Aspen | Winter Edition
This winter season, what would be a better idea than heading out West to Aspen! We are coming to you with our favorite hotels – Hotel Jerome & The Little Nell – and how to do Aspen the proper way. Let’s explore!
Aspen, Colorado is world renowned for its unparalleled ski culture and endless outdoor adventures, along with sumptuous restaurants, elevated boutiques, and a definitive après and nightlife scene. Start your day off with the first tracks on one of the four legendary mountains or snowshoe through Aspen’s scenic backcountry. Wind down with a handcrafted cocktail, peer into Aspen’s past with a horse-drawn carriage tour and indulge in diverse culinary delights throughout town.
Aspen Snowmass opens for the winter ski season on November 23rd, 2022, marking an incredible 75 years since the debut of iconic Lift-1. Feel the unbridled joy of hitting soft powder, whether you’re a pro and ready to tackle the black diamond runs, or you’re planning on taking it easy on the numerous gentle green and blue trails. As many of you know, Aspen has 4 mountains to choose from – Aspen Mountain, Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass.
Don’t forget a few other Aspen highlights this Winter season —
X-Games | January 27 - 29, 2023
Audi FIS Ski World Cup | March 3-5, 2023
Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering | February 25, 2023
Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection
This 133-year-old historic landmark is an Aspen icon with a storied past. Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection is one of the great hotels of the American west, boasting luxurious, contemporary accommodations and modern amenities that honor the iconic mountain spirit of Aspen. During the height of Colorado's silver boom, the Hotel Jerome was born of the vision of Jerome B. Wheeler in 1889 to emulate the great European hotels of the time. Built in the heart of downtown Aspen, the Hotel Jerome was the archetype of hospitality for its day and continues to be the social hub of Aspen, a modern landmark steeped in history.
Aspen Itinerary in the eyes of Hotel Jerome
Day 1
Check into Hotel Jerome, settle into your suite and enjoy dinner at Prospect. Before going to bed, check in with Hotel Jerome’s dedicated on-property ski concierge to assist with all lift tickets, rentals and ski school.
Prospect is where to find elevated, yet always approachable American bistro dishes that showcase the best of what’s in season in the Roaring Fork Valley. With ceiling molding meant to invoke the pressed tin of yesteryear and hand-stitched leather chairs, Prospect hints at its historic setting. Rustic Aspen at its finest. Breakfast from 7-11AM. Lunch from 11:30AM-5:00PM. Dinner from 5:30-10PM.
Day 2
Wake up early to grab breakfast Prospect or head over for some delicious coffee/bites at Felix Roasting Co. Head over to your complimentary shuttles to all 4 mountains and hit the slopes! When it is time for a little après - come back and indulge in the infamous J Bar or The Living Room and then head out to dinner at Matsuhisa Aspen, Cache Cache, or Catch Steak!
Hotel Jerome offers complimentary shuttles to Aspen Mountain/Ajax all day long and offers complimentary shuttles to Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass at set times. Private transportation can also be scheduled.
Day 3
Take a break from hitting the slopes and emerge yourself in the historic stories Hotel Jerome and Aspen have to share. The Aspen Historical Society enriches the community through preserving and communicating Aspen’s remarkable history. Join your guide for a “Travel Through Time” tour that begins in Hotel Jerome’s lobby. Post tour, come back and enjoy a progressive tasting menu featuring the best the ocean has to offer from Uchi paired with exclusive sakes curated by Sake Master Stuart Morris, and (of course) bespoke Bad Harriet cocktails created specifically to complement the offering.
Day 4
Hit the slopes for one last day and then head over to the spa, Yarrow for a massage, facial or a body treatment. Post treatment, head over to Kemo Sabe for a VIP experience, creating a custom hat. If a hat isn’t your style, Miron Crosby from Dallas, TX is heading to Aspen to create a pair of custom boots for you. Pen a handwritten message that the Miron Crosby team transcribes onto leather for that special someone. The Miron Crosby message box will be waiting in the room with a bespoke invitation to bring their message to the Miron Crosby studio for a private consultation to choose and customize their perfect boot, with the message sewn into the liner for the ultimate gift (and heirloom to treasure forever).
Don’t miss out on all the events happening at Hotel Jerome this winter season! Take a peek below!
Santa’s Workshop – December 14 to January 8
This holiday season we will transform our Garden Lobby into Santa’s Workshop which will be the epicenter of our kids’ festive activities and programming. Throughout the holidays, there will be a variety of festive activities for kids to enjoy après ski while parents indulge in a cocktail in the Living Room.
