There’s no place like Aspen in the winter. While the skiing and snowboarding perks are well known, Aspen isn’t only a town for skiers. If you’re heading to Aspen for the holidays or anytime during the winter season, here’s a guide to some of the best spots to eat, shop and play. No matter your preferences on any winter day, Aspen has options for everyone. From the holiday classics to the most incredible signature events, I’m sharing all the deets … Durée’s Deets!
Family Fun Activities:
If you’re looking for a day of adventure, look no further. T-Lazy-7 Snowmobiles is one of the top activities to do in Aspen. If you need a break from skiing or simply want to pack in the adventures, snowmobiling is a perfect choice for the whole family to make lasting memories. Learn more about how to book reservations here.
Ice Skating at Downtown Ice Garden
Baby, it’s cold outside! Go ice skating at the Downtown Ice Garden. Renovated in 2013, the Ice Garden is conveniently located in the downtown core of Aspen. It’s one of the best winter activities in Aspen and comes with a great view! Learn more here.
Looking to immerse you and your family in a dazzling world of light and art? Attend an interactive art and light display brought to you by Snowmass Tourism and Aspen Snowmass. Stroll through The Tunnel, an interactive series of LED illuminated walkways and arches that will ignite your senses. In addition, you can experience large-scale interactive LED installations by acclaimed artists Wave by Squidsoup and Electric Dandelion by Liquid PLX.
For winter thrills off the slopes, look no further than the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster in Snowmass. Riders will wind their way through over a mile of forest on an elevated track at speeds of up to 28mph. Located adjacent to the Elk Camp Restaurant, the thrilling ride is open during the day and special Ullr Nights.
Nestled into The Meadows at Elk Camp, Snowmass Resort, this tubing park is fun for all ages. The multi-lane Snowmass Tubing Hill is situated on-mountain at Snowmass Village, 15 minutes from Aspen. Snow tubing is a great way to spend a winter afternoon or evening. You can also enjoy unlimited rides on the alpine coaster with the purchase of an activities pass. It allows unlimited tubing and rides for a two-hour session.
Aspen Shopping
Stop, drop and shop. The Aspen shopping scene is like no other. Aspen is well known for its popular high-end designer shops to unique boutiques. The shopping here is always beautiful – and always tempting.
Shopping in Aspen is probably the next best thing to skiing — actually, maybe it’s better. Sophistication and luxury are staples in this quaint mountain city. If you’re looking for fashion inspiration or one-of-a-kind pieces, Aspen is the perfect retreat for your next shopping spree.
B’Jewel: I have been shopping at B’Jewel for more than 20 years. One of my dearest friends, Mary Catherine (MC), is the owner, and she has stunning fine jewelry, unique accessories, handmade kimonos and much more. It’s definitely hard to walk out of her private studio without some new bling to add to your jewelry box. One of my favorite necklaces of all time is from here.
Kemo Sabe: Yee-haw! No trip to Aspen is complete without a visit to Kemo Sabe and a hat. I have a few and keep collecting, reshaping and restyling them by adding new bands and feathers, and even new brandings. Unlike any other, Kemo Sabe takes hat shopping to a totally new level with custom fittings – down to the shape of your brim, custom dents, feathers, charms and specialty bands. The possibilities are endless!
Pitkin County Dry Goods: Pitkin is ideal for women and men. For any time of the year, find the hottest styles for everyday wear, whether you’re lounging by the fire or trying one of the many five-star restaurants in town.
PE 101: PE 101 is another oldie but goodie. This boutique is a go-to for chic women’s jeans, sweaters and long-lasting wardrobe staples. Frame Denim, Vintage Havana and Lauren Moshi are a few of the many brands that owner Joan Teige and her daughter source to create their eclectic line of trendy pieces.
Alo Yoga, LuluLemon, Dior, Frame, Gucci, John Elliott, Sunglass Hut and Intermix are also popular. Located steps from our Aspen office, these staples are too close for comfort. Aspen loves to count on these familiar fashion essentials amidst the streets of offbeat, cutting-edge boutiques.
