Max your winter (and summer) at Aspen with Burgess

Your summer may be all about heading out on the water, but come winter it’s time to pack up your skis and head to Aspen. Well known as the pinnacle of North American winter luxury, Aspen tops many wish lists not only for its varied terrain but the town of Aspen itself, which comes alive in winter with plenty of notable events and attractions.

From an exclusive series of musical events to pop-up boutiques and clubs, including the Burgess AspenX Beach Club on Aspen Mountain top, this resort town may be over 1,000 miles from open water (San Francisco being the closest port) but what it has to offer will certainly keep the superyacht crowd entertained. 

Ride the Highland Bowl

The Elk Mountain range is home to four ski areas – Aspen (also known as Ajax), Buttermilk, Snowmass, and Aspen Highlands. Best known for its varied terrain and off-piste skiing, Aspen Highlands is one for every ski aficionado’s bucket list. Located at 3,777m above the main summit of Loge Peak, the iconic Highland Bowl is the area’s crowning jewel and has stunning views over the Maroon Bells and surrounding mountains. The area also has a reputation for being one of the best places in the world to ski thanks to its seemingly never-ending terrain and the availability of fresh powder skiing almost everywhere in the bowl.  

Après ski in Aspen     

As one might expect, post-ski revelry in Aspen is treated as a serious affair. From caviar and live music to DJs spinning their discs on the mountain top. With pop-ups all over the mountains, you will be spoilt for choice, but one stalwart is the après ski at the charming Lynn Britt Cabin on Snowmass. Think Champagne accompanied with a charcuterie board. For a livelier après scene, Ajax Tavern sits directly at the base of the mountain, but before reaching the bottom meet the Burgess team at mountaintop Beach Club at AspenX and enjoy cocktails and champagne before the sun goes down. Later on, head to town for some cozy après at Little Nell’s new Nest pop-up or get some cowboy-cool vibes and cocktails at the iconic J-Bar at Hotel Jerome.  

Mountain Dining in Aspen  

From wood-fired pizzas to haute cuisine, Aspen offers a variety of restaurants, ranging from bistros on the slopes to fine dining in town. While on the slopes why not stop in at the Austrian-themed Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro for raclette or try the Ajax Tavern for their famous oysters. Those looking to linger over a long lunch slope-side should try to ski into the Lynn Britt Cabin, just one of The Little Nell’s dining options. Down in town, the iconic hotel’s Michelin Guide-recommended Element 47 is one for a memorable occasion, while for a family-affair the Little Mammoth Steakhouse is ideal.  

Visit the Burgess AspenX Beach Club pop-up   

Leave it to Burgess to swap the sea for the snow and throw a beach party at 3,500m! The Burgess mountain-top Beach Club embraces the iconic Aspen slopes for 12 weekends throughout the winter season. Burgess clients and guests are invited to experience an unmatched fusion of superyacht glamour with mountain vibes at the most-coveted on-mountain experience in Aspen. 

You could be relaxing in a cluster of red and white striped cabanas and chaise lounges complete with bottle service and gourmet snacks... Find yourself rubbing shoulders with any number of Hollywood stars at the invitation-only Burgess parties with signature cocktails (perhaps a Moonlight Expresso, made with vodka from the local Marble Distilling Company down the valley) and DJs, accompanying unmatched views atop Aspen. The Burgess AspenX Beach Club adds an extra shot of on-mountain excitement to your ski season.  

Trek Aspen’s mountains

With alpine lakes surrounded by wildflowers and mountain peaks, hiking in Aspen is one of the best things to do in the summer. The most famous hiking trail is the Maroon Bells Scenic Trail. With breathtaking views of the dual peaks of Maroon and North Maroon, the hike is relatively easy. For a more challenging hike, step it up a notch with the Crater Lake Trail. This scrambles through a glacier rock deposit that leads to the shores of the crater lake itself and descends the other side of the pass and all the way down to Crested Butte. For those who prefer to just go one way, the Little Nell Trail begins under the Aspen Mountain gondola, which is still open during the summer season for a ride back down.  

Try the ‘Ride & Dine’ Adventure

Many of the hiking trails are also great for mountain biking, but the trails that are specifically built for biking are usually the best. From trails for beginners to endurance riding, enjoy single track downhill, trails across town, and mountain top views which run all over this mountainous landscape. A popular summer activity for cyclists of all abilities (E-bikes are available) is the Ride & Dine series of events with The Little Nell. Following a hearty lunch, ride from the hotel to a scenic destination for an al fresco dinner featuring fresh ingredients from local purveyors and accompanied by select wines, chosen by The Little Nell’s sommelier team from the hotel’s 20,000-bottle cellar. Previous locations in have included Mad Dog Ranch in the Old Snowmass and the Rock Bottom Ranch. 

Indulge in a sommelier experience

Including chef-paired wine dinners and personalised wine tastings, The Little Nell is known for its wine experiences. The property’s award-winning Master Sommeliers have created a wine programme for guests with wine events hosted year-round. The Little Nell’s wine cellar holds 20,000-plus labels on which all the sommeliers are well-versed and ready to guide oenophiles, with wine pairings provided available to accompany your dinner at any of the hotel’s restaurants.