Exploring the Roaring Fork Valley
Skiing
Aspen/Snowmass boasts four premier ski mountains.
Snowmass
The largest of the four mountains, Snowmass lacks crowds due to its size. There is an array of runs suitable for all levels. From the house, you can see Snowmass ski runs in the distance.
https://www.aspensnowmass.com/four-mountains/snowmass
Buttermilk
A great mountain for snowboarders as it boasts a half pipe. Our favorite mountain to ski as children, it’s great for all levels and small enough to ski in one day.
https://www.aspensnowmass.com/four-mountains/buttermilk
Aspen Highlands
Famous for the Highland Bowl, this mountain is suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers and also home to the famous Cloud Nine bistro.
https://www.aspensnowmass.com/four-mountains/aspen-highlands
Ajax
Accessed from the heart of downtown Aspen and the Silver Queen gondola, Ajax/Aspen Mountain is suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers. There is no beginner terrain on this mountain.
https://aspenchamber.org/explore/recreation/skiing-snowboarding/aspen-mountain
Apres Ski
If you’re skiing on Snowmass, stop by the Lynn Britt Cabin on your last run and grab a bottle of champagne while enjoying a snowy setting, but be prepared to ski a short distance to the bottom. Off the mountain, grab a margarita at Venga Venga just next to the rental shops.
Visit Cloud Nine on Highlands or, if you ski Ajax, stop by anywhere in downtown Aspen. A crowd favorite is the J Bar at the Hotel Jerome for a cozy hot chocolate or hot toddy after a day on the slopes.
Hiking
There are plenty of amazing hikes in the Roaring Fork valley. We recommend searching on the AllTrails app to find ones that suit your preferences. However, we have included some of our favorites below.
Arbaney Kittle Viewpoint
This 3.5 mile out & back trail is a quick 4-minute drive from the house. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even bike to the trailhead via the Rio Grande trail. During the hike, you will gain 1,243 ft, providing an intense but expedient morning workout. The hike offers a fantastic panoramic viewpoint at the top and is well worth the climb. Please note there is little shade along the trail.
Thomas Lakes Trail
A crowd favorite due to the sheer beauty of this hike. It is an 8.1 mile out & back trail with multiple serene lakes at the top. Along this hike, you’ll find cattle grazing, abundant wildflowers, and small streams to cross. Plan to bring lunch, as this hike takes about 4 hours to complete.
Capitol Peak
The road up to the trailhead is treacherous and typically requires 4 wheel drive, but the view from the parking lot alone is worth the trek. With no elevation gain for the first mile to mile and a half, this trail is great for those looking for nature without the cardio. If you continue on, there is a breathtaking lake, but be prepared for a full day of hiking, as this trail is about 13 miles long out & back.
Additional favorites that are a further drive include Maroon Bells (reservation required), American Lake, Cathedral Lake and Lost Man. Please note that Lost Man is a point to point trail on Independence Pass and requires 2 vehicles, but it’s a definite favorite and worth the logistics.
Fly Fishing
Taylor Creek Fly Shops located conveniently in Basalt can organize a day of fly fishing for fishermen of all skill levels, either wading on the Frying Pan or floating the Roaring Fork, depending upon the time of year. Pop into the shop next to The Tipsy Trout to get organized and outfitted for a day on the river.
Bike Rental
Rent bikes and explore the Rio Grande Trail, which runs approximately 41 miles from Aspen to Glenwood Springs. This can be accessed less than a mile from the house just across Highway 82 and is wonderful for walking as well as biking.
Lunch Spots
Woody Creek Tavern
Located between Basalt and Aspen on the Rio Grande Trail, Woody Creek Tavern is one of our very favorite lunch spots. Walk or bike there if you want some exercise (about 8 miles one way) and enjoy a delicious lunch complete with margaritas at the end! Our go to order is the chicken enchiladas with a house margarita. No reservations, so plan to wait a short time.
Pine Creek Cookhouse
Reservations required. In the summertime, a nearby hike in the morning followed by lunch at Pine Creek is a favorite activity. We think it sits on one of the most beautiful spots in the entire valley, so it’s definitely worth seeing. Hike Cathedral Lake or American Lake right nearby before sitting down to a hearty lunch. In wintertime, the road is closed, so the options are to cross country ski, snowshoe or take a horse drawn sleigh to lunch. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available at the closest driving point.
