterling Club Aspen – An underground venue with blue velvet booths and a full tapas menu. Above all, make sure to check out the lounge’s wide selection of liquors. Great house music in a sophisticated atmosphere! Thank you for treating us like family!
Gala – Gala is the premier ultra lounge offering a high end luxury experience to their highly exclusive clientele.
Belly Up – The Belly Up is a renowned music venue with big name acts. Therefore, it is where Aspen goes for music!
Best Personal Trainers
WOW Aspen – No Time? No Excuses. Trying to cram a workout into your busy schedule? WOW lets you book one-on-one sessions with Aspen’s best certified personal trainers whenever and wherever you want to train. Plan ahead – or start in as little as 30 minutes. You pick the workout, the date/time, the location, and they provide the specialized trainer.
Best Lashes
Lash Aspen + Aspen Luxe – “Empowering Women One Lash at a Time.” Aspen Lash offers the best and the latest in eyelash extensions. They use only the finest quality products to maintain the integrity and health of your own lashes. Enhance your natural beautiful lashes in an environment of professionalism, perfection and art.
Best Hair Salon
Salon Tullio – Salon Tullio’s chic atmosphere is triumphed only by it’s prolific stylists They have formed lasting bonds with their clientele by tailoring services on an individual level. They are highly trained and enthusiastic. Each stylist respects the uniqueness of the individual client. Lastly, they and are committed to excellence.
Things to Do
FOOD & WINE Classic – The superstar of all culinary events! Each year, the world’s most accomplished winemakers, celebrity chefs, and culinary experts come together in one breathtaking setting. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the pinnacle of good taste, and, as a result, mingle with celebrity chefs. Enjoy a pleasure-packed weekend at the base of spectacular Aspen Mountain.
JAS Aspen – JAS Aspen has a mission to present and preserve jazz and related forms of music. In addition, through world-class events, performances and educational programs, JAS presents multi-day festivals and weekly performances. In conclusion, outstanding jazz musicians can be found in Aspen throughout the year.
Aspen Music Festival and School – Founded in 1949, the Aspen Music Festival and School is regarded as one of the top classical music festivals in the United States. It is noted both for its concert programming and, of course, its musical training of mostly young-adult music students. AMFS offers 400+ classical music events during the summer.
Aspen Security Forum – Top level present and former government officials from all relevant agencies gather to answer critical questions about national and homeland security.
Aspen Ideas Festival – A premier, public gathering place for leaders from around the globe. Above all, they engage in deep and inquisitive discussion of the ideas and issues that shape our lives and challenge our times. A stimulating and invigorating conference that brings great minds together and, as a result, they share ideas and inspire thought to action.
Rotary Club of Aspen – The Aspen Rotary Club is a humanitarian organization which embodies the spirit of “Service Above Self.” Aspen Rotary’s Ducky Derby raises more money to help more people in the Roaring Fork Valley than any other fundraiser of the entire year! The Aspen Rotarians meet every Thursday at 7am at the Mountain Chalet. All are welcome.