An epic year for snow in the Western United States has yielded some of the best ski conditions in a generation. In Aspen,
a spate of new developments shows a resort town alas willing to embrace
change, albeit through developments like W Hotel Aspen and The
Limelight Snowmass, as well as a handful of new restaurants and bars
dotting the fur-trimmed ski resort. Recently, we took to the town to
affirm our long-standing favorites and to try-out the newcomers to see
if they're worth a booking.
Just off downtown's pedestrian walkway, we discovered Bosq
in an understated dining room with counter bar that is perhaps the best
newcomer in years. Its adventurous, globally inspired menu is a
deviation from Aspen's love affair with steakhouses and Italian
restaurants. We were pleased to see the resurrection of Aspen Kitchen again this season following a short closing and revamp earlier in the year. Casa Tua Aspen also seems to be finding its groove after its 5-year anniversary, while The Grey Lady lags and newer The Monarch struggles to find its crown in the ever-posh Dancing Bear. On the mountain, we were sad to see Cloud 9
more focused on their champagne showers than the quality of the food
and service - which has always been one of our favorite experiences in
Aspen. Luckily,
Gwyn's High Alpine at Snowmass just completed a great remodel and Ajax Tavern perfects truffle fries and Grand Plateaus as great as ever.
.
On the hotel front, Kimpton’s Sky Lodge will soon shutter to
make room for W Aspen - only the second ever ski installment of the
Starwood-brand. The now wow-less W boutique brand will hopefully find a
way to refresh its image with this pedigree address following years of
over-expansion. In Snowmass, Aspen Ski Co will also break ground on The
Limelight Snowmass, previously planned to be a sequel to The Little
Nell, the 4-star property will be a lesser price point and in line with
the more family minded mountain. The Little Nell
is on the heels of refreshing all of its guest rooms this spring in
time for a Memorial Day unveiling. Lighter, brighter silhouettes chosen
by designer Alexandra Champalimaud,
who penned much of the Hotel Bel-Air remodel in LA, will reinvent the
famed Holly Hunt interiors at the country's most iconic ski hotel.