Uchi x Hotel Jerome: Epicurean Takeover – December 14 to 17, 2022
Hotel Jerome is excited to welcome back Uchi, Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole’s signature non-traditional take on Japanese food, for an epicurean takeover. Experience signature dishes, curated sake pairings and bespoke cocktails at the Prospect restaurant and cocktail bar, Bad Harriet.
Curling & Cocktails in The Garden at Hotel Jerome - December 14 to March 31
This festive season, Hotel Jerome will be opening a curling court in their Winter Garden to offer reservations of some friendly competition paired with a momentous menu. Sip on a cozy cocktail while enjoying a game of one of the oldest sports in history.
The Best of Broadway Comes to Aspen: Theatre Aspen Holiday Cabaret Series - December 19 to 23
Theatre Aspen started in the basement of historic Hotel Jerome years ago, and in celebration of the holiday season, we're coming together for the second edition of our Holiday Cabaret series to bring the best of Broadway to Aspen. We'll transform the Hotel Jerome Ballroom into a true performance venue designed to host the Holiday Cabaret shows, featuring a seated chef’s dinner followed by a festive performance by Theatre Aspen, starring Broadway performers.
Lindsey Thornburg x Hotel Jerome
Hotel Jerome will be introducing an exclusive collection of curated and custom Lindsey Thornburg Cloaks. These beautiful fashion statements have been thoughtfully selected for Hotel Jerome and handcrafted in Lindsey’s New York City atelier. Cloaks are available for guests to wear during their stay, with the option of adding them to their closet forever - available only in their Residential, Presidential, and Executive Suites. Lindsey Thornburg is excited to offer Hotel Jerome guests a 20% discount on any purchases from this exclusive collection.
SQC (Silver Queen’s Chocolate) Bad Harriet Cocktail
The Silver Queen’s Chocolate, featured at Hotel Jerome’s avant-garde cocktail bar, Bad Harriet, is crafted from a French combination of milk and dark chocolate sourced in Madagascar and West Africa. A mixture of bourbon, overproof rye adds just the right flavor and punch to warm up the chilled body after a long day out on the slopes.
The Little Nell
The Little Nell, Aspen's only Five-Star, Five-Diamond, ski-in/ski-out hotel offers luxury services and unparalleled access to America's most famous mountain town. Guests of The Little Nell – a Relais & Châteaux resort - enjoy a cosmopolitan yet intimate ambience, haute cuisine, and exclusive adventures and amenities designed to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. The hotel is frequently recognized for its award-winning wine and culinary programs and dedicated service. Weddings and events are a hallmark of the hotel, many of which are set atop Aspen Mountain in the private Aspen Mountain Club and/or Sundeck restaurant, both of which are managed by The Nell. The property boasts a variety of amenities, including two restaurants, three bars and two speakeasies. Enjoy ski concierge service and exclusive adventures in winter; lush gardens in summer along with off-road, stargazing, fly fishing and mountaintop yoga adventures; plus, a pool, hot tub and health center year-round.
Aspen Itinerary in the eyes of The Little Nell
Day 1
Check into The Little Nell, settle into your room, dinner at Ajax Tavern.
Ajax Tavern at The Little Nell comes to life at lunch, and the energy rolls on well into the evening. If you go no further on the menu, try the truffle fries and Ajax Wagyu double cheeseburger. Both have earned their reputation. The sun-drenched mountainside patio is Aspen’s premier spot to see and be seen. Open from 11:30 am – 10 pm.
Don’t forget to head over to the Little Nell’s ski concierge right outside our back door, and steps from Aspen Mountain’s Silver Queen Gondola! From boot warming, tune-ups and equipment storage to arranging adventures, lessons and tours, they’re trained experts at polishing the ski experience to a shine. They’ll make sure you’re in the know on current conditions and grooming, as well as exclusive opportunities like sweeping the mountain with Ski Patrol, grooming the mountain, First Tracks, Snowcat Powder Tours and Snowcat Academy. And to make sure you get started on the right foot, they’ll fuel you up with coffee, tea and fresh pastries, and help make sure you’re protected from our high-altitude UV rays.
Day 2
In-Room dining Breakfast in bed then head out via their Ski Shuttle to Snowmass Mountain for a ski lesson with an Aspen Snowmass Pro. Post ski, enjoy a fabulous dinner at Element 47.
Element 47 is Aspen's finest spot to wine, dine and unwind. Tucked inside The Little Nell, Element 47 serves Colorado Contemporary cuisine emphasizing local wagyu beef, house-made pastas and seasonal produce. The dining experience is complemented by the hotel’s award-winning wine program and genuine hospitality. The name Element 47 pays tribute to silver, the precious metal that first put Aspen on the map. Serving breakfast, lunch, après and dinner, seven days a week.
