ELLE Escapes: Aspen

Ah, Aspen. A place where the mountains are pristine, the scene is bustling from day to night, and the beer does indeed flow like wine—especially après-ski. Whether or not you hit the slopes is inconsequential in the lavish resort town nestled high up in the Rockies, as there’s plenty to do otherwise: post up by the fire at The Little Nell with a glass of wine in hand, dine out at award-winning restaurants (just make sure to make a reservation well in advance), and visit buzzy art exhibits—the Aspen Art Museum never disappoints. Here’s what else not to miss.

What to See

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La Prairie at the St. Regis Spa

What could be more relaxing after a long flight than a spa day? This season, La Prairie is popping up at the St. Regis Aspen, bringing its luxe skin care products to two treatment rooms. Choose from two exclusive facials, both incorporating the beauty brand’s new White Caviar Light Concentrate. You can book here through the end of the month.

ASPENX

A far cry from your average rental shop, ASPENX, conveniently located at the base of Aspen Mountain (a.k.a. Ajax), has everything: designer skis, brand-new gear, and complimentary pastries and coffee whenever you feel like it.

Aspen Art Museum

If you want to take a day off skiing, the Aspen Art Museum is worth a visit. Currently on view is “Heaven,” an immersive installation by L.A. artist Alex Israel that can be experienced via lift ticket, an exhibition, and even on the mountain.

Where to Eat

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Casa Tua Aspen

The Casa Tua concept gets Aspen-ified in this rustic yet refined space with views of downtown Aspen. The winter menu features bison and venison-heavy dishes, along with signatures like Miky’s Salad, pasta, and, of course, handspun pistachio gelato.

Ajax Tavern

For a quick and satisfying meal after a day on the mountain, head to Ajax Tavern, a stone’s throw away from the Silver Queen Gondola. Offering bistro food with a laid-back atmosphere (casual winter boots and sweaters are totally fine here), you’ll be in and out—and very full. Order the lamb bolognese with a side of people-watching.

Campo de Fiori

Don’t let its downstairs location at the Mill Street Mall fool you: If you want good Italian in Aspen, Campo de Fiori is your best bet. One of the city’s lower maintenance but nonetheless delicious dining options, the dishes do not disappoint—especially the generously sized portion of frutti di mare.

Where to Drink

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The Snow Lodge

Led by founder and creative director Jayma Cardoso, the team behind The Surf Lodge in Montauk brings its cast of rotating DJs and hard-to-get-into door out west with The Snow Lodge, a restaurant concept with a seasonally-focused menu inside the St. Regis. Apart from the after-dinner ambiance in the Red Room, the Après-Ski concerts in the courtyard every Saturday are worth checking out.

Caribou Club

If you manage to snag an invite to Caribou, Aspen’s first private members-only club, you’d be remiss not to go. Before or after you eat, have a cocktail by the fire in the Great Room—an ultra-luxe alpine lodge that looks straight out of Twin Peaks—and relish in the fact that you’re seated at one of the most exclusive haunts in town.

The Wine Bar at The Little Nell

Oenophiles, take note: The Little Nell’s world-famous wine program is available to sample in a quiet location within the hotel. This is a good choice for those who want to wind down and relax circa cocktail hour, though later on at night, the vinyl DJ booth and champagne trunk are out in full force.

Where to Stay

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The St. Regis Aspen Resort

In addition to its prime location at the base of Aspen Mountain, the St. Regis Aspen boasts all the amenities of a five-star luxury hotel. Think: a fitness center, a pool, a sprawling lobby filled with shops and several fire places, and the option to book the Paradis Suite, with a Steinway baby grand piano, a chandelier, and a full sampling of Hennessy’s cognac offerings.

The Little Nell

The crème de la crème of resorts, The Little Nell is not only the premiere five-star, five-diamond hotel in Aspen—it offers ski-in, ski-out access, an outdoor heated pool and hot tub, three restaurants, and incomparable hospitality (truffles at turn-down service!). It’s no surprise that Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Justin Bieber, and Paris Hilton are all regulars.

The Limelight Hotel Aspen

The Limelight is a great place to book if you want a central location, modern amenities, spacious rooms, a lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a very impressive (and complimentary) breakfast spread. And let’s be real, who doesn’t?

Beauty Picks

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