CITY GUIDE: Aspen

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Now that the weather has finally decided to feel like winter in Dallas, I’ve got the itch to go skiing!  Today we are highlighting one of our all-time favorite ski towns, Aspen!  This is a great spot to visit, not only because it’s relatively easy to get to, but also because it has so much to offer for both skiers AND non-skiers!

As we all know, Aspen is super ritzy with fantastic shopping – BUT it also has a casual vibe with everyone sporting ski attire throughout the town (while sipping on Veuve, of course).  It’s a unique, must-see spot, so here are our recommendations for your next visit to Aspen:

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HOW TO GET THERE:

We have three recommendations of how to get to Aspen:

1.) Fly into Aspen

2.) Fly into Vail and reserve a shuttle

3.) Fly into Denver and rent a car – Though this option is definitely the longest, flights to Denver are generally affordable + you can make a pit stop in Vail and explore! (Why not hit two ski towns on one road trip?)

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WHERE TO STAY:

Downtown Aspen is definitely a happening spot, so staying somewhere walking-distance would be ideal! Though these four hotels may not be budget-friendly, they are absolutely fabulous and we definitely recommend them:

The Little Nell

Hotel Jerome

St. Regis

AirBnb also has a lot of options for places to stay in town. Best of all, Aspen has a shuttle that can take you around town for free!

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WHAT TO DO: 

SKI

Since we love skiing, our “what to do” recommendations definitely begin with skiing!

AJAX– In our opinion, AJAX Mountain in the most fun and has runs for all ski levels. Last time we were there, we sipped champagne with other skiers on top of the mountain while an awesome DJ played – Great vibes, great atmosphere.

Aspen Highlands – Aspen Highlands in Snowmass is also a great mountain to ski while you are there. Why? Read about Cloud 9 in our “Where to Eat” section to learn why this is our favorite spot to visit in Aspen.

NON-SKI

For those of you who prefer a more relaxing vacay, Aspen has so much to offer for you as well!

– Spa – There are so many great spas to check out in Aspen, but the spa at the St. Regis is perfection! Stop by for a day of pampering to feel relaxed and rejuvenated before a night on the town!

– Snow Activities – If you want to experience the snow without gliding down the mountain on two skis, try one of the other exciting outdoor activities like snowshoeing, dog sledding, or tubing.

-If you travel during the summer, plan to hike The Maroon Bells or Cathedral Lake

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WHERE TO GO OUT: 

Bootsy Bellows

Belly Up

Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro

J Bar

Jimmy’s

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WHERE TO EAT: 

Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro – If you want to be in the scene, be sure to visit Cloud Nine. This ski-in-ski-out party lunch at the top of Aspen Highlands is a must for mid-ski cocktails, fondue, and an excuse for a great time.  Last year the day before we went, Will Ferrell was there partying and buying shots for everyone- major celeb sighting opportunity.

Ajax Tavern – At the base of the mountain, this is a spot you can’t miss!  Also a fab place for Apres-Ski

Matsuhisa – Best sushi in Aspen

Acquolina – Fantastic Italian food with an upscale vibe.

A few other favorites to try: La Crêperie du Village, Pinons, Jimmy’s, Cache Cache – the dining options are endless.

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WHERE TO SHOP:

Gorsuch

Moncler

Forty Five Ten

Goop

Kemo Sabe

Have any other favorites that we missed? Feel free to let us know! We’d love to hear your favorite spots, as well as your memories on your next Aspen trip!

Looking for more ski trip ideas? Check out our other ski town reviews!

Whistler // Taos // Klosters + St. Moritz // Banff // Gstaad