Day 3
Head to the First Tracks on Aspen Mountain – complimentary to Little Nell Guests - followed by coffee and pastries at ASPENX in Lower Gondola Plaza. In the afternoon, continue to Ski Aspen Mountain, steps from The Little Nell, then Après at Ajax Tavern. Post après, indulge in a glass of wine in their Cellar/ Red Light Lounge followed by dinner at a local restaurant! We suggest Betula, Steakhouse 316, Monarch or Casa Tua!
ASPENX is a contemporary retail and experience brand unveiled in December of 2021. The launch coincides with the 75th anniversary of Aspen Skiing Company and the introduction of its new visual identity for Aspen Snowmass. Conceptualized by artist Paula Crown, ASPENX leads with creative possibility. ASPENX features the first performance product line developed by a ski resort, informed by its expert on-mountain team for standards of excellence, comfort, and safety. The online platform debuted on December 1 and its first concept store will open in the epicenter of Aspen’s Gondola Plaza on December 20. It will also offer bespoke retail, elevated rental equipment, and exceptional food and wine experiences both on- and off-mountain.
Day 4
Spend your last day with breakfast at Element 47 - don’t sleep on the Nell Wagyu Enchiladas with eggs, salsa roja, cotija cheese and enjoy the rest of your time in Aspen with shopping or walking around the town!
Don’t miss out on all the events happening at The Little Nell this winter season! Take a peek below!
Tree Lighting | December 11, 2022
Don’t miss out on the Tree Lighting at The Little Nell on Sunday, December 11th! Join them for the official kick-off to the holidays. This festive, family-friendly event welcomes guests and the community to the courtyard at The Little Nell. Count down to the exciting tree lighting, enjoy complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, gather to sing carols together and snap photos with Santa Claus. The Aspen Animal Shelter will be on-site once again with the “reindeer” pups from 5PM to 6PM.
The Wine Bar Opening Party | December 17, 2022
Don your most impressive skiwear for a vintage-themed après-ski party at The Little Nell’s chic wine bar. Enjoy $10 cocktails, large format wines by the glass and DJs spinning vinyl. No cover, open to all from 3:30-6:30 PM.
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Dinner at Element 47 | December 24 and December 25, 2022
Celebrate season’s eating at Element 47. The restaurant offers a four-course prix fixe menu featuring indulgent favorites like lobster, wagyu beef, goose, hand-made pasta, venison, scallops and decadent desserts for every sweet tooth. 5-10 pm. $350 per guest, available with a $200 wine pairing option, $50 per child.
Christmas Dinner at Ajax Tavern | December 25, 2022
Enjoy a relaxed Christmas dinner at Ajax Tavern. The restaurant offers a three-course menu with holiday favorites like Wagyu Beef Wellington, dry aged duck, crab, oysters and more, in a casual, family-friendly setting. 5-10 pm. $250 per guest, available with a $150 wine pairing option, $50 per child.
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Ajax Tavern | December 31, 2022
Gather friends and family and usher in the New Year with a memorable meal at Ajax Tavern, perfectly timed to enjoy the fireworks show over Aspen Mountain. Chef de Cuisine Oscar Ibarra will offer a festive menu complete with oysters, king crab, scallops, wagyu beef, fresh pasta and decadent desserts.
First seating: 7-8 pm, $300 per person for 3 courses, with a $200 wine pairing option, $50 per child
Second seating: 9-10 pm, $500 per person for 4 courses, with a $200 wine pairing option, $50 per child
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Element 47 | December 31, 2022
End the year with indulgence! Savor à la carte menu selections including seafood towers, sushi boats, steak, lobster, house-made pasta, decadent desserts and much more. Enjoy a live DJ and entertainment acts as you kick off the evening’s celebrations. Reservations are available between 6:45-7:45 pm and are subject to a five-day cancellation policy.
$750 minimum food & beverage spend per person, with the option to add The Dom Pérignon Party at a reduced price of $750.
The Dom Pérignon Party | December 31, 2022
Ring in 2023 at The Dom Pérignon Party and step into an extravagant experience at The Little Nell. Enjoy bottomless Dom Pérignon and top-shelf liquor, indulge in sweet and savory bites all night and sip specialty cocktails. Multiple live music and entertainment acts are spread throughout three distinct venues. 10 pm – 1:30 am with a fireworks show over Aspen Mountain at midnight.
$1,000 per guest. The VIP Experience includes dedicated entry into the party, elevated private-table seating and bottle service for up to eight guests. $15,000.
Contributor — Helen Himebaugh