JETSETREPORT

Aspen - Winter Wonderland 2016

December 23, 2016 11.47 AM

Caroling villagers, horse-drawn carriages with actual silver bells and Mariah Carey teetering with champagne atop fur-trimmed boots - these are the sights and sounds of Aspen during Christmas. As high season begins in North America's poshest ski town, a flurry of new development includes the record-breaking $16-million sale of the Dancing Bear Penthouse, revamp of Residences at The Little Nell and forthcoming W Hotel Aspen that's promising a rooftop pool, DJ nightclub and private residences occupying the much-loved Sky Hotel.

Long our favorite ski hotel in North America, The Little Nell is showing off a plethora of upgrades this season including its new Little Nell boutique, just in time for Christmas. Later this year, the hotel's guest rooms will undergo a full remodel by much-admired Alexandra Champilamaud, whose work can be seen at Hotel Bel-Air, The Carlyle and Topping Rose House. Those toasting New Year's Eve at the hotel will again find The Little Nell Dom Perignon “It-Party” offering bottomless Dom Perignon, Belvedere cocktails and cuisine by Chef Matt Zubrod. As an added VIP perk, midnight fireworks over Aspen can be enjoyed on Clicquot Cats. The Little Nell teams with Veuve Clicquot to debut three branded snowcats available for groups up to 12 to enjoy rides up the slopes with blankets, dedicated server and caviar service under the fireworks until 1 AM.

As for what’s happening over the holidays, look for the ongoing Julian Schnabel exhibit at Aspen Art Museum with the artist's iconic plate paintings through February. Spin-junkies find a SoulCycle/SmartWater pop-up with 50-bike Rocky Mountain studio and SmartWater lounge through January 3rd. As for new dining, Gwyn's High Alpine gets a much-needed facelift on the mountain. In town, Aspen Kitchen tries it again this year while The Monarch proves one of the hottest new steakhouses in years - with NY-style martini bar that's virtually unrivaled. Our favorite, Meat & Cheese, tries spirits with Hooch, a hipster alternative to long-loved Justice Snow. And to close-out the year, Belly-Up lures the heavyweights with The Flaming Lips on Dec. 29th and Chromeo on New Year's Eve. There's something for everyone in North America's best ski town.

Written by:

Michael Martin
Editorial Review Author
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