Discover Two of Colorado's Elite Skiing Escapes: Aspen and Telluride

Beyond fine powder and high-altitude adventures, even non-skiers can appreciate all the activities and experiences available at these coveted ski destinations in North America – Aspen and Telluride. Whether drawn to Aspen’s vibrant energy or Telluride’s rugged elegance, these exclusive skiing retreats offer discerning travelers elevated alpine experiences. 

With all that fine powder on the slopes, Aspen is undoubtedly famous for its skiing. However, it’s also celebrated for its myriad of luxury boutiques, exclusive art galleries, and some of the world’s most exclusive and classy eateries. Aspen is also known for its numerous festivals, including film, music, food, wine and ideas fests.

As for Telluride, it features two lovely towns: Telluride Proper, a mining town dating back to the Gold Rush, and luxurious Mountain Village. Telluride sits among some of the most captivating peaks in Colorado. The town isn’t just about skiing. Many off-slope activities include shopping in the central core dotted with pristine boutiques. Telluride’s quaint charm and friendly locals captivate the hearts of even the most experienced, elite travelers.

ASPEN

Aspen has the deserved reputation of being a glamorous ski town for the world’s jet set. Its savage beauty includes immersive mountain views and virgin forests, and hedonism is an essential part of this charming mountain town. Depending on weather conditions, the ski season at Aspen begins at the end of November and ends around mid-April. Snowmass and Aspen Mountain promise a bespoke skiing experience alongside exclusive opportunities.

The Aspen's Dining Scene

Aspen has something for everyone’s taste, blending culinary artistry and alpine sophistication. Fine dining is readily available here and presents an immersive journey through flavors from around the world. Indulge in private dining experiences, catering to affluent travelers, which effortlessly marry locally sourced ingredients with international influences. These five establishments are among the best Aspen has to offer on your next ultra-luxury mountain getaway:

Chefs Club Aspen - The Chefs Club at The St. Regis Aspen Resort is a beautifully appointed space dominated by an open kitchen and an air of winter-wonderland chic. Chefs Club is a restaurant group featuring some of the world’s best chefs in four iconic locations. Chefs spend three to six months at each restaurant, completely taking over the space and menu. Chefs Club is a culinary infrastructure provider offering chefs the opportunity to operate their own restaurants without any of the usual obstacles, so menus continually vary.

Clarks Aspen - Clark’s Aspen is open year-round, offering the country’s best oyster and caviar selections from its marble raw bar, freshly baked sourdough, overflowing lobster rolls, delicious burgers, steaming bowls of chowder, and cioppino. Clark’s is quickly becoming the go-to place for a bite and a martini after a day on the slopes.

French Alpine Bistro - The restaurant's romantic ambiance has earned it a spot among the top five romantic restaurants in the US, as voted by the Food Network. Family heirlooms adorn the walls, while soft sheepskins cover the comfy chairs. A heated patio and a street-level lounge invite you to relax with a glass of wine while taking in the spectacular mountain views. Signature dishes include their signature version of steak tartare and terrine de foie gras.

Matsuhisa - Matsuhisa is where to go if you love sushi and are particular about its freshness and presentation. Those who want the best head to this fine establishment. Everything is ocean-fresh, from the wonderfully delicate sashimi and fluffy crab tempura to the spicy tuna cut roll. The downstairs main dining room has a natural walnut cocktail bar, bamboo-wrapped ceilings, and a sushi bar spanning half the room's length.

Steakhouse No. 316 - This upscale, centrally located steakhouse has been described as decadent in the most positive way. Imagine enjoying a scrumptious meal sitting on the finest leather chairs below teardrop crystal chandeliers and gazing into ornate gilded mirrors. Steakhouse No. 316 is known for serving monolith steaks like the 20-ounce cowboy rib eye or 24-ounce porterhouse chops. A favorite is the 14-ounce New York strip smothered in a cognac peppercorn demi-glace.

