As a longtime Aspen resident, I still get excited when the winter season comes around. Once we get our first fall snow, we know it’s time for this beautiful mountain community to truly come alive. There are always so many special events and activities to look forward to, along with the influx of winter residents and visitors.
Here are a few news and notes about the Aspen/Snowmass 2021-22 winter season:
Covid Regulations
Pitkin County has strict Covid-19 restrictions that will affect hotels, restaurants and ski resorts. Mask mandates will be enforced in most indoor settings. Full vaccination will be required at some resort locations, as well. The Aspen Skiing Company in particular is requiring full vaccination at The Little Nell, indoor entertainment/dining venues and in gondolas. They will not be requiring vaccinations for ski lift access, ski and snowboard lessons, uphill passes, market-style restaurants, equipment rental shops and ticket offices. For updated mask and vaccine regulations, click here for more information. We expect many more seasonal residents and out-of-town visitors this winter compared to last year, so everyone is taking extra precautions to prevent spreading the virus.
New Aspen Restaurants
There are several new Aspen dining spots expected to open this winter. Here are a few that are getting a lot of attention:
- Chica Aspen—Chica is opening an Aspen location to go along with their Miami and Las Vegas restaurants. It will be in the Residences at The Little Nell and is considered to be a “celebration of Latin flavors” refined by celebrity chef, Lorena Garcia. Learn more.
- Catch Steak Aspen—Catch is the sister steakhouse of the famous seafood restaurant in New York City. It will be a rooftop dining experience at the corner of Galena Street and Hopkins Avenue, with both indoor and outdoor seating with gorgeous mountain views. Learn more.
- Felix Roasting Company—This coffee house opened in the Hotel Jerome back in September. Winter visitors are going to love their signature beverages and delicious treats. Learn more.
75th Anniversary of Aspen Skiing
This winter represents the 75th anniversary of skiing in Aspen. There will be numerous celebrations and events to commemorate this amazing milestone. Many local resorts will be taking a look back at the history of skiing here while also looking forward to the future of the sport that means so much to the Roaring Fork Valley lifestyle. It doesn’t hurt that we’re also expecting a great snowfall this year, so the slopes should always be stocked with fresh powder for skiing, snowboarding, skinning and cross-country.
Travel News
Some other good news revolves around increased flights to Aspen from major providers. Delta Airlines is returning its nonstop service to Aspen with daily flights directly from Salt Lake City and Atlanta. United Airlines also added a nonstop flight from Orange County, California that runs from December 16 through March 26, 2022.
Arts & Entertainment
There will be plenty of great concerts, events and art exhibits taking place this winter. The Aspen Art Museum is opening Andy Warhol: Lifetimes on December 3. It is expected to be an incredible exhibit with a unique look at his artistic style and outsider’s perspective. The Herbert Bayer Center will also be opening at the Aspen Institute in December. They will be honoring his art and contributions to the Institute.
I can’t wait for Aspen’s winter season to begin. There is so much to look forward to this year. I hope to see you here!
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Brittanie Rockhill
Aspen Real Estate
DRE # FA.100019229
