nightlife

Feb 11 2020

Sip at These 5 Best Bars in Aspen, Colorado

Whether you’re looking for a day full of après ski or the best bar to dance the night away, Aspen has it all. If you’re looking to let loose during your stay with Aspen Signature Properties, consider heading to some of the best bars in Aspen. From local brews to extravagant cocktails, you won’t be disappointed.

Are you looking for the best bars in Aspen? Access our complimentary Travel Guide for our insider list of things to do and see in the area!

5 of the Best Bars in Aspen, Colorado

Las Montañas

Directions to Las Montañas

Creative Mezcal Cocktails, a huge tequila selection, and patio seating? Yes. Las Montañas took the place of the locally loved Jimmy’s. The second floor restaurant, with views of the surrounding mountains, includes a large dining room with table and booth seating, large bar, outdoor patios, and ample space for large parties. Daily Happy Hour Year-Round offers a must-stop on your crawl of Aspen’s Best Cocktails.

Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar

Directions to Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar

When you arrive at Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar, you’ll feel as if you’re heading into a secret speakeasy. This cozy yet elegant bar is located in the basement under Meat & Cheese Restaurant & Farm Shop, but once you step inside, you would never know! Countless bottles of liquor line the brick walls, chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and comfortable seating is scattered throughout. Their cocktail menu changes seasonally, so you never know what’s in store!

The Monarch

Directions to The Monarch

If you’re looking for an upscale night out on the town, head to The Monarch. This extravagant steakhouse has a great bar and excellent bartenders. Enjoy a world-class cocktail, glass of wine, or a classic aperitif from their menu. If you want the whole experience, go for the Beluga & Caviar, a simple drink of Beluga Gold Line Noble Russian vodka, caviar, and cucumber.

Westbound & Down Brewery Aspen

Directions to Aspen Tap

Are you into local brews? This pop-up has taken over the space of the beloved Aspen Tap! If you’re a craft beer lover, one of the best ways to experience a new destination is by its craft beer. ! Here, you can enjoy cold pints, wine, and cocktails.

Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro

Directions to Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro

For those with après ski in mind, Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro is one of our favorite places to pop champagne after a day on the slopes. Enjoy the stunning views of the Maroon Bells in the background as you sip bubbly and dine on Swiss fare like raclette and apple strudel. In the winter, the lunch rush is filled with happy skiers that are ready to party!

Book Your Aspen Getaway Today

No matter what time of year you visit, Aspen is a special place. There’s nowhere else like our mountain town! When you’re planning your getaway, book with Aspen Signature Properties. We have exclusive properties located all over Aspen and Snowmass. Plus, our concierge can recommend the best bars in Aspen, secure reservations, and more! Browse our properties and book your vacation today.

Nov 26 2019

Here’s Why You Need to Attend Wintersköl™ in Aspen This Year

Winter is a special time of year in Aspen, Colorado. The slopes are open, the hot drinks never stop flowing, and holiday cheer exists throughout the entire season. If you love the winter season here, make sure you’re in town for Wintersköl™ in Aspen. Translated as “a toast to winter,” this festival has taken place every year since 1951. Accommodations sell out for this popular time of year, so book your stay as soon as possible! Start planning your getaway when you access our complimentary Travel Guide.

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About Wintersköl™ in Aspen

Both locals and visitors alike have been celebrating winter through Wintersköl™ in Aspen for more than 65 years. The festival lasts for four days and takes place across town and all four mountains. Come celebrate one of our most special seasons in Aspen!

The History

As you know, winter is a huge season in Aspen and Snowmass. We can’t wait until fresh powder covers every inch of our mountain town and we can hit the slopes! Wintersköl™ started all the way back in 1951 when locals decided that this season needed to be celebrated in typical Nordic fashion. Now, thousands of people join us each year for four days of fun!

Wintersköl™ Events

There’s something for everyone during Wintersköl™ in Aspen! The whole family will love watching the fireworks and seeing the snow sculptures. If you’re here with a group of friends, there are plenty of après ski parties to enjoy. There is even a dog fashion show! You can check out the Aspen Chamber of Commerce website for the exact event lineup to plan your stay. Our concierge is always here to help, too!

Planning Your Aspen Getaway

Wintersköl™ only lasts four days, so you’ll have to plan the rest of your getaway! Continue the fun with some winter activities. Our concierge service is a great start. Our concierge experts can plan anything you could ever dream of for your winter getaway. Take your sweetheart on a romantic sleigh ride complete with hot chocolate or plan a snowshoeing trip for the entire family. No matter what you want to do, our concierge will plan it for you.

Book Your Winter Stay Today

When you stay with Aspen Signature Properties, you are sure to have the winter getaway of a lifetime. Our exclusive rentals are located all over Aspen and Snowmass. From penthouses in the middle of town to ski in, ski out properties on the mountainside, we have accommodations for everyone. Browse our properties to start planning your stay. Because winter is the most popular time of the year to visit Aspen, we recommend booking as soon as possible to get your desired travel dates. We can’t wait to host you for Wintersköl™ in Aspen!

