aspen
Some of my happiest memories are from family trips to Aspen – one of my favorite places in the world. Our yearly trip was always the perfect way to reunite with my family for Christmas after a long fall semester at Carolina. Highlights: skiing Aspen Mountain, taking pictures on long walks, Christmas carols at the Hotel Jerome, eating delicious food at Campo de Fiori and Montagna, giving my little brother his first tequila shot…
It’s truly a special place: a unique combination of an amazing ski mountain and a beautiful town with seriously great restaurants and shopping. And its a real town, not a “built for the mountain” town like Vail or Squaw Valley (which are both great in their own right).
I was lucky enough to go about a month ago, this time not with family but with my boyfriend (SO adult of us). It was far and away my favorite trip I have been on in a very long time.
where to stay
The Sky Hotel. This was my first time staying here and I loved it. I knew this hotel would be great when a red Escalade was waiting for us in front of the airport, ready to take us to the hotel. Renting ski’s? no problem. The hotel is ski in ski out (right next to the Little Nel) and you can rent your skis directly through them. Two words – ski concierge. Leave your skis poolside, grab a cocktail to join the Apres Ski party, and they will be waiting for you fresh and clean in the morning. The hotel also boasts a complimentary wine hour, which even got Jake (a die hard Jack and Diet fan) drinking wine. As for the hot tub, each room comes with two animal print robes to stay cozy on your walk (or stumble) back up to your room.
where to eat
Campo de Fiori – the most delicious Italian and awesome atmosphere, penne vodka is the best (Jake had major food envy).
Matsuisha – by the Nobu guys, they had me at yellow tail sashimi with jalepenos. They are a little stuck up which is annoying but the food is so good.
The Meatball Shop – who knew! We ended up going here our last night for something more casual and it was perfect. Good food (truffle brussel sprouts, buffalo meatballs, mac and cheese), fun bar scene (hello tequila shots), and great service.
Poppycocks – for the best pancakes you will ever eat (one word – oatmeal)
Montagna at the Little Nell is amazing, but I didn’t get to go this time (their pasta with shaved truffle is heaven).
where to shop
Pitkin County Dry Goods, Theory, Moncler, ok let’s be honest – everywhere.
what to pack
Side tip: mail your shit. Your helmet, your goggles, your gloves, your jacket, your ski pants, FedEx it all.
Rag and bone coated black skinnies. Helmut Lang Puffer (I live in this baby, can be a vest or jacket). Lulu Lemons for under ski pants for a quick transition to Apres Ski. Chunky wintery scarves (this Rag and Bone one is actually not mine, I bought it for Ash for her birthday. Would have loved to have stolen it!). Sorel boots are a must. A good book to entertain yourself while your boyfriend sleeps in and you are ready to get on the mountain!. I’m currently reading Grace Coddington’s memoir and loving it.
xo,
e
scorpio bites 