Aspen Snowmass: Where Elevated Meets Effortless Style

With four distinct mountains and two vibrant alpine towns, Aspen Snowmass is home to some of the most varied skiing in North America and offers a dining and accommodation scene to match. From wide-open terrain and perfectly groomed pistes to lively après spots and thoughtfully designed stays, there is truly something for every traveller. Whether guests favour elevated touches or a more relaxed, sociable feel, there is a way to experience Aspen Snowmass that suits every kind of skier.

Where to Stay

Elevated: The Little Nell

The Little Nell, Aspen Snowmass’ only Five-Star, Five-Diamond hotel, sits slopeside at the base of Aspen Mountain with true ski-in, ski-out access. Suites feature plush bedding, gas fireplaces, private balconies and sweeping mountain views. Personalised service includes a dedicated ski concierge and the newly renovated spa offers treatments such as oxygen-infused massages. An outdoor heated pool and hot tub provide the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes. Prices vary depending on the time of year. Visit thelittlenell.com for the most up-to-date rates and to plan your stay.

Effortless: The Limelight Aspen & The Limelight Snowmass

The Limelight hotels offer stylish, easy-going retreats in two prime locations: The Limelight Aspen in the heart of downtown Aspen and The Limelight Snowmass at the base of Snowmass. Both properties feature contemporary alpine interiors, spacious rooms and suites, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor heated pools and hot tubs provide the perfect way to unwind, while a complimentary breakfast fuels the day ahead. At The Lounge, wood-fired pizzas, crafted cocktails and live music create a lively basecamp for après-ski and socialising. Prices vary depending on the time of year. Visit limelighthotels.com for the most up-to-date rates and to plan your stay.

Where to Eat

On-Mountain

Elevated: Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro

Perched on Aspen Highlands with sweeping views of the Maroon Bells, the ski-in/ski-out only Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro is an unassuming mountain cabin on the outside and a legendary dining destination on the inside. Swiss-inspired dishes such as fondue, raclette, steak tartare and caviar create a memorable alpine experience, while the lively après-ski scene adds a festive energy. For something truly unique, snowcat dinners take guests up the mountain for an evening meal under the stars.

Elevated: Sam’s

Boasting some of the best views around, the restaurant at the top of Sam’s Knob on Snowmass offers a full menu of fine wines, antipasti, house-made pastas and a variety of thoughtfully sourced entrees. Linger over a signature Negroni spritz at the spacious bar or soak in the views from one of the tables. Non-skiers can also enjoy Sam’s for an 11am lunch on weekdays only (Mondays through Fridays) via a Foot Pass ride on the Village Express lift; the cost of a Foot Passenger lift ticket is included in the reservation.

Effortless: Elk Camp Restaurant

Elk Camp at Snowmass takes a relaxed approach to on-mountain dining, focusing on fresh, locally inspired dishes. Rotisserie plates, hand-tossed pizzas, hearty bowls of chilli and crisp salads make it an ideal spot to pause and refuel. The expansive deck and sweeping mountain views provide the perfect backdrop, whether stopping for a leisurely lunch or a quick break between runs.

Effortless: Ullr Nights at Elk Camp

Twice a month during the winter, Aspen Snowmass transforms Elk Camp into a snowy wonderland for Ullr Nights, an enchanting family-friendly celebration of the Norse God of Snow. Ride the Elk Camp Gondola up the mountain and experience a night of winter festivities, including tubing, the exhilarating Breathtaker Alpine Coaster and cosy bonfires for roasting s’mores. The Elk Camp Restaurant serves up delicious à la carte dining from 5:30 to 7:30pm, offering everything from wood-fired pizzas to grilled mountain fare.

Off-Mountain

Elevated: Element 47 & The Wine Bar at The Little Nell

Located within The Little Nell, Element 47 showcases refined American cuisine with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The menu features dishes such as local Colorado lamb, pan-seared trout and hand-crafted pastas, all designed to highlight regional flavours. The Wine Bar houses over 20,000 bottles and offers an intimate space for guests to explore expertly curated wine pairings with guidance from a world-class sommelier team. Guests can also book a private tasting or dinner in The Little Nell Wine Cellar. Options include a 90-minute guided wine tasting where up to six guests can sip some of the most sought-after wines pulled straight from shelves, accompanied by house-cured meats, local cheeses, caviar, or truffle fries.

