At the pinnacle of luxury skiing, Aspen tops many global ski travellers’ winter wish list. Immortalized by celebrities such as iconoclastic writer Hunter S. Thompson, iconic singer John Denver and, more recently, idolized screen stars such as the Kardashians, Heidi Klum and Kate Hudson, Aspen first became a premier jetset hangout back in the 1940s. Tucked away in the Elk mountain range of the Rockies about four hours’ drive from Denver, Aspen  has kept that ritzy-revelry reputation alongside its development as a four-resort serious skiers’ and snowboarders’ sanctum.

Whatever your mountain motivation, Aspen is a welcoming environment for everyone. In the words of one of its many celebrity residents, snowboarding star Gretchen Bleiler: “What sets Aspen apart is that the collective love and appreciation for the clean air and inspiring beauty of the mountains unites everyone. It’s the reason you’ll see hard core, long-time Aspen locals having a drink with excited first timers.”

Supreme Skiing

Deciding between Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Highlands or Buttermilk for skiing – all linked by bus and on the same liftpass – is the champagne challenge of each day. For those staying at ski in/out Snowmass Village, it is tempting to stay put, especially if there’s powder to be ploughed right on the doorstep and – invariably – low liftlines. It has the biggest acreage of the four, with 98 trails over 3342 acres and wonderful glades through which to gleefully gambol. For name-droppers, visiting the shrines – secreted away on both Snowmass and Aspen mountains – is a must. Get a ski instructor or host to help locate them.

Aspen (or Apex) Mountain is right in downtown Aspen, close to the nightlife, artsy culture, and chi-chi shopping scene. It’s also the venue for Aspen’s unique BUMPS FOR BOOMERS® ski instruction program designed to extend skiing longevity into ripe old age, especially on ungroomed terrain. Using nifty 90cm skis, mature instructors strip your skiing down to basic centre of balance and then rebuild technique using terrain tactics and effortless manoeuvres to make normal length skis do all the work for you. Other options to get to know this area include Aspen Mountain Powder Tours and also Guided Experiences with the seasoned ski pros of Aspen Snowmass Ski & Snowboard School.

The celebrated scene for the X-Games, Buttermilk is a terrain park paradise, also offering benevolent green and blue options and an escape from peak holiday hordes. It’s the daily playground for 100-year-old Klaus Obermeyer who, while still running his skiwear company Obermeyer out of Aspen – is intent on skiing until the age of 103 in order to notch up a record-breaking 100 winters on skis.

Olympic snowboarder, Gretchen Bleiler moved with her family to Aspen at the age of 10. “There is no place like Aspen,” says the worldclass competitor who has hobnobbed at numerous top ski areas. “With four unique resorts all in one small valley, the choices are endless and the crowds are non-existent.

The Highlands Bowl is one of my favourite Aspen experiences. This is a place of awe inspiring beauty and a town filled with culture and abundance which is what makes this resort town so unique.” Aspen Highlands – with its cat-accessed rugged bowl skiing and backcountry hikes – is particularly appetizing for black diamond skiers and snowboarders.

But it’s also the mid-mountain location for Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, Aspen’s most famous piste party, frequented by A-listers such as Malia Obama, Will Ferrell and Seal. So skiers of all standards flock there, especially on sunny days, for pulsing patio parties, champagne spraying, and tabletop dancing. Patrollers are always on hand to help the ‘over-served’ get back down to base. While in the South of France at Gunter Sachs’ million-dollar mansion, Cloud Nine Manager Tommy Tollesson and ski and party-pal Julien Dreyfus created their own terrace tipple, Entourage® Rosé to bring back to Aspen – a “pure and qualitative” French Côtes de Provence AOC making lunchtimes even more lavish.

When it comes to where to stay and how to enjoy life off the slopes, Aspen does not disappoint with a host of Hedonistic Hostelries and Après Ski amusements and Decadent Dining.  See our Aspen Luxury Hotels, Après Ski Aspen, and Aspen Dining guides for all the delicious details.

Ritzy Retail

With over 200 shops, Aspen has more to offer shopaholics than most ski resorts. For western authenticity, there’s Kemo Sabe, offering mouth-watering shelves of cowboy boots, endless custom-fitted western hats hanging from the ceiling, belts, buckles, clothing and jewelry. As well as an alluring window display, there are horses ‘parked’ in front in their own parking space. Live out the western vibe with complimentary shots in the upstairs bar.

During high season, sip complimentary prosecco and prosciutto while browsing. Christian Louboutin, which opened in Aspen in early 2020, is upping the Aspen ante with incredible window dressing to compete with Prada, Ralph Lauren and Gucci. Moncler wins for best window displays for a skiwear shop. Gorsuch  – in both Aspen and Snowmass – is a go-to for high end apparel, ski gear and accessories, as well as gifts and housewares.

Sumptuous Spas

For an ultra-luxe experience in Aspen, head to the St Regis Aspen Resort, home of the refreshing and romantic Remède Spa. Amenities including the Confluence Waterfall Room and Relaxation Lounge. Highlights of the couples’ treatments include The Great Bath: a 60-minute couples massage plus a private treatment room with an aromatherapy bath with berries, chocolate and champagne.

 Meditation & Yoga

Since retiring from competitive snowboarding, Bleiler has gravitated towards meditation. Anyone visiting Aspen can join one of her sessions at Aspen Shakti which specialises in fitness, meditation and personalized spa treatments. “Aspen was founded upon the principles of Mind, Body and Spirit and that has influenced my own life trajectory,” Bleiler explains. “From being a professional snowboarder and Olympian to now being a certified meditation guide and keynote speaker, this valley has provided me a unique opportunity to curate packages for clients that are not only adventurous mountain experiences but also inspirational and more present.”

Protect Our Winters

Bleiler’s other passion is protecting the mountain environment for future wintersports’ generations. “Aspen absolutely draws an eclectic international crowd and is a vacation spot to some of the world’s most influential people. The prestige of this small town has made us a global influencer in the ski industry especially when it comes to Aspen Ski Co’s commitment to the environment and being a leader in climate action,” she says. “With the work Aspen Ski Co does with Protect Our Winters, the experience visitors have when they come to Aspen leaves them changed and more knowledgeable on the impact their actions have on the environment and the importance of protecting our natural beauty and environments.”

For all levels of skiers, Aspen has it all from legendary piste parties to opulent lodges and some of the best skiing to be found, bar none. For more on Aspen away from the slopes, visit our Apres Ski Aspen, Aspen Dining, and Aspen Luxury Lodging reviews.