Etc. has an assortment of diverse finds like Madeworn shirts, funky jewelry, Free City sweatpants and every accessory under the sun. Brimming with reworked metals and handbags, this is truly the place to find that special piece that you can take with you wherever you go.
Amen Wardy: An Aspen staple since 1992, Amen Wardy has fashionable home finds and is right around the corner from our office. If your dining room table needs an upgrade or you’re looking for a fantastic new accent piece, Amen Wardy is where you’ll want to go. It’s perfect for picking up housewarming or holiday gifts, and you can be sure your gift will be one of a kind.
Eat, Drink & Be Merry:
Take a Sleigh Ride to Pine Creek Cookhouse
Aspen’s legendary restaurant, the Pine Creek Cookhouse, is nestled at the base of the Elk Mountains. You can reserve and purchase a round-trip shuttle ticket and be taken by horse-drawn sleigh. Their sleighs can seat 18 guests and are pulled by huge Percheron and Belgian horses. During the trip, you’ll keep cozy under warm blankets while you wind your way past silent stands of aspens, snowy fields under the stars. The Pine Creek Cookhouse is a true Aspen experience, well-known for its diverse menu which incorporates fine international alpine cuisines and its spectacular surroundings. This a truly magical experience!
Whether you wish to dine out or enjoy your holiday meals at home in 2022, Mawa’s Kitchen Aspen has menus to please your discerning palate. In addition to Mawa’s Kitchen’s impeccable brunch, it is offering a selection of appetizers available for your entertaining needs throughout the holiday season, including caviar with all the accoutrements and a specially curated wine menu to accompany your festive gatherings.
Ready to rock on to some good music? Visit the link below to find out what shows are coming soon. Over the years, my favorite concerts have been at Belly Up! From The Chainsmokers to The Go-Gos to Lauryn Hill to LeAnn Rimes to CeeLo Green and many others, the concerts there are like a private get-together.
The Caribou Club is a members-only club, offering a high-end dining experience, a robust wine list, a chic bar and – my personal favorite – a nightclub! Caribou has a New Year’s Eve
$900 5-course degustation menu. As Aspen’s most prestigious club, Caribou’s cuisine is indulgent, thoughtful and creative. The entire management team travels the world together every spring to research and experience world-class dining, creating outstanding service, expertly sourced wine/spirits, and memorable food. Reservations can be made if you are a member by emailing info@caribouclub.com or calling 970.925.2929.
The Wine Bar – Après-Ski Opening Party
Cheers to Après ski! Don your most impressive skiwear for a vintage-themed après-ski party at The Little Nell’s chic wine bar. Enjoy $10 cocktails, large format wines by the glass and DJs spinning vinyl. There is no cover charge, and the event is open to all from 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Spend Christmas at Hotel Jerome
Holiday cheer at the Jerome! Celebrate Christmas Day with a prix fixe menu of festive holiday pairings in the Grand Ballroom at Hotel Jerome. Sweeping views of snow-covered peaks, along with yuletide classics by the Aspen Carolers, infuse the big day with winter wonderland magic.
The bottles are flowing at The Little Nell! Ring in 2023 at The Dom Pérignon Party at The Little Nell and step into an extravagant experience. Enjoy bottomless Dom Pérignon and top-shelf liquor, indulge in sweet and savory bites all night, and sip specialty cocktails. Multiple live music and entertainment acts are spread throughout three distinct venues. 10 p.m.–1:30 a.m. with a fireworks show over Aspen Mountain at midnight. Reservations are required.
Relax & Unwind at The St. Regis
If you’re looking for the ultimate relaxation, Remède Spa at The St. Regis Aspen Resort has been named the world’s best hotel spa by Travel + Leisure magazine and offers a comprehensive menu of facials, massages, body treatments and more. The St. Regis Aspen Resort is a five-star luxury destination nestled at the base of Aspen Mountain and just minutes from world-class skiing and charming downtown Aspen. Be prepared for the red carpet treatment and make sure to try the CBD massage.
