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Aspen in winter is a different town. The streets glow, the fur coats come out, and everyone seems to be heading up the mountain or toward a long lunch. Here is how I would plan a winter trip: what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and what to pack.
Already been in another season? See my Aspen in fall outfits, my 7-day fall capsule wardrobe, and my Aspen summer looks. Going during the quieter low season? The fall posts are the ones to read.
Get the Looks
On the mountain: ski jacket, ski pants, base layers, goggles and helmet, gloves. Après and town: snow boots, cozy knits, a warm coat. Dinner: a sweater dress or knit set with boots. Jump to the ski shop section below.
Take the Gondola
The Silver Queen Gondola rises straight from town to the top of Aspen Mountain, so you can go from a coffee in town to the summit in one ride. It is just as pretty if you are not skiing: ride up for the views and a slow lunch at the top. Ski season at Aspen Mountain is scheduled to open November 26, 2026 and run through April 18, 2027, as conditions allow. Check the mountain’s site for current dates before you book.
What to Do in Aspen in Winter
- Ski or snowboard. Aspen Snowmass has four mountains, and Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk all have different terrain, so pick by comfort level.
- Ride the gondola just for the views and lunch, no skis needed.
- Walk downtown for window shopping and people watching.
- Take a long lunch or an après stop after skiing.
- Book a spa afternoon on a rest day.
Where to Eat
Aspen’s popular restaurants fill up fast over the holidays, so reserve early. A few favorites to start with:
- Element 47 at The Little Nell for a polished dinner.
- Matsuhisa for Japanese and sushi.
- Cache Cache, the long-running French bistro.
- Ajax Tavern for a lunch right at the base of Aspen Mountain.
- Casa Tua and Sant Ambroeus, both in my fall post.
- The Wild Fig for dinner.
- Paradise Bakery for an easy daytime stop.
Where to Stay
- Hotel Jerome: the historic downtown hotel.
- The Little Nell: right at the base of Aspen Mountain, steps from the gondola.
- White Elephant Aspen.
- The St. Regis Aspen Resort.
These Hotel Jerome photos are from nonwinter visits.
Planning Tip: Aspen’s Airport Closure in 2027
If you are planning ahead: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is scheduled to close for runway reconstruction from April 4, 2027 until November 19, 2027. So if an Aspen trip is on your list, this winter and spring are the time to go. Source: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport announcement.
What to Buy and Wear for Ski Season
Aspen has plenty of new ski brands right now. Here are my picks, linked through my ShopMy shop.
Ski jackets, pants and suits
- James Perse cropped shearling jacket: shop here
- Fusalp Maela ski jacket: shop here
- Goldbergh Liah ski suit: shop here
Base layers and workout pieces under your ski clothes
Leggings and fleece layers you already own work great under ski pants. These are the athletic pieces I would layer.
Ear warmers
Shopping early gives you the best choice of sizes. I also wrote about this in buying your ski wardrobe ahead of the season.
My Travel Must-Have: A Privacy Screen for Your Phone
When I travel, I always put a privacy screen protector on my phone. BodyGuardz makes one for iPhone 17 Pro that limits the viewing angle, so the person next to you on a plane or in a lobby sees a dark screen. Mine is here: shop here.
A slim tracker for your wallet or luggage
The eufy SmartTrack Card E40 (shop here) is a slim, card-sized tracker designed for wallets, luggage and bags. It works with Apple Find My or Google Find Hub, uses crowdsourced networks to help locate your belongings and has an alarm for finding items nearby. It charges wirelessly, with up to five months of tracking per charge.
Have a favorite Aspen restaurant or ski brand? Tell me in the comments.