Sep 17 2019

When Is the Best Time to Visit Aspen? Everything You Need to Know

Anyone that has fallen in love with Aspen, Colorado, will tell you that there’s no bad time to visit. With so much to offer during each changing season, you can’t go wrong! Choosing the best time to visit Aspen depends on what you’re looking to get out of your mountain getaway. Would you rather come during the off-season to avoid the crowds, or do you like the energy of the town when it’s at its peak months? It’s for you to decide, and we are here to help!

No matter what season you decide to visit Aspen during, our complimentary Travel Guide will help you plan your trip. Get yours today!

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Deciding the Best Time to Visit Aspen

When deciding the best time to visit Aspen, there are a few factors to take into account. What are you looking to do, what would you like to see, and what weather do you prefer? Each season offers something new, so you might even want to stay with Aspen Signature Properties multiple times throughout the year.

Aspen in the Winter

We will start with the most popular time to visit Aspen: the winter. Once the ski season starts, visitors come flooding in to hit the slopes! Nearly 200 inches of snowfall keep the powder fresh, and winter sport aficionados can’t stay away. Plus, there are tons of winter events you won’t want to miss! With our ski in, ski out rentals, you can have the winter getaway of a lifetime.

You might have to combat some crowds, but we love the energy our mountain town gets when it’s full of visitors! Work around the crowds when you take advantage of our concierge service. Your expert concierge can help you secure ski passes, dinner reservations, event tickets, and more!

Aspen in the Spring

Spring is the least crowded season in Aspen. If you’re looking to get away without any crowds, spring is the time to do it. Temperatures range from the 20s to 60s, so you never know what you’re going to get. However, if you bundle up, you can enjoy some outdoor activities such as biking or hiking. This is also a very rainy season, so you will need to check the weather before deciding on which activities you’d like to enjoy during your vacation. Aspen Signature Properties Tip: Some businesses close during the spring to enjoy some time off before summer. Feel free to ask us what is open!

Aspen in the Summer

Aspen is full of life during the summer. The snow melts and brings bright, vibrant greenery back into our landscape. With weather averaging in the 70s, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. See our gorgeous scenery when you explore the area– there are so many things to do in the summer! If you talk to enough Aspen locals and regulars, you might just hear a common theme; they came for the winter skiing but stayed for the Colorado summer.

Aspen in the Fall: The Off-Season

We like to think of fall as our magical secret season. Many people write this off as the off-season, but we disagree. Fall can be an amazing time of year with mild weather, beautiful foliage, and a dusting of snow on the high peaks. You can get better deals on airfare, lodging, and food with no summer crowds to have to share it with. Aspen regains its small-town feel in the off-season, a quieter time when the true essence of the town reveals itself. Here are four reasons why we love fall!

No One Can Predict the Weather– No one can predict the weather, but fall usually has some beautiful days! There’s an old saying, “If you don’t like the weather in Colorado, wait five minutes.” That’s especially true in the fall! Warm, sunny days can give way to blistering cold nights and the occasional snowstorm. However, you can usually find plenty of nice days to enjoy the outdoors.
Goodbye, Crowds!– Fewer people means Aspen retains the small-town feel that makes it special, and fall is the perfect time to experience it. It also means that you’re more likely to get a table at your favorite restaurant or a drink in a less crowded bar.
Fall Foliage, of Course– There are few things more beautiful than seeing Aspen during peak foliage season. Our fall colors transform the mountains into brilliant shades of gold, so make sure you bring a camera!
The Party Never Stops– Summer is packed full of events, so it’s nice to take a break for a little while. In October, it all starts right back up! The Aspen Art Museum remains open, the Harvest Party fundraising event for the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies is the go-to event for the season, and The Belly Up continues to offer live music all month long.

Book Your Getaway Today

Have you decided on the best time to visit Aspen? Come experience each of our beautiful seasons when you stay with Aspen Signature Properties. We have exclusive properties located all over Aspen and Snowmass, so we know we have the perfect one for you no matter when you stay. Browse our properties today!

Jan 16 2019

7 of the Best Aspen Winter Events You Can’t Miss

Winter is one of Aspen’s most renowned seasons for travelers, and for good reason. As locals, we know hitting the slopes is just the tip of the iceberg for all the incredible things to do and see in our snowy wonderland. Consider catching one of our Aspen winter events during your getaway, or plan your trip around them. Discover even more things to do and see when you access our complimentary Vacation Guide!

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You’ll Want to Plan Your Trip Around These 7 Aspen Winter Events

Ullr Nights at Snowmass | December – April

Every Friday night, you’re invited to gather at the Elk Camp Meadows to honor the Norse God of Snow, Ullr. Elk Camp transforms into a magical winter celebration the whole family will love. Begin your festivities with a gondola ride up, then play in the snow! Tube down the hill, snowbike in the moonlight, and more before warming up by the fire with some s’mores and hot chocolate. These nights create memories your family will never forget.

12 Days of Aspen | December

It’s impossible not to feel the holiday cheer in the air during the 12 Days of Aspen. For the last twelve days of December, the charming downtown area lights up with ice skaters, carolers, entertainment, and plenty of twinkle lights. Each day offers something new, so you can enjoy everything from events perfect for date night to Christmas storytime for the kids.