Surrounding Towns
There is a fabulous farmers market that takes place in Carbondale on Wednesdays, Aspen on Saturdays, and Basalt on Sundays during the summer months.
Read on for some of our favorites in each of these nearly locales…
Basalt
Basalt offers a pedestrian park along the roaring fork river that has great spots for throwing in a line or for kids to wade. There are also wonderful restaurants conveniently located just a few minutes from Old Snowmass.
Tempranillo
Located in a historic inn, this Spanish inspired restaurant has plenty of outdoor dining in the summer months and cozy fires in the winter. The tapas style food is delicious and they have an extensive list of Spanish wines.
https://tempranillorestaurant.com
The Tipsy Trout
A wonderful spot for lunch. Grab a table outside and enjoy their delicious trout while listening to the river.
CC’s
A cozy breakfast spot with delicious coffee. A great start to the day!
Heather’s
A wonderful dinner spot with live music and a bakery. They are known for their hearty pot pies, so head to Heather’s if you’re hungry! Grab one of their cakes for a celebration or enjoy a slice after dinner.
https://heatherssavorypies.com
Free Range
Located next to the park that houses the weekly farmers market, Free Range is a great spot for dinner. Enjoy the eclectic menu, especially great for varying tastes in your group.
Aspen
Aspen is full of luxury shopping and fine dining. While Aspen boasts many designer shops, we’ve listed places you can only find in Aspen. Read below for some of our favorites.
Shops
Pitkin County Dry Goods
Find curated selections for men and women of the latest styles at various price points. They have everything from socks, shoes, perfumes, clothing, jewelry, and bags. This shop has a charm that’s specifically Aspen, which can be attributed to being family-owned since 1969.
Little Bird
High end consignment boutique with a great selection of unique and vintage finds. There is a second location across from the Whole Foods in Basalt if you’re looking for a quick stop for shopping rather than a full day in Aspen.
Miron Crosby
A Dallas-based company merging fashion and function with their high end cowboy boots for men, women and children. It’s certainly worth a look, even if you’re not in the market for boots.
Kemo Sabe
No Aspen shopping guide would be complete without a nod to Kemo Sabe. Pop in for a hat that can be customized while you wait. There’s even a bar for you to enjoy a cocktail while you design and wait for your hat.
Dining
French Alpine Bistro
A cozy French restaurant that we love in both winter and summer alike. Enjoy fondue and steak tartare with a glass of wine and finish up with delicious crepes for dessert.
https://www.frenchalpinebistro.com
Jing
Our favorite spot in Aspen for sushi. Everything is delicious and the vibe is energetic.
https://www.jingrestaurant.com/aspen/
Casa Tua
A great place to splurge on a delicious Italian meal. Everything we’ve had at Casa Tua has been fantastic. A wonderful spot for a celebration and open for lunch and dinner.
https://www.casatualife.com/Aspen.html
Parc
This makes for a wonderful dinner after a full day of skiing. One of our very favorites, we love the layered fries!
Meat and Cheese
A cozy spot for lunch, brunch, dinner and even après ski. This quaint little restaurant even has a market where you can purchase from their curated selection of meats, cheeses, smoked salmon (the BEST) and even caviar, complete with all the accoutrements.
Carbondale
Carbondale is the most casual of the neighboring towns and provides restaurants, parks, and some small boutiques. During the summer months, there is a rodeo that takes place is Carbondale on Thursday evenings from June to mid-August. The rodeo also takes place in Snowmass Village on Wednesday evenings. Be sure to purchase tickets online, as it can sell out!
Izakaya
Our favorite spot in Carbondale, Izakaya serves up sushi in a casual environment with friendly staff and plenty of options for food and beverages. Keep in mid that they can accommodate larger parties more easily than many restaurants in the valley.
Village Smithy
Very casual and great for breakfast or delicious burgers!
Phat Thai
Excellent Thai food and great service.
Snowmass Village
Like most ski villages, guests park their car in the garage and wander the village on foot. There are playgrounds for children and numerous places to eat or shop.
The Crepe Shack
A quick and easy lunch spot with a variety of savory and sweet crepes. They also have a new Aspen location if you find yourself in need of an easy lunch in either of the two towns.
Kenichi Snowmass Village
Kenichi Aspen did so well that they opened a second location in Snowmass village!
Il Poggio
Excellent Italian food in a warm and casual setting.