February is a fantastic time for a vacation in Aspen and Snowmass. The skiing and snowboarding conditions are typically superb, and the towns rock in full-swing winter activity mode.

Happy Valentine's Day

Whether you visit the area with your family, your organization, your significant other, or even if you just come by yourself, you will discover something wonderful to do while you are here.

From unparalleled fine dining and haute shopping, to exhilarating outdoor activities and fantastic live entertainment, Aspen and Snowmass offer something exciting and fun for everyone.

If you are planning a February vacation in Aspen, here are five fun tips for having a truly memorable time while you are here:

1. Check Out What’s New This Season

Dining and shopping are significant activities during any vacation, and when visiting Aspen and Snowmass, this is no exception.

While the area boasts a large selection of restaurants and retail establishments from which to choose, first-time visitors and repeat guests want to know, “What’s new in town this year?”

Here is a little sampling of what’s new in the local dining, shopping scene and on the mountain this season:

Dining:

WAYAN ASPEN
Bringing a taste of Bali to the heart of Aspen, Wayan offers a refined take on Indonesian cuisine with French influences. Helmed by Cédric Vongerichten, this stylish yet cozy eatery serves bold flavors in dishes like lobster noodles and crispy baby squid. The ambiance, a mix of warm wood tones and lush greenery, makes it one of the most sought-after dining experiences in Aspen.

SANT AMBROEUS
A chic slice of Milan in Aspen, Sant Ambroeus is known for its sophisticated Italian fare, impeccable espresso, and elegant desserts. Located in the heart of town, the restaurant blends classic European charm with a modern mountain vibe. Whether you’re indulging in their signature Vitello Tonnato or a cappuccino with a cornetto, every bite feels like a luxurious escape.

STRANAHAN’S
Whiskey lovers and foodies alike flock to Stranahan’s, Aspen’s premier whiskey distillery and dining destination. This upscale yet relaxed spot specializes in perfectly aged spirits paired with hearty, wood-fired cuisine. The menu offers expertly crafted dishes like bourbon-glazed short ribs and smoked trout dip, perfectly complementing their renowned Colorado whiskey selection.

TACO PIÑA 
For a casual yet flavor-packed meal, Taco Piña is the go-to spot. This vibrant taqueria serves up authentic, fresh Mexican street food with a modern twist. From al pastor tacos carved straight from the spit to their house-made blue corn tortillas, every bite bursts with bold, authentic flavors. Pair your meal with a mezcal margarita for the full experience.

THE BOAT TOW
A fresh addition to Aspen’s dining scene, The Boat Tow brings a unique après-ski experience with its creative take on comfort food and craft cocktails. This stylish yet laid-back spot is known for its signature fondue, gourmet hot dogs, and an impressive selection of local brews. Whether you’re warming up with spiked hot chocolate or indulging in their house-made bratwurst, The Boat Tow offers a cozy and lively setting perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes.

Retail Shopping:

As usual, February in Aspen showcases a selection of high-end, new and seasonal pop-up stores. This season, you’ll find:

WYLD BLUE
A sophisticated boutique blending mountain chic with effortless elegance. Wyld Blue offers a curated collection of fashion, accessories, and home decor, embracing a neutral aesthetic with a touch of bohemian luxury. Located on South Galena Street, it’s a haven for those seeking stylish, one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect Aspen’s elevated lifestyle.

ASPEN COLLECTION
Aspen Skiing Company’s premium retail and experiential concept delivers high-performance apparel, custom collaborations, and cutting-edge gear designed for those who thrive in the mountains. Located at Aspen’s Gondola Plaza, Aspen Collection is a dynamic fusion of style and function, serving as the epicenter of elevated mountain living.

KEMO SABE
More than a store—Kemo Sabe is an experience. This Western luxury outfitter, nestled in downtown Aspen, is known for its handcrafted cowboy hats, premium boots, and custom leather goods. Whether you’re looking for an iconic hat shaped to perfection or a bespoke belt with a statement buckle, Kemo Sabe blends Old West heritage with modern-day luxury.

PITKIN COUNTY DRY GOODS
Situated in Aspen’s Cooper Avenue Mall, Pitkin County Dry Goods is a boutique fashion institution. Offering an eclectic mix of contemporary designer apparel, custom leather detailing, and high-quality accessories, it’s a go-to destination for fashion-forward individuals seeking wearable yet distinctive pieces in the heart of Aspen.

SNOWMASS MALL
A reimagined shopping destination at the heart of Snowmass Village, Snowmass Mall now features an exciting mix of stylish boutiques, gear outfitters, and specialty retailers. Blending alpine fashion with everyday essentials, it serves as the perfect hub for both visitors and locals looking for high-quality apparel, accessories, and outdoor gear that seamlessly fit into mountain life.

What’s New on the Hill:

ASPEN MOUNTAIN CLUB
Perched atop Aspen Mountain, the exclusive Aspen Mountain Club continues to be a premier destination for its members. The club features elegant interiors redesigned by renowned Spanish designer Luis Bustamante, known for his work on The Little Nell’s lobby. Members enjoy refined alpine views, elevated dining, and luxurious amenities, solidifying Aspen Mountain Club as an essential part of the Aspen experience.

ALPIN ROOM
Snowmass Mountain welcomes the Alpin Room, a new sit-down restaurant offering guests a blend of French, Austrian, and Swiss alpine-inspired dishes. Open for both breakfast and dinner, Alpin Room serves up classic comfort foods with a contemporary twist in a cozy, alpine-inspired atmosphere. Whether you’re fueling up before hitting the slopes or winding down after a day of skiing, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy delicious European-style fare.

