The Best Winter Activities in Aspen Besides Skiing
Whether you take a pass on skiing or snowboarding or you just want to take a day off from hitting the slopes, Aspen abounds with wintertime activities. Whether you want to explore the outdoors, get a winter workout, relax and rejuvenate, or wine and dine by a cozy fire, Aspen has it all!
Get Outside in the Snow
You can’t miss the views from the top of Aspen Mountain. Ride the Aspen Mountain Gondola and take in the majestic panoramic vistas from the summit. From there you can take a guided snowshoe tour offered by the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. Weave in and out of serene spruce and fir forests as you take in the endless mountain views from Richmond Ridge with a knowledgeable Naturalist. https://www.aspensnowmass.com/plan-your-stay/winter-activities/snowshoe-tours
Enjoy miles of perfectly groomed trails for cross country skiing or snowshoeing. Historic Ashcroft is a Nordic paradise and options abound: Take a cross country ski lesson or guided tour; cross country ski, snowshoe or take a horse drawn sleigh to lunch or dinner at the picturesque Pine Creek Cookhouse, where the views are not to be missed. Whether you take in the astounding views of the Elk Mountain range during the day or go for dinner and experience stargazing at nearly 10,000 feet, you cannot go wrong. https://pinecreekcookhouse.com/
Relax & Rejuvenate
Invigorate your mind, body and spirit in the beautiful yoga studio overlooking Wagoner Park. O2 Aspen offers a variety of yoga, Pilates and fitness classes. After your workout head to the to the spa and relax with a massage and variety of other blissful spa treatments. https://o2aspen.com/
Rejuvenate and rehydrate your skin. Aspen sits at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level and the high altitude, cold and dry climate can take a toll on your skin. Aspen Vida Medi Spa offers a variety of customized medical grade facial and body treatments, including laser and light therapy to counteract the extreme elements. https://aspenvidamedispa.com/
Elevate your mood with some retail therapy. Don’t let the small-town charm fool you, Aspen’s retail scene rivals that of any big city. Enjoy a stroll through Aspen’s downtown core and shop to your heart’s delight. Don’t miss these only-in-Aspen favorites:
Aspen’s Original Fashion Outfitter: Pitkin County Dry Goods has been Aspen’s premier clothing retailer for 50 years. The family owned boutique brings a curated selection of exclusive designers, luxury cashmere and denim staples and innovative style to their loyal local clientele and visitors from all over the world. https://pitkincountydrygoods.com/
Bundle Up In Style: Just because you’re not skiing doesn’t mean you don’t need the latest in winter fashions. Steps from the Aspen Mountain Gondola you will find Miller Sports, founded by former professional skiers Bill Miller and Ted Davenport, the shop specializes in serious ski gear and even more serious fashion. Shop an exclusive selection of designer ski and outdoor apparel from international designers including Toni Sailer, J. Lindeberg, Jet Set, Post Card, Mammut and more! https://millersportsaspen.com/
Something Sparkly: Freshly fallen snow isn’t the only thing that glitters in Aspen. The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Meridian Jewelers, Aspen’s premier destination for luxury timepieces and high-fashion, cutting edge jewelry can help you find that perfect something special. https://www.meridianjewelers.com
Eat, Drink & Après!
Aspen’s quintessential après ski establishment is located at the base of the Aspen Mountain gondola. Known for truffle fries and people watching, Ajax Tavern is the perfect place to see and be seen while enjoying the locals’ favorite, a wagyu double double burger, the aforementioned truffle fries and a dozen oysters paired with local craft beers on tap, an extensive wine list and refreshing cocktails https://www.thelittlenell.com/dining/ajax-tavern
Eat, drink and shop! Longtime Aspen retailer Gorsuch is winning over locals and visitors alike with their new espresso and wine bar in the gondola plaza. Whether you need an espresso, want to warm up with a spicy Mexican hot chocolate or are ready for a glass of wine, enjoy the modern alpine setting and delicious food and beverage offerings at the Gorsuch Ski Café. While you sip you can check out the selection of luxury footwear, accessories and ski equipment curated from their larger retail outlets. https://www.gorsuch.com/store-locator#aspen
Aspen’s newest luxury hotel is open for business. The newly constructed W Hotel replaces the mountain side location formerly occupied by the Sky Hotel. With a mind to carry on the legacy of Sky’s legendary après scene, from the roof top pool deck to the cocktail lounge and speakeasy, you will find unique and modern spaces designed to keep the party going long after the sun sets behind Shadow Mountain. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/asewh-w-aspen/