Effortless: Ajax Tavern

Ajax Tavern is at the heart of Aspen’s après-ski scene, offering a relaxed but iconic spot to unwind at the base of Aspen Mountain. Ski straight in and settle onto the sun-soaked terrace for approachable favourites, from truffle fries and the signature Ajax double cheeseburger to hearty salads and seasonal specials. With craft cocktails, local beers and people-watching aplenty, it’s a lively hub where the energy of the slopes starts in the afternoon and continues well into the evening.

Effortless: The Lounge at The Limelight Aspen & Snowmass

The Lounge at the Limelight hotels in Aspen and Snowmass offers a casual, vibrant setting for dining and socialising. Wood-fired pizzas, fresh salads, hearty bistro dishes and daily specials are complemented by crafted cocktails and local beers. Indoor and outdoor seating, live music and a welcoming atmosphere make it the ideal spot to relax after a day on the slopes.

What to Do

Elevated: Aspen Snowcat Powder Tours

For those seeking a deeper mountain experience, snowcat tours open up access to the untouched terrain of Aspen Snowmass. A typical day averages 10,000 vertical feet of ungroomed wilderness skiing and boarding, with two guides leading each ten-person snowcat. The experience includes a hearty lunch in a cosy cabin set in the heart of the scenic Elk Mountains. Single seats cost £640 per person, or £6,025 for a private cat with ten seats.

Elevated: First Tracks

Whether you’re an early bird or a late starter, intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders can enjoy a unique behind-the-scenes mountain experience with the ‘First Tracks’ programme. Available daily on Aspen Mountain, and Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on Snowmass, First Tracks allows guests to join Ski Pros to explore the mountains on freshly groomed pistes before the general public arrives. First Tracks is complimentary for guests of The Little Nell, Limelight Aspen and Limelight Snowmass. For non-guests, First Tracks are £30 per person during non-peak time and £44 per person during peak season. Advanced reservations and valid lift ticket/season pass required.

Effortless: Snowshoe Adventures with The Little Nell and ACES

Snowshoeing offers a peaceful way to explore Aspen Snowmass’ winter landscapes on guided treks. Those staying at The Little Nell have complimentary access to snowshoes and can use a fully electric Audi A6 e-tron to reach recommended trailheads for non-guided or guided hikes, including the scenic Maroon Creek Trail. For a more immersive experience, two-hour guided tours are offered by naturalists from the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES), departing daily from the top of the Silver Queen Gondola on Aspen Mountain and Elk Camp Gondola on Snowmass. Self-guided tours are free for guests of The Little Nell, or guided tours cost £64 per adult and £48 per youth (7-17) with ACES.

Where to Shop

Elevated: Aspen Collection

Located at the base of Aspen Mountain in Gondola Plaza and steps from the Village Express Lift in Snowmass, Aspen Collection features an assortment of performance wear, including on-and-off mountain gear and accessories. In addition to offering seamless ski rental fittings, both locations have a seasonal menu of fresh, local pastries, Lavazza coffee and a curated selection of beer and wine.

Effortless: Four Mountain Sports

With nine convenient locations across all four mountains and in downtown Aspen, Four Mountain Sports is a one-stop shop for anything needed on or off the mountain. In addition to ski rentals, Four Mountain Sports sells ski hardgoods and a full selection of brand-name outerwear, clothing and footwear.

With roots dating back to 1946, Aspen Skiing Company, a division of Aspen One, owns and operates four mountains—Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. Aspen Skiing Company takes pride in the coexistence of resort, community, and the environment, which exemplifies its values of living fully, honouring people and place, taking the long view, and pursuing excellence in everything it does. Aspen Skiing Company is where guests from around the world come to renew the mind, body, and spirit through unforgettable experiences at the confluence of nature, culture, and recreation.

Aspen Skiing Company also owns and operates the award-winning Aspen Snowmass Ski & Snowboard School, Four Mountain Sports rental and retail shops, and a collection of sustainably sourced on-mountain food and beverage outlets. Aspen Snowmass encompasses 5,680 acres of skiable terrain across four mountains, more than 40 ski lifts, and more than 410 trails. For more information, visit www.aspensnowmass.com or follow @aspensnowmass on Instagram and Facebook.