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- James Perse Cropped Shearling Jacket
- Fusalp Maela Ski Jacket Blue
- Goldbergh Liah Ski Suit Black
- Alo Yoga High-Waist Airlift Legging
- Wunder Train HR Tight 25
- Alo Yoga Polar Fleece Ear Warmer
- Fast And Free Fleece Ear Warmer
- Pink and Lilac Ski Helmets
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, or go straight to the pink and lilac ski helmets.
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
Pink and Lilac Ski Helmets
Looking for a pink or lilac ski helmet? These two Smith colors are worth a look if you want something beyond black. Check your size and fit before choosing.
Smith Descend Mips in Matte Pink Frost: A soft pink ski helmet for your mountain outfit. shop here
Downhill Ski Boots: Fit Comes First
Ski boots are different from the boots you wear around town. A bootfitter can help you choose the right size and fit for your feet. Have a ski shop check the boots with your bindings before you ski.
Nordica Speedmachine 3 85 W BOA: A women’s downhill ski boot with a BOA closure. Put fit ahead of color when choosing your pair. shop here
Atomic Hawx Magna 85 W: A women’s ski boot with a roomier, high-volume fit to discuss with your bootfitter. shop here
Smith Liberty Mips in Matte Light Lavender: This lilac shade is another pretty option for ski season. shop here
Ski Goggles for the Mountain
Smith Squad S in Black with ChromaPop Everyday Violet Mirror: Black goggles with a violet mirror lens. Try them with your helmet so the fit works together. shop here
Thermal Base Layers and a Neck Gaiter
A thermal top and bottoms give you a starting point under your ski clothes. Add a neck gaiter for those cold mornings on the mountain.
Smartwool Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew in Almond Donegal: A long-sleeve thermal top to wear under your jacket. shop here
Smartwool Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottom in Black: Thermal bottoms for your ski-day layers. shop here
A Ski Boot Bag for Your Gear
Dakine Boot Backpack 50L in White Coated: A bag to keep your boots and mountain gear together for the trip. shop here
Smartwool Thermal Merino Long Neck Gaiter in Black: A simple black neck gaiter for the mountain. shop here
Ski Pants for the Slopes
Start with snow pants that fit over your base layers. An insulated pair is an easy place to start; a shell gives you more control over what goes underneath.
The North Face Freedom Insulated Pants: Insulated snow pants to layer over your base layers. shop here
Burton Reserve GORE-TEX 2L Pants: A GORE-TEX shell pant for resort days when the weather turns. shop here
Ski Gloves for the Mountain
Cold lift rides call for proper ski gloves. These are three options to browse before you pack.
Hestra Heli Ski Female 5-finger: Hestra’s women’s ski glove for cold days on the mountain. shop here
Burton GORE-TEX Leather Gondy Gloves: Leather ski gloves with a GORE-TEX waterproof layer. shop here
Black Diamond Women’s Legend Gloves: A warm glove option for days on the slopes. shop here
Ski Mittens for Extra Warmth
Prefer mittens? Here is another option for your ski bag.
Burton Gondy GORE-TEX Leather Mittens: Leather mittens with a GORE-TEX waterproof layer. shop here
Warm Ski Socks
Keep the socks smooth under your boots. Choose the thickness that works with your boot fit.
Darn Tough Women’s Function X Over-the-Calf Midweight Ski & Snowboard Socks: Merino ski socks that go over the calf. shop here
Icebreaker Women’s Merino Blend Ski+ Ultralight Over-the-Calf Socks: A thin merino-blend sock for a close fit in the boot. shop here
Après-Ski Boots for Town and Dinner
Once the ski boots come off, you still need something for snowy walks around town and out to dinner.
Sorel Out N About IV Classic Women’s Waterproof Boot: A waterproof boot for walking around town after the slopes. shop here
Beanies for Cold Days
Finish with a beanie for the lift or a walk around town.
Smartwool Cable Knit Colorblock Pom Beanie: A knit pom beanie to finish your cold-weather layers. shop here
Sorel Joan of Arctic Women’s Waterproof Boot: A taller waterproof boot option for snowy walks to dinner. shop here
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.
More from Shopping and Info
Browse what to pack for a ski trip. Browse the seasonal bag edit. Browse what to wear in Aspen in fall.
