I have been going to Aspen every year for spring break for the past 10 years with family and it has a special little place in my heart. For me Aspen is quality time with the fam’, skiing all day and hitting the town at night. And over the past few years Aspen has turned its little corner of the Colorado Mountains into a foodie (and shopping) haven.
So when my incredible sister picked Aspen as the scene for her big birthday celebration, I knew we were going to have a blast. Three perfect days on the slopes, in the shops and eating incredible food! And because I think everyone should have amazing weekends, I wanted to share my perfect Aspen weekend playbook with you.
Thursday Night: Cocktails at Hooch.
A relative new comer to Aspen Village, this downstairs speakeasy is gorgeously decorated but with a cozy vibe. The drinks are spot on and the bartenders as knowledgeable about spirits as they are sweet. After a few Old Fashions, head upstairs to the farm to table restaurant & and market place by the same owners, Meat & Cheese.
Friday: Shred Snowmass.
My favorite Aspen Mountain. With countless slopes and lifts, skier and snowboarders of all levels will find numerous runs. One of my faves is Sheer Bliss, beautiful long blue with views that take your breath away. Hit up Gwen’s for lunch and a glass of wine on the deck.
Friday night: Dinner at White House Tavern.
YOU CAN’T GO WRONG HERE! A chic and quaint place right in town, White House Tavern serves my two favorite things, kale salad and the crispy chicken sandwich. Honestly, I dream about this food. Two years ago after a bad fall on the mountain which resulted in a broken nose and a concussion, I still went here for dinner. It’s that good.
Saturday Ski Aspen Highlands and then party at Cloud 9.
As I said I love Snowmass but if you want to change it up head over to Highlands, which is a little closer to downtown Aspen. But the real shining star here is Cloud 9, a lunch only, ski in/ ski out bistro. If you didn’t know any better you would think it was a normal mountain restaurant. Then at 2pm the music turns up, the champagne starts getting sprayed and the tables are made for dancing…on them. My husband’s tip is to wear your Gore-Tex coat during lunch, then the flying champagne just beads off of you. FYI- this is place is opulent and kinda ridiculous but worth a visit.
Saturday Night: Dinner at Jimmy’s.
Keep the party going over at Jimmy’s. A classic restaurant and bar serving American steakhouse favorites with a very impressive wine list and beautiful cocktails. If you can’t get a reservation in the dining room, fret not, you can eat in the bar and enjoy the après people watching.
Sunday: Brunch at J-Bar in the Jerome Hotel.
The eggs are local and farm fresh, the butter and jam rock and the coffee hits the spot. J Bar doesn’t take reservations but you usually don’t have to wait long. The perfect way to end a great weekend.
My Favorite Aspen Stores to check out:
Cos Bar
This beauty store has been a staple for years and carries all the top beauty lines like La Mer, Tom Ford and Chanel. I picked up the new mini Tom Ford lipstick in “Dylan” red while I was there.
Daniel’s Antiques
Amazing collection of collectibles ranging from vintage Louis Vuitton train cases, to massive Swiss Black Forrest carvings and dueling pistols from the 1700s.
Ralph Lauren
Everything in this RL location is perfectly suited for après-ski. Carrying the Men’s & Women’s collections.
Want to see more of Ashlan’s travels? See her adventures running with caribou here.
