The Best in the West: New in Aspen This Winter

New high-end retail, culinary experiences, and hotel renovations make Aspen a must-visit destination.
Viewline Resort Snowmass

By Sari Anne Tuschman

Viewline Resort Snowmass

You can basically make turns right out of your room at the new Viewline Resort Snowmass, which underwent a multimillion-dollar transformation to its exterior, guest rooms, and food and beverage spaces, turning the former Westin into a four-star property. Conveniently located mid-mountain, the ski-in/ski-out destination debuts in December, featuring 12 large events spaces, an Ayurvedic-focused spa that caters to your après-ski needs, and the cozy, tavern-esque Stark’s Alpine Grill, which serves up American fare. The little ones will also be happy thanks to a robust kids’ club. From $329; viewlineresortsnowmass.com

Felix Roasting Co.

Felix Roasting Co.

The New York–based Felix Roasting Co. has made its way to Aspen’s historic Hotel Jerome, an 1889 landmark. Serving up hand-crafted coffee and light bites with a window onto Main Street, Felix offers a calming visual reprieve for your caffeine fix thanks to blush-colored accents, floral wallpaper, white oak chevron floors, enamel-topped tables, velvet chairs and banquettes, and Murano glass chandeliers. Grab a Hickory Smoked S’mores Latte or a Deconstructed Espresso Tonic paired with Whipped Ricotta and Fig Toast or Notorious RBG bagel (blueberry and sage cream cheese, strawberries, blackberries, cinnamon, and mint) to make sure you’re fueled for a big day on the hill. felixroastingco.com

Woody Creek Tavern

One of Aspen’s most iconic watering holes—best known for being the late gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson’s favorite spot—the Woody Creek Tavern is now under the new ownership of restaurateurs Samantha and Craig Cordts-Pearce, the duo responsible for many of Aspen’s favorite establishments (Steakhouse No. 316 and The Wild Fig among them). The duo, decades-long locals who were frequent patrons of the tavern before becoming its owners, set out to “fix it without messing it up,” according to Samantha; they were determined to keep the quirky design intact. Their main changes include fixing the aging infrastructure and adding a professional kitchen and back bar; 150-year-old reclaimed floors; and new tables, chairs, and banquettes. Beloved menu items like enchiladas, tacos, and burgers remain on the menu—only now they’re made from scratch with high-quality ingredients. woodycreektavern.com 

Balenciaga

Balenciaga

Adding to the already impressive list of top luxury retail destinations—including Dior, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Valentino—Balenciaga has now made its way to Aspen with a new outpost offering the house’s largely unisex winter 2021 collection, with more than 90% of the fabrics certified sustainable. The logo-heavy, colorful array of accessories and chunky shoes loved by bloggers everywhere are now on offer to Aspenites and tourists alike. Think dad sneakers and grommets for days. balenciaga.com

Limelight

One of Aspen’s most approachable properties, the Limelight—known for its relaxed vibe and kid-friendly après -ski scene fueled by local bands and the hotel’s pizza oven—has undergone a complete face-lift, led by New York City design firm Stonehill Taylor. The new look debuts this winter, with an update to all of the hotel’s public spaces, including the Limelight Lounge, lobby, bar, and 126 rooms and suites. limelighthotels.com

Catch Steak

Catch Steak

The popular hospitality group known for restaurants in New York and L.A. has turned its focus to the mountains with the new, bi-level Catch Steak, set to serve up a side of super-hot scene with its red meat–focused menu. The 10,000-square-foot space, complete with a wraparound rooftop terrace and private cellar event space, is located in downtown Aspen and offers diners (and drinkers) indoor and outdoor options for enjoying a modern take on a classic steakhouse. catchrestaurants.com 

Naked Cashmere

This L.A.-based, luxury knitwear brand is planning on helping Aspenites and tourists stay cozy this winter with its first standalone boutique, showcasing the brand’s range of cashmere sweaters and home goods crafted from the most high-quality and environmentally conscious cashmere in the world. The Aspen outpost also offers an exclusive collection of 100% cashmere men’s and women’s pullovers and accessories featuring the Ski Naked Aspen logo. nakedcashmere.com

The Wine Bar at The Little Nell

The Wine Bar at The Little Nell

While it technically opened last winter, The Wine Bar in the tony, mountainside Little Nell hotel offers a vast menu of rare varietals, dozens of wines by the glass, and even a DJ spinning vinyl. This year brings the new Coravin Blind Tasting Challenge, a guided blind tasting with four wines and a cheese-board pairing. Close your eyes, take a sip, and find out whether your wine knowledge and palette are as refined as you think they are. thelittlenell.com

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