Aspen isn’t just for winter, this quaint mountain town is gorgeous year round
The definition of serenity. Image courtesy of Stephen Coote.
The vibe
Aspen is a small, laidback town in Colorado, famed for its skiing thanks to the breathtaking Elk Mountain range of the Rocky Mountains, which surround it. Don’t be fooled, however, into thinking that Aspen is only worth seeing during the winter months. In May, the glorious Independence mountain pass opens, and people embrace all the great outdoors has to offer including spectacular scenery and fresh mountain air.
Who goes
Everyone from billionaires to mountain bikers, families, out-door fanatics and young couples.
The Views
Here is a highlight reel of some of our favourite snaps from our visit ...
Aspen is a small, laidback town in Colorado, famed for its skiing thanks to the breathtaking Elk Mountain range of the Rocky Mountains, which surround it. Don’t be fooled, however, into thinking that Aspen is only worth seeing during the winter months. In May, the glorious Independence mountain pass opens, and people embrace all the great outdoors has to offer including spectacular scenery and fresh mountain air.
Who goes
Everyone from billionaires to mountain bikers, families, out-door fanatics and young couples.
The Views
Here is a highlight reel of some of our favourite snaps from our visit ...
Curvy roads mean its best to enjoy a leisurely pace as you drive through the mountains. Image courtesy of Stephen Cootes.
Glorious greenery on a warm May day. Image courtesy of Stephen Cootes.
A stunning example of Victorian Gothic architecture and just one of many fine houses in Aspen. Image courtesy of Stephen Cootes.
The St. Regis Hotel. Image courtesy of Stephen Cootes.
Where to stay- Our favourite foodie-friendly hotels in Aspen
St Regis
This gorgeous luxury hotel has 179 rooms and suites, with the option of butler service if you really want to treat yourself. Take one of the St. Regis’ cruiser bikes for the day and pedal through Rio Grande Park.
Five on-site food/drink options include: Chef’s Club, Velvet Buck, Mountain Social, Splash Pool Bar and in-room dining, so it’s the perfect place for those who love great food.
St Regis
This gorgeous luxury hotel has 179 rooms and suites, with the option of butler service if you really want to treat yourself. Take one of the St. Regis’ cruiser bikes for the day and pedal through Rio Grande Park.
Five on-site food/drink options include: Chef’s Club, Velvet Buck, Mountain Social, Splash Pool Bar and in-room dining, so it’s the perfect place for those who love great food.
Image courtesy of Little Nell.
Little Nell
One of the few 5-star, 5-diamond hotels in Colorado and the only ski-in, ski-out hotel on Aspen Mountain, it’s a special experience staying at Little Nell. Two restaurants and three bars featuring world-renowned chefs, bartenders, and sommeliers ensure a memorable dining experience.
One of the few 5-star, 5-diamond hotels in Colorado and the only ski-in, ski-out hotel on Aspen Mountain, it’s a special experience staying at Little Nell. Two restaurants and three bars featuring world-renowned chefs, bartenders, and sommeliers ensure a memorable dining experience.
Image courtesy of Hotel Jerome.
Hotel Jerome
An Aspen landmark since 1889, this elegant hotel has a wealth of restaurants and foodie activities to enjoy. Take in a tipple at the iconic J-Bar, indulge in American cuisine at Prospect restaurant or lounge in the Living Room, the social hub of Aspen. Guests can also partake in a variety of special culinary events with Executive Chef Rob Zack, join wine tastings with their resident wine director and learn the art of baking desserts with their pastry chef.
An Aspen landmark since 1889, this elegant hotel has a wealth of restaurants and foodie activities to enjoy. Take in a tipple at the iconic J-Bar, indulge in American cuisine at Prospect restaurant or lounge in the Living Room, the social hub of Aspen. Guests can also partake in a variety of special culinary events with Executive Chef Rob Zack, join wine tastings with their resident wine director and learn the art of baking desserts with their pastry chef.
Meat and Cheese. Image courtesy of Aspen Times.
Where to eat – Our favourite restaurants in Aspen
Meat and cheese
This specialty food store, farm shop and restaurant located on Restaurant Row features an amazing team of young chefs, bakers, picklers, brewers, butchers and charcutiers, making it a must-visit destination for foodies.
Meat and cheese
This specialty food store, farm shop and restaurant located on Restaurant Row features an amazing team of young chefs, bakers, picklers, brewers, butchers and charcutiers, making it a must-visit destination for foodies.
Cache Cache. Image courtesy of Aspen Peak Magazine.
Cache Cache
The place to go for delicious French cuisine and an impressive wine list. With over 5,000 bottles of wine, the wine list is a staggering 100 pages, making it a destination for wine connoisseurs.
The place to go for delicious French cuisine and an impressive wine list. With over 5,000 bottles of wine, the wine list is a staggering 100 pages, making it a destination for wine connoisseurs.
Sushi delights. Image courtesy of Matsuhisa.
Matsuhisa
Located within a 120-year-old Victorian house in downtown Aspen, Matsuhisa Aspen opened in 1998 as the first Matsuhisa location outside of Chef Nobu’s original Beverly Hills restaurant. It remains the place to get fabulous sushi in Aspen.
Located within a 120-year-old Victorian house in downtown Aspen, Matsuhisa Aspen opened in 1998 as the first Matsuhisa location outside of Chef Nobu’s original Beverly Hills restaurant. It remains the place to get fabulous sushi in Aspen.
What to see and do in Aspen
We’ve rounded up our favourite things to see and do to help you make the most of your time during your visit.
Aspen Art Museum
Get your art on at the Aspen Art Museum, curated by internationally renowned American curator Courtenay Finn.
The Aspen institute
This innovative centre explores issues around the mind, body and soul. They host an interesting programme of talks year round.
We’ve rounded up our favourite things to see and do to help you make the most of your time during your visit.
Aspen Art Museum
Get your art on at the Aspen Art Museum, curated by internationally renowned American curator Courtenay Finn.
The Aspen institute
This innovative centre explores issues around the mind, body and soul. They host an interesting programme of talks year round.
Aspen Art Museum. Image courtesy of Arch Daily.
Top tips for your springtime visit to Aspen
Elinor Seath
- What to bring: A hat – The summer sun is scorching in the mountains and the burn time is quicker thanks to the high altitude.
- What to leave: Your skis. Get your adrenaline pumping during the summer months with a mountain bike ride. You can hire bikes locally.
- What to buy: If you've got quarter of million pounds to spare, pick up a large piece of amethyst from Columbine of Aspen.
Elinor Seath
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