Aspen Travel Guide: Where to Eat, Shop, and Play in Colorado's Chicest Mountain Town
- Danielle Mizrahi
- Jan 5
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 6
Aspen, Colorado—where powdery slopes meet high-end boutiques and Michelin-worthy menus. Whether you’re here for the skiing, the shopping, the food or just to sip a hot spiked chocolate while taking in mountain views, Aspen delivers. Here’s your guide to conquering this winter wonderland in style.
Few things to keep in mind:
Altitude Adjustment: You’re at 8,000 feet above sea level—hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. The altitude can make it harder to breathe, but don’t worry—many stores offer oxygen cans you can purchase to help ease the adjustment.
Dress Code: Think mountain chic. Puffer jackets, faux fur, and moon boots are practically uniform.
Plan Ahead: Aspen’s hotspots fill up fast, especially in the winter time. Make dinner and activity reservations in advance.
Where to Stay in Aspen:
If you're seeking luxury and convenience, The Little Nell is the ultimate choice, offering ski-in, ski-out access and top-notch service. For a more boutique experience, check out Hotel Jerome, with its mix of old-world charm and modern amenities. The St. Regis Aspen Resort offers a lavish retreat with a spa and heated outdoor pool, perfect for winding down after a day on the slopes.
For something more personal and spacious, Airbnb is an excellent choice, especially for groups. I stayed in one during my Aspen trip and absolutely loved the experience! Having a cozy, private space to unwind after skiing made it feel like home.
Pro tip: Make sure your Airbnb or hotel has a fireplace—nothing beats the warmth and ambiance after a day in the snow!
Where to Eat in Aspen:
Breakfast:
Sant Ambroeus: A chic cafe offering delicious ricotta pancakes, buttery croissants, and cappuccinos.
Felix (located at Hotel Jerome)- Cozy meets contemporary, where you can enjoy avocado toast and creamy scrambled eggs.
The Crepe Shackhttps://www.thecrepeshack.com/menus/- These crepes were divine! Indulge in sweet and savory crepes, you can't go wrong with either - options like Nutella-filled crepes or Huevos Rancheros.
Lunch: Ski break? Slide into one of these spots for delicious bites.
White House Tavern (Highly Recommend): Housed in a charming historic cottage, this cozy spot serves up incredible crispy chicken sandwiches, french dip au jus, and salads. If you're familiar with Houston's restaurants, this is one of their own.
Ajax Tavern: Located at the base of Aspen Mountain, this is perfect for people-watching while enjoying legendary truffle fries and a Wagyu double cheeseburger.
Cloud 9: Accessible by ski or snowcat, this mountain bistro combines breathtaking alpine views with indulgent fondue and champagne-fueled fun.
French Alpine Bistro: A romantic hideaway offering authentic French fare. Try the crepes or the hearty French onion soup for the ultimate comfort meal.
Dinner:
Casa Tua: A cozy, upscale Italian restaurant perfect for a romantic night out. Their homemade pasta and warm ambiance will transport you straight to the Alps.
Matsuhisa: This Nobu-owned hotspot serves up inventive Japanese cuisine like black cod miso and spicy tuna crispy rice in a chic, mountain-modern setting.
Catch Steak: A lively steakhouse with a modern twist, offering premium cuts, fresh seafood, sushi, and a rooftop terrace with stunning mountain views.
Las Montañas: If you're looking for Mexican... this is your spot! A vibrant vibe offering elevated Mexican cuisine with dishes like fajita's, enchiladas and fresh ceviche. Don't skip on their homemade chips and salsa. Their margaritas are a must-try, especially after a day on the slopes.
Drinks: ..because why not?
J Bar @ Hotel Jerome: Step back in time at this iconic old-school Western charm lounge with craft cocktails. It's a perfect spot to have an old fashion by their fireplace.
Jade Room @ St. Regis: A sleek and sophisticated spot perfect for a pre-dinner drink. Their innovative cocktails and opulent setting make every sip feel like a celebration.
Hooch: Hidden beneath the streets of Aspen, this speakeasy-style bar serves up creative libations in a cozy, intimate atmosphere. It’s the ultimate spot for a late-night escape.
Where to Shop: Retail Therapy, Aspen Style
Luxury Finds: Stroll along Hyman Avenue for designer boutiques like Dior, Prada, and Louis Vuitton.
Unique Gems: For one-of-a-kind finds, visit Kemo Sabe. This Western boutique is famous for custom cowboy hats and boots that scream modern cowboy chic.
Art Lovers: Check out the Baldwin Gallery for contemporary art or Aspen Art Museum for rotating exhibits that blend creativity with mountain inspiration.
Play: Adventures On and Off the Slopes
Skiing & Snowboarding: This is Aspen, after all! Spend your days carving up one of Aspen’s four ski areas: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass (good for beginners), Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk.
Snowmobiling: T-Lazy 7 Ranch - Highly Recommend! This snowmobile adventure will through the White River National Forest. Then you will head up to their beautiful, rusticcabin tucked in the mountains with a spectacular view of the 14,000 foot Pyramid Peak. We had a wonderful lunch served with all-natural Wagyu beef cheeseburgers (Vegetarian and Vegan options available)
Après-Ski: Aspen’s nightlife kicks off with après-ski. Head to The Little Nell for champagne and live music or Chair 9 or Snow Lodge for a lively crowd and DJ beats.
Spa day? Count me in. Book a spa day at Remède Spa in the St. Regis Aspen Resort. Their signature hot stone massage is heavenly.
See you on the slopes!