HERO’S TERRAIN
Aspen Mountain has expanded with the addition of Hero’s, a new area offering over 150 acres of exciting terrain. Featuring a high-speed quad chairlift, Hero’s unveils fresh chutes, glades, and trails, perfect for expert skiers and snowboarders. With an extra 1,220 vertical feet, this expansion promises thrilling runs and stunning alpine views, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers in 2025.

THE NEW ELK CAMP
Snowmass’ Elk Camp has elevated its dining experience with new gourmet options and après-ski offerings, all set against stunning mountain vistas. Whether you’re enjoying a gourmet meal or winding down with a hot drink after a day on the slopes, this updated destination promises an unforgettable experience.

SNOWMASS BASE VILLAGE
Snowmass Base Village introduces expanded shopping and dining options. Visitors can now enjoy new boutique shops and trendy restaurants, adding to the vibrant, year-round atmosphere that enhances the resort experience.

For more information about what’s new in the area this season, please visit the Chamber Resort website (aspenchamber.org), or call 800.670.0792

2. Don’t Miss Out on Some Amazing Events 

Although many of Aspen’s usual exciting and attractive events may have changed or adapted in recent years, there are still many things to do throughout the rest of this Winter season.

Get Out & Get Active  

There is always some type of activity or adventure to explore in Aspen. This season, though somewhat limited, there are plenty of organized events. So, give yourself an excuse to get outdoors!

SKI FOR THE PASS
Registration is open for the next event in the Aspen Nordic Cup series. A cross-country race that trails 7km up Independence Pass. This classic race is a family favorite and a benefit event for The Independence Pass Foundation.

FULL MOON DINNERS AT BUTTERMILK 
An event which is favored by so many locals returns this season. On each month’s full moon, the Cliffhouse restaurant on Buttermilk Mountain offers a wonderful dinner for those willing to journey to the top. Skin up to the top of Buttermilk under the full moon on the 12th of February and partake in one of Aspen’s most loved traditions.

Enjoy Some Good Entertainment:

It’s true, the town might get quieter and calm after the holiday season. Despite this, so many amazing events are happening in Aspen and Snowmass during February. Here are a couple we are looking forward to.

ALEX ISRAEL: HEAVEN
The Aspen Art Museum is currently presenting “Alex Israel: Heaven,” an exhibition that delves into the multifaceted work of contemporary artist Alex Israel. Known for his exploration of celebrity culture and the Hollywood aesthetic, Israel’s exhibition offers a unique perspective on modern art and media. 

“This museum-wide survey focuses on the biographical underpinnings of Israel’s practice, expanding on the less exposed aspects of his work and persona.”

ATTEND A SHOW AT BELLYUP!
Belly Up Aspen, the town’s premier music venue, has an exciting lineup for the winter season. The concert venue has been home to so many amazing shows over the years and has become the most popular spot in town for a show and a party.  Their February line-up includes performances by Zeds Dead, Alesso, and Steve Aoki.

3. Try Something Out of the Ordinary This Year

Even though many people come here for exquisite dining and shopping, many visitors also come here for the exhilarating outdoor activities available in the area.

Some things may have changed this season, but there is still an abundance of ways to explore our area – here are a few of our suggestions for what to do outdoors in Aspen in February:

Relish the Great Outdoors in a New Way:

Cross-Country Skiing – Try out Aspen’s “5th Mountain”
Cross-country skiing is an excellent choice if you still want to slide around on the snow and are looking for alternatives to alpine winter recreation activities. Catch some incredible views of the surrounding mountains while you take advantage of the over 60 miles of free cross-country skiing trails in the area maintained by the Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Council.

These trails offer various terrains and difficulties, providing fun and exercise for people of all ages and abilities. For more information, check out our complete guide to cross-country skiing in Aspen.

Take an exciting ride on a snowmobile
Cruise through the snow even faster on a breathtaking snowmobile ride courtesy of the T-Lazy-7 Ranch.

The snowmobile guides of “Aspen’s Oldest Working Ranch” take you safely to grand local attractions like the Maroon Bells, Independence Pass, and various other scenic locations within the surrounding White River National Forest.

 Make Valentine’s Day Super Special:

Want to do something really out of the ordinary (and, of course, romantic) this Valentine’s Day?

For a true one-of-a-kind experience, you should consider a romantic snowcat dinner ride. The renowned Cloud 9 Bistro at Highlands Mountain offers private dinners after hours at the top. As the lifts are closed, the restaurant is accessed by snowcats, usually used to groom the slopes.

Imagine the setting of a cozy cabin, secluded and peaceful, with views of Maroon Bells and beyond. The ride is magical, as you ascend some of the world’s best ski slopes under the moonlight and clear skies. To top it off, Cloud 9 offers exquisite, elegant cuisine perfect for a Valentine’s dinner.

4. Recover from all the Fun

With so much to see and do here, you may want or need a little energy boost to keep you going at a top pace. Or, perhaps you’re still not quite used to the altitude or indulging more than you are used to.

If that’s the case, or if you are just feeling a little lethargic (or have contracted the latest bug), we suggest Rescue Lounge Aspen.

The Rescue Lounge offers intravenous (IV) hydration, oxygen, and booster shots in the tranquility of their downtown Aspen location or the convenience of your hotel, condo, or vacation rental home.

5. Take Advantage of Our Awesome Comprehensive Concierge Services

There’s so much going on in Aspen in February that we’ve just barely scratched the surface. To find out more about things to do in Aspen in February, please contact one of our luxury guest services concierges by phone at (970) 205-9960, or email us at info@aspenluxuryvacationrentals.com