A Little Place Called ASPEN...
Aspen has always been more than a glittering, fashionable ski town for me. I have actually been on the “other side” catering to the whims of the Gucci snowsuit clad elite as a ski instructor for their children and a cocktail waitress come nightfall at the uber fancy Little Nell. I further mingled with the locals and got familiar with the real issues of small town life, directing a show for the grassroots TV channel. While friends joked and my family put pressure on me to end my year as a ski bum, I still think of it as the year I learned the most about life. Clearly Aspen holds special sentimental value for me, but I promise you, there is definitely something for everyone in this little valley. Having returned from one of my best friend’s bachelorette weekends there, here are some tried and true tips and highlights for a winter weekend in Aspen!
I am definitely a breakfast connoisseur and it is particularly essential for beginning a day in the mountains, whether skiing, hiking or just staying warm. My two must try spots are Poppycock’s, which has the most insane oatmeal pancakes and Main Street Bakery which nails the small town, mountain atmosphere serving biscuits, grits, and a cinnamon roll you won’t forget. If you only have time for a coffee, Ink is the local favorite. Paradise Bakery is the place get an incredible muffin before skiing (I recommend the pumpkin) or a hard earned cookie after a day braving the elements.
If you’re ready to hit the slopes Aspen has four mountains to explore. Even if you are staying in town and want to ski something other than Ajax (Aspen Mountain), the free public free shuttle is so easy and leaves right from the center of town making stops at Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Aspen Mountain is the steepest of the four and is right in the center of town. Highlands is my personal favorite where you can hike the bowl if you are so inspired. Buttermilk is known as the beginner’s mountain, where Mary and I learned to ski and I taught skiing. It is now home to the winter X-games and a snowboarder’s favorite because of the terrain park. Snowmass has the most terrain and something for level.
Not into downhill skiing? Try cross-country skiing or skate skiing at the Aspen Cross Country Center. You can also rent snowshoes and hike up Buttermilk. Sounds grueling, but it is actually one of the most peaceful, soul awakening things you can do, especially if you go around 4:00, when the lifts are closed and you have the mountain to yourself. If you just want to hike, Smuggler’s Mountain is an awesome hike you can do all year long.
After so much activity, time for massages, steam rooms and hot tubs! The Aspen Club & Spa is the perfect place to end the day. Honestly the hot tub here is one of the most picturesque I have ever been in.
Après Ski/Happy Hour is one of my favorite components of a ski weekend! 39 Degrees at the Sky Hotel is definitely the place to see and be seen for people under forty – try the Aspen Crush cocktail. La Cantina hits the spot for mellow $3 margaritas and a local crowd. And if you want tasty snacks with your drink deals check out Mezzaluna. Ajax Tavern is another favorite right at the base of Aspen Mountain- perfect if the weather is nice as they have great outdoor space. The Green House Bar at the Little Nell (where I used to be the world’s worst cocktails waitress) is worth a trip simply because it is the best place to watch Cougars, or perhaps more accurately, Snow Leopards at work.
While Aspen is a mountain town, one of the reasons it earns its swanky reputation is for the noteworthy restaurants, setting it apart from other ski towns. Jimmy’s has always been one of my absolute favorites. Their crab cake is amazing – all lump, hardly any fried and the filets at this cozy all-American spot, are incredible. Lulu Wilson is new on the scene, and worth mentioning for it’s charming ambiance - a beautifully restored Victorian-era mining cabin. I love their kale salad and they have a delicious espresso martini if you’re looking for a sweet after dinner drink.
Whether you intend to or not, you’ll most likely end up at Eric’s sometime post-dinner. There are three facets of Eric’s 1. Lounge/bar, 2. Pool Hall, 3. Cigar bar. Somehow Eric’s tastefully provides all three with and room to move around. The Regal is the new dance spot in town. It used to be a casual saloon where you could always get in to dance it off. It’s still a great spot, but the new owners have attempted to "posh it up" and it can now be somewhat annoying with lines and bottle service. The J-Bar at the historic Jerome Hotel is a fun and elegant alternative for a nightcap, and the Wine Spot at the Grand Hyatt is a hidden gem if you want to enjoy a cozy glass in front of a fire, inside or out. For live music, The Belly Up is the spot. It’s open seven nights a week and features everyone from local artists to Ben Harper and Wyclef.
Where to stay? The Little Nell and the Hotel Jerome are my two favorite luxury hotels in town. However, they both cost a small fortune, so unless you can work out a deal, I’d opt for other accommodations. The Sky Hotel is more affordable and has a fun, youthful vibe and is located right at the base of Aspen Mountain. The best option, especially if you are traveling with a group, is to rent a condo – more space, you can cook a fun dinner in one night, and most are right at the base of the mountain. Get your skis shined up....
DO
Aspen Cross Country Center
At the Aspen Golf Course
Highway 82
Aspen, CO 81611
970 925-2145
AXCC@utemountaineer.com
The Aspen Club & Spa
1450 Crystal Lake Road
Aspen, CO 81611
970 925-8900
www.theaspenclub.com
EAT
Poppycock’s
665 East Cooper Ave
Aspen, CO 81611
970 925-1245
Main Street Bakery
201 East Main Street
Aspen, CO 81611
970 925-6446
Ink! Coffee Company
520 East Durant Ave
Aspen, CO 81611
970 544-00588
www.inkcoffee.com
Paradise Bakery
320 South Galena Street
Aspen, CO 81611
970 925-7585
www.paradisebakery.com
Ajax Tavern
685 East Durant Ave
Aspen, CO 81611
970 920-9333
La Cantina
411 East Main Street
Aspen, CO 81611
970 925-3663
www.cantina-aspen.com
Jimmy’s
205 South Mill Street
Aspen, CO 81611
970 925-6030
www.jimmysaspen.com
Lulu Wilson
www.luluwilson.com
316 East Hopkins Ave
Aspen, CO 81611
970 920-1893
Mezzaluna
www.mezzalunaaspen.com
624 East Cooper Ave
Aspen, CO 81611
970 925-5882
DRINK
The Belly Up
www.bellyupaspen.com
450 South Galena St
Aspen, CO 81611
970 544-9800
info@bellyupaspen.com
Eric’s Bar
315 East Hyman Ave.
Aspen, CO 81611
970 920-6707
The J-Bar
www.hoteljerome.com
At the Hotel Jerome
330 East Main St
Aspen, CO 81611
970 253-3114
The Regal Watering Hole
www.regalaspen.com
220 South Galena St
Aspen, CO 81611
970 275-3876
The Wine Spot
www.the winespot.net
In Hyatt Grand Aspen
415 Dean St
Aspen, CO 81611
970 920-9463
STAY
The Little Nell
www.thelittlenell.com
675 East Durant Ave
Aspen, CO 81611
888 843-6355
Hotel Jerome
www.hoteljerome.com
330 East Main St
Aspen, CO 81611
970 920-1000
The Sky Hotel
www.theskyhotel.com
709 East Durant Ave
Aspen, CO 81611
800 882-2582
Condo Rentals
Frias Properties
www.friasproperties.com
877 636-4626
730 East Durant Ave
Aspen