Aspen is the crown jewel of American ski towns, known for its stunning slopes, high-end dining, and legendary après ski scene. Whether you’re planning a splurge-worthy trip or keeping things more budget-friendly, Aspen has something for everyone. We curated the ultimate guide to Aspen with options for different budgets, from where to stay to where to eat, ski, and, of course, après ski.

Note that our everyday options are just relatively less expensive than the luxe options. If you’re going to Aspen, you’re going to spend. We’re here to make sure that that spend feels worth it.

Where to Stay

Everyday: The Inn at Aspen
The Inn at Aspen is a fantastic spot for beginners or those easing back into skiing after a hiatus. Located right at the base of Buttermilk Mountain, it offers ski-in/ski-out access to one of Aspen’s most beginner-friendly slopes. The standout feature? Their free shuttle, managed through a convenient app, which is basically like having your own free Uber service around downtown Aspen. It’s functional, accessible, and the perfect way to enjoy Aspen without breaking the bank. We wouldn’t go out of our way for their restaurant (Home Team BBQ) but they make up for it with a great self-serve coffee and hot chocolate bar.

Luxe: The St. Regis Aspen Resort
If you’re looking to indulge, the St. Regis is the ultimate luxury escape. This is the OG of Aspen luxury resorts and its maintained its crown for a reason. From the moment you arrive, the butler service ensures your every need is met—think in-room hot chocolate service. Spend your afternoons sipping high tea in the lounge while people-watching Aspen’s elite, and don’t miss the heated outdoor pool and hot tub for a post-ski soak. For extra pampering, their spa offers some of the best massages in town. They even have an oxygen lounge that you get access to with your treatment purchase and it is perfect for recovering from those high-altitude and high-energy days on the slopes.

Where to Eat

Everyday: Bear Den Aspen
For a cozy, approachable dining experience, Bear Den Aspen delivers. This local favorite serves comforting, seasonal dishes in a warm, intimate atmosphere. It’s perfect for a casual lunch or dinner after a day on the slopes. Somehow, their already delicious food tastes even better among all the alpine decor.

Luxe: Bosq Aspen
For those looking to elevate their dining experience, Bosq is a culinary must. This restaurant is the only one in all of Aspen to have been awarded a Michelin star and it absolutely deserves it. Bosq offers inventive dishes made with seasonal ingredients and expertly paired flavors, all in an elevated, moody, intimate setting. It’s an unforgettable meal that feels as refined as Aspen itself.

Additional Callouts

Element 47: Michelin-featured, Element 47 has impeccable service and excellent food. This is well worth a trip.
HaSalon: A 2025 seasonal pop-up, HaSalon features mediterranean fare with a nightly DJ.
Hooch: A super fun speakeasy, this is our top recommendations for grabbing a drink in Aspen.
Casa Tua: This is a classic spot that you can’t go wrong with for some quality Italian.
Ajax Tavern: You’ll see Ajax Tavern on almost every list of classic Aspen restaurants. While it’s good if you want a quick burger and truffle fries right by Aspen Mountain, it’s best not to expect too much as there is a bit too much hype.

Where to Ski

Everyday: Buttermilk Mountain
If you’re new to skiing or looking for an easy day on the slopes, Buttermilk Mountain is the way to go. The terrain is gentle enough to work through on your own, starting with the bunny slope (or the Panda pass as they call it) and gradually leveling up. It’s a confidence-building mountain that still features breathtaking views.

Luxe: Snowmass
For a more expansive and versatile skiing experience, head to Snowmass. The slopes cater to all levels, and we highly recommend investing in a group or private lesson with their experienced instructors. Snowmass is polished, scenic, and offers a true Aspen skiing experience for both beginners and advanced skiers.

Note: Skip Aspen Mountain unless you’re an expert skier. The mountain is limited to blues and black diamonds, many of which aren’t groomed. It’s not beginner-friendly or worth the hype unless you’re chasing a challenge.

Where to Après Ski

Everyday: The Lounge at The Little Nell
For a sophisticated après ski vibe without the premium price tag, grab a drink at the Little Nell’s lounge. The Little Nell competes with the St. Regis for the top après spot in Aspen, so you’ll get great people watching. Hitting the lounge is a more budget-friendly way to soak in the luxe atmosphere. Find a seat, order a drink, and enjoy the high-end vibe without the full commitment.

Luxe: Snow Lodge at the St. Regis
If you know, you know. From the minds behind the Surf Lodge in the Hamptons, the Snow Lodge is the ultimate après ski party, and it doesn’t disappoint. With its vibrant energy, live music, and exclusive crowd, it’s where Aspen’s most fashionable après ski enthusiasts gather. Held in the courtyard of the St. Regis, they go all out in setting up the DJ, dancefloor, bars, fire pits, and more. We even had the magical experience of a snow storm during our party, which only added to the unforgettable atmosphere.

What to Wear

Everyday: Quince and Amazon
For practical, stylish, and affordable winter wear, Quince is our top pick. Their cashmere sweaters are cozy, chic, and won’t hurt your wallet, making them perfect for both skiing and après ski lounging. We also found some great picks on Amazon that served us well during our trip. In particular, we found that a lot of high quality brands actually sell on Amazon and we picked up some life-saving winter gear like Helly Hansen base layers and Sorel winter boots.

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Luxe: Kemo Sabe Hats (Kind of)
If you want to fit in with Aspen’s crowd, a Kemo Sabe hat is the ultimate accessory. That said, we skipped this trend ourselves—it felt like more of a scene than a necessity and we’re all about intentional luxury. Instead, we just got a few subtle items with the Aspen logo on it to take home, which we definitely recommend. But if you’re going for Aspen vibes and want to fully commit, we won’t judge you if you want to get the full on uniform.

Final Thoughts

Aspen in 2025 offers something for everyone, whether you’re planning an everyday escape or a luxe getaway. We had an absolute blast and highly recommend Aspen for your next ski - or après ski - adventure.

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How to Ski (and Après Ski) in Aspen in 2025