Escape to Aspen in the Summer:
● A Blend of Boho, Billionaires & Backcountry
By: Alyssa Pinsker
● Photos: Courtesy Aspen Chamber Resort Association.
Nestled high in the Colorado Rockies, Aspen is more than a playground for the rich and famous—it’s a 3.66-square-mile walkable wonder, with just over 6,600 residents, towering peaks, and a down-to-earth boho spirit meets fur coats and private jet runways—this tiny mountain town has been a secret sanctuary for celebrities since the ‘60s. Once the secret hideaway of Hunter S. Thompson—who shared shots at the Hotel Jerome—it has evolved into a summer haven for the contemporary ultra-high-net-worth and A-listers seeking fresh air, privacy, and world-class experiences with a mountain backdrop so close it practically leans into.
DOWNTOWN ASPEN
EAT
Aspen’s culinary scene peaks in summer, when its snow globe exterior thaws to reveal refined flavors and al fresco indulgence. Michelin-starred Bosq, helmed by Chef Barclay Dodge, leads with hyper-local, foraged, and fermented ingredients in a tasting menu designed to reflect Colorado’s rugged elegance.
Michelin-starred Bosq
Kenichi, an Aspen staple since 1991, balances Japanese fusion with ski-town energy, while Clark’s Oyster Bar delights with cioppino and classic cocktails in a lively setting. Catch Steak, with its heated rooftop and views of Ajax, serves American and Japanese wagyu and regularly draws in discreet Hollywood visitors—Jennifer Lawrence and Matthew McConaughey among them.
The exclusive Caribou Club, known as Aspen’s premier private members-only club, draws a discerning crowd of jet setters and insiders seeking the ultimate in discretion and luxury nightlife. It’s where connections are made away from prying eyes, blending old Aspen charm with modern glamour.
Caribou Club
Most of these restaurants, plus an international spread of wine and speakers, are available at the Aspen Food and Wine Festival.
STAY
Aspen offers iconic, historic options and modern retreats that blend mountain charm with luxury. The Little Nell, Aspen’s only Five-Star, Five-Diamond ski-in/ski-out hotel, is beloved by Julia Roberts and other low-key elites. The hotel’s warm, elegant ambiance is enriched by its renowned 20,000-bottle wine cellar that attracts serious connoisseurs. Its impeccable service and prime location at the base of Aspen Mountain make it a perfect launchpad for exploring town or hitting the trails.
Fotos little Nell
The St. Regis Aspen Resort offers a perfect marriage of classic luxury and modern wellness. From sumptuous Frette linens to the RAKxa Wellness Spa featuring oxygen lounges and steam caves, it’s a sanctuary for those seeking both relaxation and rejuvenation. Wellness devotees like Gwyneth Paltrow have enjoyed the blend of mountain charm with high-end comfort here, making it a refined retreat for body and soul.
For a chic yet laid-back family-friendly option, the Limelight Hotel Snowmass provides modern mountain luxury just nine miles from downtown Aspen. Located in Snowmass Base Village—where Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, and Kate Hudson reside—it offers stylish rooms, complimentary breakfast, and fun amenities like a climbing wall and cozy fire pits perfect for après-hike marshmallows or nightcaps. Steps from the Elk Camp gondola, it offers direct access to hiking and biking trails in summer and ski runs in winter, balancing Aspen’s energy with a relaxed vibe that appeals to families and outdoor lovers alike.
Fotos Snow Mass
Aspen’s latest hotel, MOLLIE Aspen brings minimalist mountain chic to the heart of town. This boutique hotel features 68 rooms styled with Japandi flair—think Parachute bedding, Coyuchi robes, and Noguchi lighting. The space balances Aspen’s Bauhaus roots with serene comfort. Ideally located steps from Restaurant Row with a direct shuttle to the slopes, MOLLIE offers relaxed luxury and an in-house restaurant created to impart a thoughtful, warm, and nourishing experience for visitors and locals alike.
SHOP
For such a tiny town, Aspen’s luxury shopping rivals Rodeo Drive. Flagship boutiques from Hermès, Gucci, Cartier, and Dior line the streets alongside jewel-box galleries and designer consignment shops where Aspen’s glam meets its granola. No store embodies the town’s Western-chic aesthetic quite like Kemo Sabe. More than a hat shop, it’s a rite of passage. Custom cowboy hats are steamed and shaped while patrons sip tequila from the private upstairs bar or enjoy rooftop views of the Rockies. The shop is beloved by Bravolebrities—Kyle Richards, Kathy Hilton, and Lisa Rinna have all made appearances, alongside tourists hoping to score a selfie with an A-lister. Featuring 818 Tequila, Kylie Jenner’s agave-based brand, and Woody Creek Vodka, its Aspen-style saloon vibe mixes rustic charm with unapologetic glam that keeps stars and locals mingling over mezcal in the mountain air.
PLAY
Aspen in summer is nature’s invitation to play. The famous Maroon Bells, just a short drive away, are among the most photographed peaks in North America, with hiking trails that win through wildflower meadows and serene alpine lakes. Take a gondola up Ajax Mountain to hike in summer or ski in winter, enjoying some of the best après ski vibes in town. Adventurers can also horseback ride at nearby ranches or mountain bike down trails carved for thrill and view alike. Aspen’s fresh air and even fresher produce make it ideal for outdoor yoga, farmers’ markets, and impromptu mountain picnics with views straight out of a postcard.
CULTURE
Each June, Aspen transforms into the epicenter of American culinary culture during the Aspen Food & Wine Classic, a legendary festival celebrating its 42nd year in 2025. The 2024 event delivered star power and sensory indulgence, with the Grand Tasting Pavilion in Wagner Park featuring over 200 food, wine, and spirit brands. Celebrity chefs like David Chang, Kristen Kish, Nancy Silverton, and Tom Colicchio led sold-out seminars. Brad Pitt and Beyoncé were among the high-profile guests, keeping a low profile behind mirrored sunglasses and private security. Zendaya was also spotted at exclusive after-parties, adding fresh star power to the event.
Festival favorites included the Best New Chefs Reunion Cookout, the American Restaurant Legends Dinner, and hands-on classes in wine pairing, caviar tasting, and the art of the spritz. Outside the tents, Aspen pulsed with pop-ups, invite-only parties, and surprise DJ sets that kept the town glowing well after dark. More than indulgence, the Classic benefits organizations like Southern Smoke Foundation and No Kid Hungry, making each bite part of a bigger mission.
Looking ahead to June 20–22 2025, the Food & Wine Classic will go deeper into wellness, non-alcoholic pairings, and cultural heritage through cuisine. Expect more chef-led storytelling, intimate masterclasses, and a broader inclusion of global food traditions. Anticipated headliners include Padma Lakshmi, Kwame Onwuachi, and mixology pioneers shaping the sober-curious movement. In a town known for its altitude and attitude, Aspen Food & Wine continues to push boundaries—melding indulgence, intellect, and influence in every glass poured and plate served.
Summer in Aspen is less about escaping the city and more about rediscovering your senses—with altitude, attitude, and a hint of Hollywood mystique. Whether you’re hiking the Bells, shopping Aspen’s Rodeo on Main, sipping rooftop tequila in a cowboy hat at Kemo Sabe, or sharing a truffle tasting with the next James Beard winner.
Contact Us