Aspen Colorado is the place known for white powder snow capped mountains nestled among the fragrant pines of the majestic Rocky Mountains. This place has been a welcome respite for visitors all year around but the winter months beckon with world class skiing, haute cuisine and shopping for the well heeled. When you mention the word “Aspen”, only two things come to mind, the stunning scenery and the town known for luxury at its highest level.

Aspen Snowmass is a mountain resort comprised of four different mountains adjacent to each other. They combine to offer the ideal opportunity to restore your mind, body and spirit in an awe-inspiring atmosphere. At 7,908 ft, snow sport enthusiasts of all levels come to enjoy the area’s youthful culture, winter sports, or maybe that which may have to utilize an arrow quiver, and fine dining in this mountain paradise.

Stay

Aspen offers a plethora of accommodations from mountain cabins, chalets, and boutique hotels. For those who what to raise the bar and indulge in superb sumptuousness, there is none better than the Little Nell hotel. This 5 Star and 5 Diamond resort exude opulence from the time you arrive. The lavish guest rooms, suites, and premier dining spot Element lead by Executive Chef Matt Zubrod (which boasts a 20,000 bottle wine cellar) will entice and entertained guests with supreme pleasure.

For more of an experience, ask for one of the six Luxury Suites that are named after powerful personalities who helped to create the Aspen legend. The suites feature custom-designed furniture covered in jewel-toned organic materials and panoramic windows with blackout shades and private balconies providing breathtaking views of Aspen Mountain and beyond. Hotels in Grand Junction could be an alternative if you’ve brought along your furry friends with you for an adventure.

Dine

A day in the mountains can work up an appetite and Aspen is more than able to satisfy your cravings in a variety of customized dining venues. The après ski diners will be found at Ajax Tavern. The Ajax is well suited to make any guest happy with its mountainside patio that accentuates one of the best views in the state. This is the “place” to enjoy a classic cocktail, truffle fries, and people watching. For an elevated dining experience Element 47 is noted for Colorado Contemporary Cuisine where local wagyu beef, house-made pasta, and seasonal produce are prepared with passion and precision. Dine and enjoy world-class cuisine and rare wines curated by Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy while surrounded by inspiring art pieces crafted by Michelle Grabner, Cameron Martin, Angel Otero, Scott Reeder, Philip Vanderhyden, and José Lerma.

Play

Aspen is all about playtime and there is plenty of it. For the advanced skier, Burnt Mountain Glades, High Alpine, and the Cirque are waiting for you to take on the long runs. There are also well-suited beginner courses for novices as well.

In addition, there is plenty of fun to have off the slopes as well. The new Breathtaker Alpine Coaster takes riders over a mile of the alpine forest at speeds of up to 28mph. If you prefer staying indoors in your cozy cabin but you still want to warm up your muscles, there’s a sport equipment online that also works indoors.

Many visitors make the pilgrimage annually to enjoy Wintersköl, Aspen’s annual “toast to winter. It dates to January 1951 when locals decided to celebrate their Nordic lifestyle with an eclectic weekend of festivities. Now the festival lasts over four days and features Wintersculpt and WinterFest ( a canine fashion show) culminating with a dazzling fireworks display is a favorite of local and tourist alike. With renowned art galleries, a ballet troupe and other cultural highlights to take in, everyone will be entertained and enlightened.

Shop

After cascading down the slopes there is a whole lot of shopping to enjoy on the ground. The area includes art galleries, antiques shops and designer clothing. For skiers, Gorsuch the original store, opened by former Olympians Dave and Renie Gorsuch has been outfitting skiers since 1966. Shop and stroll into Loro Piana, Olivia Lee, Brioni, Prada,Christian Dior,Louis Vuitton and Moncler just to name a few of the acclaimed designers within walking distance of each other.

The combination of culture, winter sports, cuisine and accommodations should be on everyone’s bucket, and Aspen Colorado is the place that can make those dreams come true.