February is a fantastic time for a vacation in Aspen and Snowmass. The skiing and snowboarding conditions are typically awesome, and the towns rock in full swing winter activity mode at this time of the season.
Whether you visit the area with your family, your organization, your significant other, or even if you just come by yourself, you will discover something wonderful to do while you are here, despite the current circumstances.
From unparalleled fine dining and haute shopping, to exhilarating outdoor activities and fantastic live entertainment, Aspen and Snowmass offer something exciting and fun for everyone,
If you are planning a February vacation in Aspen, here are 5 fun tips for having a truly memorable time while you are here:
1. Check Out What’s New This Season
Dining and shopping are major activities during any vacation, and when visiting Aspen and Snowmass this is no exception.
While the area boasts a large selection of restaurants and retail establishments from which to choose, first-time visitors and repeat guests want to know, “What’s new in town this year?”
Here is a little sampling of what’s new in the local dining, shopping scene & on the mountain this season:
Dining:
CASA D’ANGELO
The renowned Fort Lauderdale restaurant, Casa D’Angelo has opened a new location on South Mill St, at the former location of Piñons. The second story restaurant offers authentic yet innovative Italian cuisine and an extensive wine list.
CHICA
The latest establishment to open at The Little Nell Residences at the base of Aspen Mountain. Chica is a “celebration of Latin Flavors” by Celebrity Chef Lorena Garcia. The menu has a vibrant mix of latin dishes and an inventive cocktail and drinks list.
CATCH STEAK
The sister restaurant of famed NYC seafood restaurant Catch. Catch Steak is planning on opening a new rooftop steakhouse on the corner of Galena Street and Hopkins Avenue. This location offers panoramic views of Aspen mountain and beyond from its phenomenal outdoor patio, which complements is vast indoor space.
ASPEN SPORTS BISTRO
Aspen’s newest sports bar opened this past summer on the Hyman Mall, in the heart of downtown Aspen. The bistro, which is in the former HOPS culture space, offers a vast beer selection and affordable food menu, with sports on TV all day, every day.
WOODY CREEK TAVERN
One of the valley’s most renowned establishments, the iconic Woody Creek Tavern has re-opened in 2021. Under new ownership, the tavern has upgraded its kitchen, menu and floor layout while still keeping the classic style of tavern that has been loved by locals for so long.
Retail Shopping:
As usual, February in Aspen showcases a selection of high-end, new and seasonal pop-up stores. This season, you’ll find:
ASPENX
Aspen Skiing Company’s new premium retail and experimental concept brand. The brand will include the first clothing line developed by a ski resort, launching with custom collaborations and outerwear designed for thee community who spends most of their time on the slopes. The store itself will open on Aspen’s Gondola Plaza.
TECOVAS
Tecovas, the Austin, Texas based cowboy boot and leather goods store has opened its latest retail location on Aspen’s Cooper Ave Mall. It is the latest store in Aspen to offer custom leather detailing and personalization.
BALENCIAGA
The world-famous luxury brand has opened its Aspen boutique store on S Galena Street. Balenciaga offer’s various lavish garments from jackets to shoes to bags and accessories.
What’s New on the Hill:
ASPEN MOUNTAIN CLUB
The legendary Aspen Mountain Club will re-open for winter 2021/2022. This private members club sits atop Aspen Mountain, and will be opening up again after its renovation. The club has been redesigned for the first time since its opening. The latest interiors have been designed by Luis Bustamante, who recently renovated the lobby at The Little Nell.
ALPIN ROOM
Alpin Room is a new sit-down restaurant on Snowmass Mountain which pays tribute to the cuisine and dining style of the French, Austrian and Swiss Alps. Alpin Room will serve breakfast and dinner, and will be a welcome addition to the mountain after Covid-19 delaying it’s grand opening.
For more information about what’s new in the area this season, please visit the Chamber Resort website (aspenchamber.org), or contact them at 800.670.0792
2. Don’t Miss Out on Some Amazing Events
A lot of Aspen’s usual exciting and attractive events have unfortunately not been able to ahead this year, or least not with a crowd, but fear not – there is still a growing amount of things to do throughout the rest of this Winter season.
Get Out & Get Active
There is always some type of activity or adventure to be explored in Aspen, and this season, though it may be somewhat limited, there is plenty organized events . So give yourself an excuse to get outdoors!
