A Day on Aspen Mountain

It’s 9am in Aspen, and the town’s mountain with its 828 acres and more than 3,260 vertical feet (994m) is waking up. The Silver Queen Gondola, with its sleek black and bright red cabins, is now whisking people up to 11,242 feet (just over 3,426m) so they can greet the day. Aspen Mountain has a perfect, sustained pitch, making the mountain feel a lot bigger than it is—from exploring flowy terrain to dipping into sneaky gullies or tree lines, it’s all here. After taking in the incredible views on your ride up, make some swift turns down North American for breakfast at Bonnie’s—famous for its old-timey decor, rustic feel, and legendary pancakes.

Once you’ve had your fill of coffee and nostalgia, it’s time to head up the Ajax Express for some quick burner laps on Silver Bell, a winding groomer, or Pussyfoot or Blondies for some low-angle bumps. Then, load up F.I.S. chair to lay your edges into Ruthie’s—a long intermediate trail inviting you to carve down famed sections of the World Cup America’s Downhill™ course. If it’s a powder day, the Dumps—aspen-covered, east-facing holds snow perfectly—is a treasure trove of deep turns. Ready for more over to Hero’s, 153 new acres of skiing and riding accessed by a brand-new, high-speed

The terrain—With 19 chutes (double black), four main runs (black), and three sections (blue) all making up the area’s two zones, Hero’s Chutes #1 and Hero’s Chutes this terrain holds plenty of ski town lore as well as breathtaking vistas of Independence Pass.

When it’s time for lunch, make your way to the top of Aspen Mountain for a bite at the Sundeck, a legendary Bauhaus-style lodge. If members of your crew aren’t skiing or riding, this is the perfect time for them to purchase a sightseeing ticket, ride up the gondola and enjoy a midday, on-mountain meal with you while taking in expansive views of the Elk Mountains. After lunch, top-to-bottom turns down Bell Mountain are a must—and an excellent photo op with the Silver Queen Gondola shining in the background.

Once the day is done, all trails lead to downtown Aspen, where the world’s best après scene is pumping with activity. Step out of your skis and refuel with a drink and a bite at the base of the mountain at Ajax Tavern, or step it up a notch with a glass of wine at The Little Nell, honored with the “Best Hotel Wine List in the World” award by The World of Fine Wine Looking for live music? Dance the night away at the Belly Up, an intimate downtown music venue known for hosting top-performing artists like Leon Bridges, Rodrigo y Gabriela, B.B. King, and more. Wanting a night out on the town? The possibilities are endless with parties at Michelin Star restaurants, DJs at local bars, or the many family-friendly events that fill the calendar throughout winter—including free evening concerts and community-centered celebrations like Wintersköl in January, complete with fireworks and festive cheer.

Ready for a rest day? Wind down and recharge with a visit to the newly renovated Spa at The Little Nell before setting off into town. Whether you’re exploring the Aspen Institute, the Aspen Art Museum, the plethora of galleries dotting each street, or just taking in the natural landscape of the Elk Range, masterpieces abound and art lovers rejoice. Downtown Aspen is also a shopper’s paradise, with a dozen walkable blocks packed with high-end, luxury stores, as well as gift shops, gear stores, and boutiques. From the mountain to the town, it won’t take long to see why this place is legendary.