Aspen Snowmass Highlights Six Unforgettable Dining Experiences

Make every meal memorable with a first-class culinary experience in Aspen Snowmass this winter. From charming slope side bistros accessible by snowcat to a hidden award-winning wine cellar, immerse yourself in exquisite cuisine with these six iconic experiences amidst the enchanting alpine charm of the Rocky Mountains.

Snowcat Dinners at Cloud Nine Bistro

Guests are invited to Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, nestled midway up Aspen Highlands, for an unforgettable slope-side dining experience by snowcat. This private dining experience begins at the Aspen Highlands Welcome Center, where guests are welcomed with hot chocolate and Schnapps before embarking on an open-air snowcat ride up the slopes to the bistro. Known for its authentic alpine ambience, refined cuisine and vibrant après ski scene, the restaurant offers panoramic views of the iconic Maroon Bells and features a cosy wood-burning fireplace. Guests can enjoy their meal surrounded by peaceful fir forests as they gaze out over the stunning Elk Mountain Range.

Wine and dine in The Little Nell’s secret wine cellar

Hidden in the luxurious confines of Aspen’s only five-star, five-diamond hotel, The Little Nell, guests can find the town’s most exclusive wine cellar. Home to over 20,000 bottles from around the world, this intimate setting is perfect for oenophiles who are looking for a quintessentially Aspen wine and dine experience. Guests can reserve a private dinner featuring a customised menu presented by the Executive Chef of Element 47, the hotel’s Michelin-recommended restaurant, with hand-picked wine pairings from the knowledgeable team of sommeliers. The Little Nell’s wine programme is one of the most impressive in the world, with dozens of sommeliers currently on staff, and an achievement of 11 of North America’s Master Sommeliers having graduated there, the most of any establishment in North America.

Snowshoe adventure to Pine Creek Cookhouse

Embark on a winter wonderland adventure with a snowshoe excursion through the pristine Castle Creek Valley. Beginning at the historic Ashcroft ghost town, guests traverse serene aspen forests and sweeping snow fields on their way to a gourmet lunch at the Pine Creek Cookhouse. Hidden at the base of the Elk Mountains, this legendary restaurant serves up hearty alpine food highlighting wild game and fresh fish, crafted with locally sourced ingredients. After lunch, visitors can enjoy the leisurely descent back to Ashcroft by snowshoe, taking in the natural beauty and thriving wildlife of the surrounding valley.

Full Moon Dinners at Cliffhouse

Cherished by locals and embraced by visitors alike, the Full Moon Dinners at Cliffhouse welcome lunar enthusiasts to ascend Buttermilk Mountain, either hiking or skinning, for a monthly dining experience beneath the glow of the winter moon. On select evenings throughout the winter (next event on 25 March), guests can enjoy fireside cocktails from 17:00 and an à la carte dinner from 17:30, including the fiery Mongolian Grill, to create their own stir-fry or pho. Attendees must have uphill passes and wear visible straps whilst ascending and are encouraged to look out for local wildlife.

First Track’s Pancakes at Bonnie’s

Located on Aspen Mountain, Bonnie’s is one of the most sought-after breakfast spots across all four of the resort's mountains. As one of the few on-mountain dining options, it’s a race to secure a spot on the two-tiered deck to try Bonnie’s legendary pancakes. Guests of The Little Nell and Limelight Hotel Aspen gain an advantage by enjoying ‘First Tracks’, a special programme led by local instructors and guides. With early access to ski lifts, guests can carve through pristine slopes and freshly groomed trails, bypassing the queues for an unforgettable mountain experience and a spot in the queue at Bonnie’s.

Family fun at Ullr Nights

As the sun sets over Snowmass, friends and family can hop onto the Elk Camp Gondola for a scenic ride to Elk Camp for Ullr Nights, which take place twice a month. Visitors can explore a myriad of winter activities from tubing and a ride on the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster to toasting s’mores and sipping hot chocolate by the bonfire. Elk Camp Restaurant serves up an extensive à la carte menu from 17:30 until 19:30, offering an array of gourmet delights from pizza using its 100-year-old sourdough recipe to freshly grilled meats from the outdoor patio. Visitors are invited to enjoy time with friends and family in the crisp mountain air under the twinkling stars.