Few ski towns can compete with the fur-trimmed glamour of Aspen at Christmas. This year you will arrive to the best snow conditions in years, as Aspen shows-off a line-up of restaurant newcomers for its winter season. At The Little Nell, our favorite Aspen address, you’ll find flagship eatery Element 57 settling into its second year and new après-ski bar Chair 9 in the former-Terrace Bar space infused with daily DJs and live music curated by Belly Up nightclub.
Nearby, Il Mulino makes way for upcoming Zeno Aspen that comes from the creators of Justice Snow. Expect a locally inspired menu with Italian spin and afternoon terrace scene at the base of Aspen Mountain. Two other Italian newcomers include Trecento Quindici Decano inside the St. Regis and Acquolina Aspen that replaces beloved Giselle this year. The biggest name to enter the Aspen dining market in years, David Burke Kitchen will open in early 2014 with outdoor après-ski lounge and formal dining room along Galena Street that will feature Burke’s signature farm-to-table cuisine.
Nightlife has taken a giant leap forward at Belly Up as the live music club headlines upcoming Weezer, Rufus Wainwright, Moby and New Year’s Eve with The Flaming Lips as well as The National in early-January. In Snowmass, new Slow Your Roll Bowling Alley opens with beer hall and bowling while The Viceroy debuts Nest Lounge on the slope side entrance of the hotel. At beloved Caribou Club in downtown Aspen, look for Christmas and New Year’s prix-fixe dinner and dancing until 2am for members and paid non-members that's the hottest reservation in town.
