A glittering winter wonderland, a glamorous outdoor playground, a once-forgotten mining town brought back to life with an influx of celebrities and cash: While all the things you’ve heard about Aspen are true, somehow none of them manage to fully capture its mood.
Perhaps that’s because the little town perched high in Colorado’s central Rockies is much more than the sum of its parts—a Silver Boom town turned hedonist resort village that is quaint yet cosmopolitan. Its big-deal restaurants and world-class art scene mix with a mystifying blend of wild natural beauty, modern prosperity, and raw cowboy grit for something uniquely Aspen.
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Though Aspen’s proximity to an abundance of top notch, snow-covered ski runs may be its most obvious draw, there is plenty to see and do beyond and off the slopes—and in every season, too. Here, a look at where to eat, drink, après-ski, and indulge in Colorado’s biggest small town, plus chic styles from Moncler Grenoble to make it all look stylish. A collection of pieces suited for the slopes and beyond, the label—named for the French village where it originated in 1952—has gone back to its roots by mixing traditional and newly released fabrics with technical features.
Hotel Jerome
Not only is the centuries old inn one of Aspen’s most beloved hotels, it regularly tops “best of” lists for the entire state and country, too. No doubt that’s thanks to its rarefied charm: Housed in a refurbished 1889 building in the heart of town, it manages to feel both old world and new school at the same time.
Even if you don’t book a room, be sure to visit J Bar—with its fireplace, dark walls, and leather arm chairs, it is the quintessential place for a well-mixed après-ski craft cocktail.
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The Little Nell
Those who think the words “chic” and “ski resort” don’t go together ought to book a stay at The Little Nell. Recently renovated by famed interiors designer Holly Hunt, the super luxe resort features clean lines, a cozy-crisp palette of white and gray, and an impressive collection of contemporary art. It’s also the only ski-in/ski-out resort in town and is home to two of the town’s famed restaurants: the lively après-ski spot Ajax Tavern and the tony Element 47, a wine lover’s dream.
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Spring Cafe
Thanks to an organic, plant-based menu boasting tons of gluten-free options, this hip cafe and juice bar quickly became one of Aspen’s favorite stops for a healthy breakfast or lunch.
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Meat & Cheese
One-part airy restaurant/farm serving a globally-inspired menu made up of locally sourced and sustainably-raised ingredients; one-part specialty grocer selling local cheeses, meats, produce and pre-prepped picnic foods. In short, the kind of place you could easily linger in all day.
L'Hostaria
This is the kind of dimly lit, old-school fine dining experience that put Aspen on the map and has continued to define the town as a foodie's paradise. Expect house-made pastas, an outrageously extensive wine list, impeccable service, and an ever-stylish crowd. Plus, a gorgeous patio strung with red-toned twinkly lights is perfect for mild nights.
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Pyramid Bistro
It’s been dubbed “the healthiest restaurant in Aspen” (and bills itself as nutritarian) but that doesn’t mean it’s not fun. In fact, finding it is an adventure in itself—it’s tucked away on the second floor of an old house behind Explore Bookstore. Once inside, the vibe is airy and refined, with a menu so tasty you won’t notice it’s mostly meat-free.
Matsuhisa
Chef Nobu’s Aspen outpost features a cozy, lower-level sushi bar and a rustic, wood-accented dining room in an old Victorian house. Plus, the entire roster of the legendary chef’s “new-style” Japanese signatures—right down to that famed black cod miso dish.
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Cloud 9
Don't be deceived by its appearance as a sweet little cabin perched on a mountain—inside, things are raucous as can be. This Alpine-style restaurant is worth visiting at least once, if only to bare witness to the wild, apres-ski scene. (Pro tip: Just don’t wear anything you wouldn’t want completely drenched in champagne.)
Aspen Art Museum
The building is a work of art in itself: a giant, cubist structure shrouded in an oversized, wooden mesh screen that appears to glow from within. Inside, the privately-funded museum showcases an ever-changing rotation of contemporary international art and events—past artists include Robert Montgomery, Takashi Murakami, Diane Arbus, Chuck Close, and more.
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Hiking
There’s no shortage of nature to behold in Aspen. Just outside of town, White River National Forest offers 2.3 million miles of outdoor recreation and is home to the iconic peaks of Maroon Bells, which are touted as the most photographed mountains in North America.
For a quick jaunt closer to town, try Hunter Creek Loop, whose miles of winding paths ramble past waterfalls and through abandoned mining houses and are accessible from a trailhead just a few blocks away from Main Street. Or, take the Silver Queen Gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain for a bird’s eye view of the surrounding peaks.
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Moncler Grenoble takes its name from the French village where Moncler originated in 1952. It’s a collection of ski and technical pieces, plus styles that are as suitable for après ski as they are life in the city. With Moncler Grenoble, the brand goes back to its roots, re-defining its history through a modern and complete range mixing traditional fabrics with technical features.
Also worn throughout: Sandro Sweater and Jacket; Dinosaur Designs Earrings; Zimmermann Jeans; SIR the Label Top; Levi's Jeans; Barton Perreira Sunglasses; Christopher Esber Tops, Skirt and Dress; Bec + Bridge x Pared Sunglasses; Hugo Boss Top and Trousers; Zara Bag; H&M x Moschino Belt; Karen Walker Sunglasses; FEIT Bag
Styling by Lill Jenner, Hair by Sophie Roberts, Makeup by Linda Jeffreys
