FROM LEFT: Flying high out of the superpipe at ESPN Winter X Games; The Little Nell; The hike to Highland Bowl at Aspen Highlands
Aspen, Colorado, boasts an unparalleled combination of incredible skiing, world-class culture, phenomenal dining and breathtaking natural beauty. With three daily nonstop flights this winter on United Express (800-241-6522; united.com), it’s never been easier to get a Rocky Mountain high.
WHAT TO DO
It’s not only about the Olympics this year. Check out the best and brightest in the world of action sports as they compete in skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling events when ESPN Winter X Games (xgames.com) descend on Aspen for the seventh time January 28–31. The second Aspen Fashion Week (aspenfashionweek.com) takes place March 14–19, featuring designers showing their collections of winter resort, ski and technical outerwear at runway shows and daily après events. And for great live music, check out the amazing lineup at Belly Up (bellyupaspen.com).
WHERE TO EAT
Aspen may be small, but its dining scene is big—in flavors, talent and variety. One of Aspen’s favorite chefs, Dena Marino, has a new restaurant, Ellina (970-925-2976)—destined to be the must-get reservation of the season. Italian restaurant Il Mulino New York (888-843-6355; ilmulino.com) has locations around the world and has now made its way to Aspen inside The Residences at The Little Nell. Don’t miss the stunning views of Aspen Mountain from the large deck. Gisella (970-925-8222; gisellaaspen.com)—located in the space formerly occupied by Gusto—boasts the same owners as its former incarnation and delish Italian plates, such as spaghetti with sea urchin. Try the beef tartare or braised short ribs “pot au feu” at Brexi Brasserie (970-925-2838; dancingbearaspen.com), owned by Sam and Craig Cordts-Pearce, who also own LuLu Wilson (970-920-1893; luluwilsonaspen.com) and The Wild Fig (970-925-5160; thewildfig.com). For a quick bite, locals swear by Big Wrap (970-544-1700; aspenez.com), a small, mostly carryout spot serving creative salads and wraps.
ON-MOUNTAIN
With four mountains to enjoy, the Aspen area has lots of options and acreage for skiersand snowboarders. Aspen Mountain (800-525-6200; aspensnowmass.com) features only intermediate and expert terrain and rises right out of the town, makingaccess simple—but make sure you’re ready to tackle the world-famous mountain’s steeps and bumps. Snowmass, the biggest of all four mountains, has 3,132 acres and something for everyone—from groomers to hike-to areas and tons of vertical. Familiesand jibbers alike will love Buttermilk, the beginners’ mountain and host to ESPN Winter X Games. The mountain features two terrain parks and a 22-foot-long superpipe. Aspen Highlands is considered the locals’ mountain thanks to Highland Bowl, an off-piste experience inbounds—hike to the 12,392-foot summit if you’re ready for a taste of the backcountry.
WHERE TO STAY
The five-star, five-diamond The Little Nell hotel (888-843-6355; thelittlenell.com), located at the base of Aspen Mountain, is the crown jewel of Aspen hotels. Its Living Room is an après must with fireplaces, great people watching and a vast selection of wines. For a young, hip place to stay, Sky Hotel (800-882-2582; theskyhotel.com) is also located just steps from the gondola and always boasts a hot après-ski scene at its 39 Degrees lounge. A few miles outside Aspen is Snowmass Village (866- 352-1763; snowmassvillage.com), currently undergoing a $1 billion renovation of its base village. Check out the new ski-in/ski-out Viceroy Snowmass hotel—the first of the brand to make it to the mountains— complete with 173 wholly owned condominiums that serve as resort/ residences.