Exclusive Shopping in Aspen

A bespoke shopping experience awaits in Aspen with a curated expression of luxury. As the breathtaking Rockies elevate the quaint beauty of the village, explore the fashion houses and renowned ateliers on your luxury retail therapy. Each boutique provides a tailored experience that speaks to the town’s magnificent blend of cosmopolitan sophistication and haute couture. With high-end shops, Aspen’s exclusive shopping scene fulfills the wishes of those who seek refinement in every detail. Visit these stores and pursue an artful exploration of style and individuality:

Gorsuch - takes the majesty of nature and expresses it through stunning garments defined by lasting value, quality, and craftsmanship. These are pieces worthy of being passed down from generation to generation. Fine ski wear, apparel, and home goods, Gorsuch's philosophy of quality is imbued with the sensibilities of nature and outdoor recreation. This shop is a notable staple for everything from chic ski wear to outstanding items for your home.

Gucci - The name speaks for itself, and the brand has a significant presence in Aspen. The shop showcases the brand’s rustic side with sharply detailed items and chic ski apparel. It also carries the latest looks from its casual collections and bags, clutches, boots, shoes, and sunglasses, making it a one-stop shop for experiencing a mountain getaway in style.

Pitkin County Dry Goods - offers an eclectic mix of creative designers and wearable fashion basics. Deeply rooted in the community, it is the town's oldest clothing retailer frequented by international clientele. This lovely boutique is known to locals as having the absolute best jewelry selection, so you might want to pay a visit in between ski times.

TELLURIDE

Telluride Ski Resort has exceptionally gorgeous views of the San Juan Mountains. Spanning over 2,000 acres of meticulously maintained, lift-accessible terrain, this resort offers 148 incredible runs. With its high altitude, the mountain has no trouble holding onto its pristine snow and catering to all skill levels, from beginner to intermediate, with four hike-to-terrain areas for advanced and expert skiers. The season begins at the end of November and finishes in early April, so don’t miss out on Telluride’s unrivaled beauty and bespoke slopes. 

Telluride Fine Dining

Telluride’s fine dining scene won’t disappoint when you are looking for an elegant dinner. The sophisticated restaurants reflect the town’s distinctive character, where rugged alpine beauty meets bespoke culinary creativity. Within its historic streets, you will find premium fine dining venues that transcend the expectations of even the most prestigious visitors. Attentive services await at Telluride, and any of these four culinary gems effortlessly fits the bill:

Allred’s Restaurant - Dining at Allred’s is having a meal with altitude! The eatery is located halfway up Telluride Ski Resort and can only be accessed by a gondola ride. Once there, diners have many choices. However, the elk strip loin, marinated in juniper bourbon and served with sunchoke puree and black cherry compote, comes highly recommended, as does the crispy Scottish quail with blue corn cornbread and lingonberry-jalapeno sauce.

La Marmotte - The epitome of fine dining, La Marmotte is as sophisticated as Telluride’s landscape is untamed. You can expect to enjoy expertly prepared dishes like beef tartare with caper berries and lemon and roasted mahi-mahi, dusted with bee pollen and served with black garlic and sage sauce. Despite the elegant atmosphere, the service is always fantastic.

The National - Touted as one of the sexiest restaurants in Telluride, The National is run by several long-time residents who’ve worked at other local restaurants. The cuisine is an ever-changing menu of creative contemporary American fare, with items ranging from a Kobe ribeye for two to delicious small plates such as roti flatbread with house-smoked salmon and a hamachi tiradito with Asian pear kimchi. There is also a great wine list!

221 South Oak Bistro - Vegetarians flock to this Oak Street eatery for its addictive, meatless menu options, like chips made from delicata squash and chickpea cakes with plum butter. There’s also a healthy carnivore choice, including the Rocky Mountain elk T-bone with goji-berry walnut jam. Chef Eliza Galvin appeared on the TV show Top Chef. Fans should take advantage of her on-site cooking demonstration and wine pairing classes, which include 12 recipe tastings and up to nine wines.

