Winter in Aspen is one of the most special times of year. From hitting the slopes, enjoying our delectable restaurants, perusing downtown, and topping it off with the ultimate apres experience- here is our list for the perfect winter day in Aspen.
First tracks on Ajax: Rise and shine! The early bird gets the powder here in Aspen! Guests can sign up for first tracks with Aspen Snowmass daily starting in early December. Skiers and boarders will meet their guide at the base of the gondola at 8 a.m. for a tour of the best powder on the mountain that day. Space is limited and interested parties must sign up in advance. *First Tracks on Aspen Mountain is offered to those in Private Lessons/Guided Experiences with the Ski & Snowboard Schools and to those guests staying in one of our Aspen Skiing Company lodging properties.
Bonnie’s breakfast: After enjoying a couple of first track runs, head down to mid mountain for breakfast at Bonnie’s. On a bluebird day, the best seats are outside on the deck where you can watch skiers pass by next to Ajax Express lift. We recommend the oatmeal pancakes, but if you’re not ready to head in just yet, opt for lunch instead and make sure to save room for Bonnie’s famous apple strudel.
Head to Aspen Highlands & hike the Highland Bowl: If you actually did get in some ski conditioning before the season, try tackling multiple mountains in one day. Thankfully, RFTA offers free transportation to all four mountains. The bus ride from downtown Aspen to Aspen Highlands is around ten minutes; just enough time to sit down in between runs and catch your breath. Once you arrive to Highlands, head straight up and towards the Highland Bowl, where you’ll find some of the most intense skiing in Colorado. Skiers and boarders hike about 30-45 minutes to the top, with 2,500-vertical-foot descents down pitches as steep as 45 degrees.
Soak in the W Aspen rooftop hot tub: There is truly nothing better than a hot tub after a long day on the mountain. Luckily, the W Aspen’s hot tub and heated pool are open to the public (as long as you’re having a drink or snack). The living room at the W is definitely on the top of the list for best après in Aspen with DJ’s frequenting rolling in and out and warm outdoor fire-pits to keep you warm as you enjoy some tasty post-ski fare.
Out to dinner: With 60 restaurants and bars in Aspen, it can be hard to choose where to dine in town. Searching for something easy and reasonably priced? Head to Public House or White House Tavern. Want something a little more fancy? Try Matsuhisa, Cache Cache or Steakhouse 316. For a complete list of Aspen restaurants and bars click here.
….Sleep and repeat! Or check out Snowmass or head to Buttermilk to hit up their parks and pipe. Not a skier? Discover all of the other off mountain winter recreation to be had in Aspen.
Tag us in your winter adventures on @AspenCo for a chance to be featured on our page and website!