Winter X Games | January

As a premier winter destination, it’s no wonder the X Games holds their winter competition in Aspen every year. Buttermilk Mountain comes to life as it hosts some of the most talented athletes in the world. Sports competitions are open to the public, and you can watch some of the biggest names in the music industry during their performances that weekend.

Gay Ski Week | January

Once you see the rainbow flags raised up and down Main Street, you know Gay Ski Week is starting! Combat the cold with the Gay Ski Week Pass; it will get you into all the hottest galas and parties that set this week above the rest. Insider tip: You won’t regret reserving a table for the Downhill Costume Contest, considered the greatest show on snow. Treat yourself to a front row seat!

Aspen Snowmass Freeskiing Open | February

The Aspen Snowmass Freeskiing Open brings more than 200 competitors to our area each year for one of the longest-running independent open competitions in the country. Athletes take on the X Games Aspen Slopestyle and Superpipe and Big Air courses at Buttermilk for a few days of entertaining action. Even if you aren’t competing, they’re fun to watch!

Bud Light Spring Jam | March

The Annual Bud Light Spring Jam is held the last two weeks in March in Aspen Snowmass. Join the fun festivities during your Spring Break vacation by going to outdoor concerts right downtown Aspen and watch competitions on the mountain. Check out the some great live music while you’re on your ski trip!

Book Your Winter Getaway Today

Take your winter getaway to the next level when you stay with Aspen Signature Properties. We strive to make your entire vacation more than just a trip— it’s an experience. If there are any Aspen winter events you would like to attend, our concierge will take care of all the details. Don’t worry about acquiring your tickets, transportation, and dinner reservations; we will make sure each day of your getaway runs smoothly. Browse our properties to start planning your stay. It’s time to experience our winter wonderland!

Nov 26 2018

We Know How to Spend the New Year in Aspen, CO

Wave goodbye to yesteryear. Say “hello” to new beginnings. Make your celebrations extra special when you spend the New Year in Aspen, CO! From New Year’s Eve dinners and dazzling fireworks displays to New Year’s Day contemplations and adventures on the slopes, we’ve outlined the best ways to spend the holiday in our charming ski destination.

4 of the Best Ways to Celebrate the New Year in Aspen, CO

1. Toast to New Beginnings at a Special New Year’s Eve Event

Usher in the New Year with an unforgettable dining experience or New Year’s celebration at one of Aspen’s finest restaurants! Feast on a decadent dinner paired with bubbly champagne, reflect on the past year, and toast to new beginnings. Here are a few local NYE culinary happenings this year…

NYE Bash | Bad Harriet | 2 Seatings: 7:00 pm, 11:00 pm
Celebratory Chef’s Dinner | Hotel Jerome | 2 Seatings: 5:30 pm, 8:00 pm
NYE Dinner | Element 47 – The Little Nell | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
New Year’s Eve Reservations | Pine Creek Cookhouse

2. Sparkle Beneath a Dazzling Fireworks Display

Editor’s Note 2021/2022: Annual events and festivities to be confirmed due to COVID-19.

The city of Aspen hosts an annual fireworks display for New Year’s Eve! You can attend a free party downtown, in Wagner Park, where you can warm up by the bonfire, listen to live music, and see the fireworks. The fireworks can be seen for miles. Some people even like to hike up Smuggler Mountain for the best views of the dazzling display.

Looking for more entertainment? Check out these events!

“When Harry Met Sally” New Year’s Eve Screening | Pitkin County Library | 3:00 pm
Clicquot Cats | Aspen Mountain | 7:00 pm
Diplo | The Belly Up | 10:00 pm
NYE Party | Ajax | 10:00 pm

3. Wake up to a Fresh Start in an Aspen Signature Properties Vacation Rental

After a long night of fun New Year’s Eve festivities, you’ll find comfort in calling one of our upscale vacation rentals your home away from home. Wake up to a brand-new day of a brand-new year. With a hot cup of coffee in hand, take in the snow-dusted mountain scenery from your private Aspen Signature Properties rental. And, with our Concierge Services, you can plan everything from grocery delivery to childcare, unique activities, and more!

Begin planning your New Year in Aspen by booking one of our premium vacation rentals today. We are delighted to welcome you to our mountain haven.

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4. Spend the First Day of the New Year in Aspen, CO on the Slopes

What better way to kick off the New Year than with a day out on the slopes? There are four mountains in Aspen: Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. If you’re not sure where to begin, just ask our staff! From getting you lift tickets to our four mountains in Aspen to planning a magical day of winter activities, our concierge service will handle every request.

Travel Tip: When you stay in one of our ski-in, ski-out vacation rentals, you’ll have the convenience of being able to get on and off the mountain quickly and easily.

Need Additional Help Planning Your Vacation?

If you’re still searching for things to add to your to-do list during your visit to Aspen, be sure to request a free copy of our Travel Guide! Inside you’ll find local suggestions for where to eat, what to do, and where to go during your stay.