SKI FOR THE PASS
Registration is open for the 3rd event in the Aspen Nordic Cup series. A cross-country race which trails 7km up Independence pass. This classic race is a family favorite and a benefit event for The Independence Pass Foundation.
FULL MOON DINNERS AT BUTTERMILK
An event which is favored by so many locals returns this season after a break during covid last year. On each month’s full moon, the Cliffhouse restaurant on Buttermilk Mountain offers a wonderful dinner for those willing to make the journey to the top. Skin up to the top of Buttermilk on the 16th of February under the full moon and partake in one of Aspen’s most loved traditions.
Enjoy Some Good Entertainment:
It’s true, town might get a little bit quieter and calm after the holiday season. Despite this, there are so many amazing events happening in Aspen and Snowmass during February. Here are a couple we are looking forward to.
ANDY WARHOL: LIFETIMES
The Aspen Art Museum will be hosting a winter-long exhibition which showcases the life work and biography of Andy Warhol, the illustrious artist who had a monumental influence on American pop-culture. The exhibit had been first organized by Tate Modern, London, however it will be re-imagined by Monica Majoli who will conceptualize the AAM version of the exhibition.
“This museum-wide survey exhibition focuses on the biographical underpinnings of Warhol’s practice and specifically expands on the less exposed aspects of his work and persona”
ATTEND A SHOW AT BELLYUP!
After a short hiatus, BellyUp is back! Aspen’s favorite music venue has got a full list for the winter season, and we cannot wait to get back in there. The concert venue has been home to so many amazing shows over the years and has become the most popular spot in town for a show and a party. Their February line-up includes Donavon Frankenreiter and Flight Facilities.
3. Try Something Out of the Ordinary This Year
Even though many people come here for the exquisite dining and shopping, many visitors come here for the many exhilarating outdoor activities available in the area as well.
Some things may have changed this season, but there is still an abundance of ways to explore our area – here are a few of our suggestions for what to do outdoors in Aspen in February:
Relish the Great Outdoors in a New Way:
Cross-Country Skiing – Try out Aspen’s “5th Mountain:
If you still want to slide around on the snow, and you’re looking for alternatives to alpine winter recreation activities, cross-country skiing is an excellent choice. Catch some incredible views of the surrounding mountains while you take advantage of the over 60 miles of free cross-country skiing trails in the area maintained by the Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Council.
These trails offer a wide variety of terrain and difficulty, providing fun and exercise for all ages and abilities. Check out our complete guide to cross-country skiing in Aspen for full information.
Take an exciting ride on a snowmobile:
Cruise through the snow even faster on a breathtaking snowmobile ride courtesy of the T-Lazy-7 Ranch.
The snowmobile guides of “Aspen’s Oldest Working Ranch” take you safely to such grand local attractions as the Maroon Bells, Independence Pass and various other scenic locations within the surrounding White River National Forest.
Make Valentine’s Day Super Special:
Want to do something really out of the ordinary (and, of course, romantic) this Valentine’s Day?
For a true one-of-a-kind experience, you should consider a romantic snowcat dinner ride. The renowned Cloud 9 Bistro at Highlands Mountain offers private dinners after hours at the top of the mountain. As the lifts are closed, the restaurant is accessed by snowcats, usually used to groom the slopes.
Imagine the setting of a cozy cabin, secluded and peaceful with views of Maroon Bells and beyond. The ride itself is magical, as you ascend some of the world’s best ski slopes under the moonlight and clear skies. To top it off, Cloud 9 offers exquisite, elegant cuisine perfect for a valentine’s dinner.
4. Recover from all the Fun
With so much to see and do here, it is quite possible that you will want or need a little energy boost to keep you going at top pace. Or, perhaps you’re still not quite used to the altitude or you’ve been indulging a bit more than you are used to.
If that’s the case, or if you are just feeling a little lethargic (or you’ve managed to come down with the latest bug), we have just the suggestion for you – Rescue Lounge Aspen.
The Rescue Lounge offers intravenous (IV) hydration, oxygen and booster shots in the tranquility of their downtown Aspen location, or in the convenience of your hotel, condo or vacation rental home.
5. Take Advantage of Our Awesome Comprehensive Concierge Services
There’s so much going on in Aspen in February that we’ve just barely scratched the surface. To find out more about things to do in Aspen in February, please contact one of our luxury guest services concierges a call at (970) 205-9960, or email us at concierge@aspenluxuryvacationrentals.com
