Perhaps it's all the black snow or reaction to polyester in sub-zero temperatures, but somehow glitzy nightlife and winter ski village are rarely spoken in the same sentence. In towns like Aspen where the fur-coat to female ratio hovers around 2:1, Belly-Up is a Southern California rock bar transplanted by its surfer owners to Aspen in 2005. Owned by brothers Steve and Michael Goldberg, the two create a year-round rock bar just a short slalom from the Aspen slopes. The club is no small tavern, a saloon-meets-supper club space of hardwood floors, high ceiling and ever-loved laser lighting controlled by rotating DJs and event promoters. It's a horn-of-plenty of virtually every demographic you can think of including ski instructors, hotel workers, red-eyed Hollywood royalty and even Aspen divas like Mariah Carey on-hand for live bands and concerts throughout Aspen high-season. No two nights are ever the same with rotating '70s bands, rock-star karaoke and headliners ranging from ZZ Top and Tiesto to Dionne Warwick.
Tips
While most opt for simple General Admission, true high rollers should book table service that is actually free of charge and only requires a $250 food and beverage minimum.
Last Word
Saloon-theme rock club in central Aspen lures fur-trimmed revelers and shirtless snowboarders for live bands, concerts and all-night DJ events.
