Aspen in winter: What to do beyond the slopes

You know a trip to Aspen, CO, during ski season (which runs through mid-April) usually means hitting the slopes and rubbing elbows with loved ones, strangers, and maybe even a few celebrities after the on-piste fun concludes. Beyond skiing, though, there’s much more to savor in this international hub 200 miles from Denver. From catching a world-class performance at the Wheeler Opera House to taking a scenic gondola up to the top of the mountain for a celebratory meal or toast, you don't have to be ski-obsessed to make a winter trip here worthwhile. Below, some of the chic hamlet’s most exciting attractions to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.

A first-rate ballet spectacle? Perusing contemporary art? How about a night at the concert hall? With Wheeler Opera House, the Aspen Art Museum, and the dual-city Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, it’s easy to get your arts and culture fix here. For those who prefer gallery-hopping to the après-ski scene, there are options aplenty. Explore the Aspen Fine Art Gallery, where you can scope out the work of emerging and interesting artists; Galerie Maximillian featuring a range of modern, contemporary, and British fine art; and Raven Gallery for glass art.

Thanks to its incredible ski opportunities, Aspen is also a prime destination for the world’s rich and famous. A great spot for Aspen celebrity-spotting is the J-Bar at Hotel Jerome. (Plus, our community members rave about the Bloody Marys and delectable burgers.) Fans of Hunter S. Thompson ought to also make a pilgrimage to Woody Creek Tavern, a beloved hangout of the legendary scribe.

If you’re in the mood for live music, visit Belly Up Aspen to check out the evening’s act. World-famous artists regularly play at the venue, making it one of Colorado’s top destinations for musical talent. Past artists who graced the stage here include John Legend, Steve Aoki, LeAnn Rimes, Diplo, up-and-comers like Sofi Tukker and LP Giobbi.

Even if you aren't skiing, there are high-altitude adventures for you in Aspen. Reach the nearby mountains with the Silver Queen Gondola, an 18-minute trip to the top of Aspen Mountain with phenomenal views. (Stop at the restaurant at the top of the mountain for a bite if you’re looking for another activity before you head back down.) Tickets can be purchased through the Aspen Snowmass site for $24.

Whether you’re looking for upscale fine dining or a quick bite in between adventures, Aspen has you covered.

Looking for casual eats with spectacular views? Try the truffle fries at Ajax Tavern, an indoor/outdoor restaurant in The Little Nell, one of Aspen’s premier luxury resorts and a Travelers’ Choice Award winner. Located at the base of a mountain, the restaurant is great for people-watching and soaking in the majestic vistas.

For another memorable dining experience, check out Plato's Restaurant, where you can enjoy your meal in a conservatory-style igloo. Lined with faux-fur seats, each igloo seats up to six people. Within, diners can enjoy elevated classics for brunch, but be sure to put your reservations in early, as seats book up fast.

Last but not least, we recommend checking out the Aspen Chef's Club at the St. Regis Residence Club Aspen. Named by Food & Wine as one of the top 100 Restaurants in the United States, the restaurant features rotating residencies by some of the world’s most exciting chefs. Diners can enjoy dishes from its seasonal menu, then relax afterward with an oxygen spa treatment if you're feeling the altitude. Whether you sample the spaghetti alla Nerano and eggplant parm or a five-course menu from a James Beard award-winning chef, you’ll leave both full of food and fond memories.

Thanks to its status as an international travel destination for the glitterati, Aspen is a high-end shopping destination par excellence. Even better, many of the boutique stores here are one-of-a-kind, further differentiating Aspen from other shopping destinations.

Start at Kemo Sabe—recently featured on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills—where you can get custom hats and accessories made to order. Billed as Aspen’s “Original Clothing Store” and located just down the block from Kemo Sabe, family-owned Pitkin County Dry Goods opened in 1969 and offers luxe brands like Dries Van Noten and Isabel Marant. And of course, no visit to Aspen would be complete without getting a bookstore fix at Explore Booksellers or Kate Maller Jewelry, for sustainable baubles. Just make sure you leave some room in your carry-on for all your new finds.