A guide to Aspen for those who don't ski

Each winter, Aspen, Colorado, attracts visitors from around the globe as the snow begins to blanket the slopes.

This renowned mountain town, a favorite of the jet-set, is a dream for skiers with its stunning peaks. But for those who prefer to unwind on their winter break, Aspen offers much more: a thriving culinary scene, impressive contemporary art, luxurious spas, and a wide array of outdoor activities.

While skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes, non-skiers can enjoy a winter wonderland through snowcat stargazing, snowshoeing, and other experiences.

Here are some of our top recommendations for non-skiing activities when you visit Aspen:

Exploring the great outdoors

Snuggle up under a warm blanket as your snowcat carries you and a small group of fellow diners up Aspen Highlands. In the distance, the sparkling lights of Aspen fade away.

At Cloud Nine Bistro atop the mountain, enjoy magnificent views of the iconic Maroon Bells peaks and cozy up near a wood-burning fireplace. A decadent four-course meal awaits, featuring truffle soup, squash risotto with pork belly, and other comforting winter dishes.

The next day, why not try tubing, take a thrilling alpine coaster ride at Snowmass, go dog sledding, or enjoy a yoga session with sun salutations while the others hit the slopes?

The scenic Rio Grande Trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and rivers, making it a perfect spot for a run or bike ride. The full trail, stretching from Aspen to Basalt and back, is about 40 miles – not for the faint-hearted, but ideal for a half or full-day adventure depending on your pace. Many local hotels offer free bikes to borrow, or you can rent a fat bike from Ute Mountaineer.

Aspen offers fantastic trails for all skill levels, including the six-mile, dog-friendly Smuggler Mountain Trail and the 42-mile Rio Grande Trail, also dog-friendly. Winter doesn’t close the trails, but it’s important to plan ahead, dress warmly, and check the Aspen Trail Finder website for up-to-date information on hours, restrictions, and closures due to weather conditions.

Cloud Nine Bistro, 76 Boomerang Rd, Top of the Cloud Nine Lift, Aspen, CO. (970) 923-8715. Reservations required. Closes for the season April 14, 2019.

Krabloonik Dog Sledding, 4250 Divide Rd, Snowmass Village, CO. (970) 923-3953. Closes for the season April 15, 2019.

Ute Mountaineer, 210 S. Galena St, Aspen, CO. (970) 925-2849. Open daily.

Dining in the mountains

The enticing aroma of fresh-baked muffins explains why there's almost always a line at Paradise Bakery. Their banana chocolate chip muffins are a crowd favorite, along with gluten-free options like lemon poppyseed and morning glory.

Pine Creek Cookhouse is a must-visit for non-skiers. You can either walk 1.5 miles along the road or take a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride to enjoy lunch with breathtaking mountain views. The menu features local specialties, including roasted Boulder coq au vin.

J-Bar at Hotel Jerome, located in downtown Aspen, is the perfect spot to enjoy short rib tacos, the famous J-Bar burger, and a Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA. On the mountain, Ajax Tavern at The Little Nell is packed with skiers and snowboarders taking a break for truffle fries, mussels mariniere, or a fresh salad.

Matsuhisa, known for its crispy rice with tuna and miso-marinated cod, celebrates its 20th anniversary this January. Reservations are required.

Casa Tua, a beloved fixture in Aspen’s dining scene, is perfect for a romantic date night. If you're in the mood for something more laid-back, head to Meat & Cheese Restaurant and Farm Shop, where the Vietnamese chicken noodle salad is a crowd-pleaser, and the charcuterie boards filled with meats, cheeses, and pickled veggies are a must-try.

Bad Harriet, housed in the historic Aspen Time Building, is the latest hotspot in town. Named after the wife of Hotel Jerome’s original owner, Jerome B. Wheeler, this bar and lounge offers craft cocktails and small plates inspired by influential women throughout history. After a day in the snow, unwind with a Belladonna, a cool, refreshing cucumber and mint cocktail.

Paradise Bakery, 320 S Galena St, Aspen, CO. (970) 925-7585.

Pine Creek Cookhouse, 12500 Castle Creek Rd, Aspen, CO; (970) 925-1044.

J-Bar, 330 East Main Street, Aspen, CO. (970) 429-7674.

Ajax Tavern at The Little Nell, 685 East Durant Avenue, Aspen, CO. (970) 920-6334.

Matsuhisa Aspen, 303 E Main St, Aspen, CO. (970) 544-6628.

Casa Tua Aspen, 403 S Galena St, Aspen, CO. (970) 920-7277.

Bad Harriet, 310 E Main St, Aspen, CO; (970) 429-7665.

Meat & Cheese Restaurant and Farm Shop, 319 E Hopkins Ave, Aspen, CO. (970) 710-7120.

