Winter
Aspen
Colorado, United States
Aspen is the American mountain town that behaves like a European one, four mountains on one pass, a Victorian grid you can walk, and a calendar that runs all winter. IYKYK places guests on the mountain edge, holds the tables that sell out in October, and arranges the weeks worth flying for.
Hotels
The Little Nell
Base of Aspen Mountain, the only true ski-in in town
Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts
Main Street, 1889 landmark, J-Bar downstairs
The St. Regis Aspen Resort
Durant Avenue, slopeside, Remède spa
Dining
Matsuhisa Aspen
Main Street, Nobu Matsuhisa's mountain original
Element 47
The Little Nell, 20,000-bottle cellar, Wine Spectator Grand Award
Bosq
Hopkins Avenue, small tasting room, the local's choice
Après
Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro
Aspen Highlands, the champagne-spraying lunch, two seatings
Ajax Tavern
Base of Gondola Plaza, 3pm truffle fries and rosé
Belly Up Aspen
Hyman Avenue, 450-capacity room, arena-level bookings
Events
X Games Aspen
January, Buttermilk, free-to-attend, live concerts nightly
Aspen Gay Ski Week
January, the original, running since 1977
Wintersköl
January, the town's 'toast to winter' carnival since 1951
Audi Ajax Cup
Late December, pro-am giant slalom on Aspen Mountain
Travel
Flights
Aspen/Pitkin County (ASE), or Denver (DEN) then transfer
Transfers
Private chauffeur, ASE to town in ten minutes
Ski
Four-mountain passes, guides and instructors