Exciting Telluride Experiences

When you think of adventure, Telluride is a place to go. There is so much to see and do. An exciting array of experiences that blends adventure and luxury defines this breathtaking skiing destination. Every moment in Telluride feels personal, so carve through the fine powder on the legendary slopes or explore the beauty of its natural surroundings. Undoubtedly, this luxury travel in Telluride is both exhilarating and captivating. Connect with nature on these particularly photo-worthy activities:

Heli-skiing - Seasoned skiers looking for untracked powder in the backcountry should try heli-skiing. Fly into the beautiful San Juan Mountains in a helicopter at the highest elevations, ensuring panoramic scenery and powder turns. Choose from day trips, multi-day outings, and custom tours. Guests won't be jumping out of a helicopter that hovers above a rocky slope. Pilots take great caution and care in selecting safe landing sites, and they'll land and let skiers off directly on the snow at the top of the run.

Ice Climbing - The San Juan Mountains alpine setting offers world-renowned ice climbing and various winter climbing opportunities. A local guide is recommended to explore the winter climbing routes fully. Standing 365 feet tall, Bridal Veil Falls is Colorado's tallest free-falling waterfall, and one of the country's most classic and difficult ice climbs. Having been closed to climbing for the better part of a few decades, except for a few brief openings, the climb re-opened to the public in the winter of 2008-09. Access is contingent on a climber’s awareness and compliance with a number of rules: You must sign in at a kiosk; avoid the Powerhouse area at the top of the falls; and all descents must be via rappel.

Via Ferrata - Experienced adventurers who want a thrill of a lifetime should consider the Via Ferrata experience. Via Ferrata is not for the faint of heart but a must-do for any adrenaline seeker or to-the-core adventurer. At its most intense, you are suspended on a small iron foothold by a harness at 500 feet. The climbing route is technical, breathtaking, and exposed on Telluride's boxed canyon's east end and south-facing wall. If you decide to partake in this incredible adventure, you are urged to use an experienced guide to tackle the trip.

LVH LUXURY STAYS IN ASPEN & TELLURIDE

Elevate your luxury winter escape with LVH’s exceptional accommodations in Aspen and Telluride. These premier North American ski destinations combine perfect slopes with unmatched high-end living. Whether seeking the thrill of pristine runs or the relaxation of indulgent après-ski moments, Aspen and Telluride set the stage for an exclusive and sophisticated winter experience. Discover your ultimate retreat with LVH, where luxury knows no limits.

Villa Charlotte in Aspen

Villa Charlotte is a stunning, contemporary chalet in which to spend a luxury ski vacation in Aspen. This unique home brings the pinnacle of modern architecture to the untouched splendor of the Mclain flats, occupying more than 30 acres. A sensation of remote seclusion accompanies quick access to Aspen’s downtown core. Every bit of Charlotte’s 13,000 square feet is witness to exceptional craftsmanship. The home has amenities such as a library, bar, media room, gym, massage room, outdoor hot tub, and wine cellar. Eight bedrooms will luxuriously accommodate up to 16 guests.

Villa Claudette in Telluride

Villa Claudette is a striking contemporary estate perfectly suited to its dramatic Alpine backdrop. Set on a hillside in scenic Gray Head, this residence provides the utmost seclusion, immersed in majestic mountain woodland scenes. A stunning Telluride luxury vacation rental, head and shoulders above the rest, few guests have proven impervious to this home’s charms. Unobstructed mountain views are brought into each corner of the residence. Large picture windows dazzle upon entering a sunken living room. Gorgeous free-form furnishings surround innovative fireplaces and post-modern artwork while glittering light fixtures impart cosmopolitan glamor. Sliding doors open to a beautiful wrap-around deck replete with a gas grill and relaxing hot tub before unmatched views of Mount Wilson. With 14 bedrooms, there is room for up to 14 guests. Amenities include a cinema room, gym, sauna, and hot tub.

Immerse yourself in the personalized experiences in Aspen and Telluride, where LVH offers an exquisite luxury home to complement your stay. Secure your booking, and let us handle every detail of your luxury vacation. Regardless of your travels, LVH is committed to curating an unforgettable escape with bespoke itineraries designed around your individual desires. From exclusive dining reservations to tailored adventures and premium concierge services, we ensure every moment resonates with your personal vision. Connect with our client relations team today and embark on an extraordinary journey.