Unwind indoors

Inside the Rèmede Spa at The St. Regis Aspen, time seems to stand still as you indulge in luxurious treatments like the oxygen lounge, cold plunges, steam caves, and hot tubs.

Offering a range of therapeutic services for sore legs from skiing or hiking, the classic massage here is so good it will leave you talking about it for weeks. They’ve also introduced a CBD hemp oil-infused massage in partnership with That’s Natural! CBD Hemp Oil. This treatment helps reduce pain and tension, while promoting relaxation and easing stress—perfect for getting into the vacation spirit.

O2 Yoga offers a full-service spa along with a variety of healing and rejuvenating classes, from basic flow sessions to meditation and pranayama. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, stretch out sore muscles, and take a break from your action-packed vacation.

Rèmede Spa at The St. Regis Aspen, 315 East Dean St, Aspen, CO. (970) 920-3300.

O2 Yoga Studio and Spa, 408 S Mill St, Aspen, CO. (970) 925-4002.

Explore art

Aspen boasts a world-class art scene, from intimate galleries to a standout museum. The Aspen Art Museum itself, redesigned in 2014 by Shigeru Ban, is a striking architectural gem. It hosts a mix of contemporary art from both established and emerging global artists. (Bonus: Admission is free!) This December, catch a new exhibition by New York-based artist Nate Lowman.

While exploring Aspen’s art scene, don’t miss Chacha Gallery, founded by Charlotte Lena Souki. The gallery specializes in international neo-expressionist and contemporary art from artists like Domingo Zapata, Mr. Brainwash, and Richard Rhodes. It also features Souki’s exclusive fine jewelry collection.

Boesky West, a newly reimagined space in a historic building on South Spring Street, is creating a buzz in the art world. Gallerist Marianne Boesky, along with architect Annabelle Selldorf, transformed the space. For its debut, Boesky West showcased a rare combination of works by Frank Stella and Larry Bell.

2019 marks the centennial of the Bauhaus art movement, and celebrations are ongoing throughout the year with a variety of activities organized by multiple institutions. The festivities will conclude in August 2019.

Why Aspen? In 1946, Bauhaus artist Herbert Bayer arrived in Aspen, coinciding with the opening of Aspen Ski Corporation. He contributed to the town’s visual identity by renovating public spaces and designing Aspen’s first restaurant, the Sundeck. His work helped shape Aspen’s image as a chic ski destination through a modern art and design campaign.

Aspen Art Museum, 637 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO; (970) 925-8050.

Chacha Gallery, 426 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO; (970) 925-1435.

Boesky West, 100 S Spring St, Aspen, CO; (212) 680-9889.

Bauhaus100: Aspen, Various locations, Aspen, CO.

Where to stay

Nestled at the base of Aspen Mountain on Durant Avenue in the heart of downtown, The Little Nell is a favorite among locals and repeat visitors. This five-star, 92-room hotel, along with its luxury residences, offers direct access to the slopes and boasts dog-friendly accommodations, lively bars, and top-tier restaurants.

The rooms are warm and minimalist, featuring stone fireplaces — perfect for curling up during chilly winter evenings. But the highlight is the breathtaking view from the mountainside rooms (make sure to request one when booking).

Just a short stroll away, you’ll find the historic Hotel Jerome, a 94-room Auberge Resort originally established in 1889 by Jerome Wheeler, former president of Macy’s. The rooms are a perfect blend of Western charm and luxury, featuring leather accents, cowhide details, and custom artwork.

The Gant Aspen, A Destination Hotel, is ideal for families, offering spacious accommodations ranging from one to four-bedroom condos with full kitchens. The resort also boasts two heated outdoor pools, multiple hot tubs, five tennis courts, and a fitness center. Located downtown, it’s just minutes from ski slopes, hiking trails, and the Aspen Art Museum. Guests can easily travel around town with the hotel’s Gant Vans.

Opening in June 2019, the W Aspen is the latest addition to the city’s vibrant scene. Designed by Nemaworkshop in collaboration with local firm Rowland + Broughton Architectures, the hotel and its residences are set to bring fresh luxury to the area.

With 88 guest rooms and 11 residences (perfect for those considering a second home), W Aspen is located right at the base of Aspen Mountain. The hotel will feature a 12,000-square-foot rooftop bar and pool, offering stunning mountain views, and it will be open to the public.

The Little Nell, 675 E Durant Ave, Aspen, CO; (970) 920-4600.

Hotel Jerome, 330 E Main St, Aspen, CO; (855) 331-7213.

The Gant Aspen, A Destination Hotel, 610 S W End St, Aspen, CO; (970) 925-5000.

W Aspen and The Sky Residence at W Aspen, 550 South Spring St, Aspen, CO; (888) 236-2427.

For more details on everything Aspen has to offer, check out the Aspen Chamber Resort Association website or give them a call at (877) 702-7736.

Elizabeth Marino contributed additional reporting to this article.