Signature Events:
Annual Tree Lighting at The Little Nell:
All is bright at The Little Nell! The Little Nell’s festive, family-friendly event welcomes guests and the community to its courtyard. The event is complimentary and includes cookies and hot cocoa, singing carols and Santa Claus photo opps.
Join the Aspen Meadows for the lighting of the Menorah and complimentary light snacks in the lounge.
The Grinch Screening at Wheeler Opera House
Nothing to “hate, hate, hate” here. Aspen Film is proud to present “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” to screen as a part of the family give back screening series at the Wheeler Opera House. Learn more here.
It’s showtime! Enjoy a nightly performance at the Hotel Jerome Ballroom. Theatre Aspen started in the basement of historic Hotel Jerome years ago, and in celebration of the holiday season, it’s coming together for the second edition of our Holiday Cabaret series to bring the best of Broadway to Aspen. The Hotel Jerome Ballroom transforms into a true performance venue designed to host the Holiday Cabaret shows, featuring a seated chef’s dinner followed by a festive performance by Theatre Aspen.
Celebrity sightings galore! Back and better than ever is the highly anticipated St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship. The glitz, glamour, and excitement take center stage at one of the world’s top snow polo tournaments and only snow polo event in North America at The Rio Grande Park.
12 Days of Aspen:
Get festive! During the 12 Days of Aspen, a hub of downtown activities with everything from free ice skating to holiday treats and carolers. Santa will be a part of the celebration, and to top it off, New Year’s Eve will be celebrated with fireworks over Aspen Mountain.
Aspen’s New Year’s Eve Celebration:
Ring in the New Year at Aspen Mountain. Experience a bonfire and a DJ in Wagner Park from 6- 9 p.m., and fireworks will start over Aspen Mountain at 8 p.m.
This annual winter festival celebrating Aspen’s distinctive Nordic lifestyle will feature a rail jam, spectacular snow sculpture competition, live music, a bonfire and fireworks over Aspen Mountain.
The oldest annual weeklong gay ski event in the nation will feature four mountains of various skiing and snowboarding terrain, cross-country skiing, snowshoe and winter hiking trails.
X Games Aspen 2023 will return to Buttermilk Mountain in Aspen Snowmass. Nearly 100 of the world’s top winter athletes will take center stage and will compete in the biggest snow sport event of the year. X Games Aspen is FREE to attend and will have live coverage of the event on ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC.
Aspen is a charming mountain town that gives every visitor an experience they simply cannot get anywhere else. Read more about my favorite restaurants, Aprés Ski recs and more on our Durée’s Deets blog series. Durée & Company’s Aspen office is located in the beautiful Alpine Bank Building, 600 East Hopkins Avenue, Suite 203, Aspen, 81611. Call our Aspen office at 970.452.2195, our Fort Lauderdale office at 954.723.9350, or email us at info@dureeandcompany.com.
About Durée & Company
Durée & Company, Inc. is an award-winning, full-service public relations, marketing and special events firm founded in 1999. The firm has offices in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Aspen, Colorado. Durée & Company serves the corporate, agency and nonprofit practice areas for local, national and international clients. Services include public relations, social media, marketing, content development, advertising, special events, branding, radio promotions and more. Durée & Company clients include well-known names in business, fashion, hospitality, travel, health and wellness, cannabis and hemp, psychedelics, technology and cryptocurrency, marine and yacht, art and culture, nonprofit organizations, legal and professional services and real estate. Durée & Company is a member of PR Boutiques International™ (PRBI), an international network of boutique PR firms. To learn more, call 954-723-9350; go to dureeandcompany.com; cannabismarketingpr.com; or psychedelicpr.com. Join the social conversation and follow Durée & Company on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn at @DureeCoPR.
