Aspen is gearing up for one of its most exciting winter seasons in recent memory. With major mountain improvements, a wave of new culinary concepts, high-end retail expansions, and fresh hospitality offerings, Winter 2025–2026 will bring Aspen’s energy, creativity, and luxury experience to an entirely new level.

Below is your complete guide to what’s new and noteworthy as the town prepares for its biggest debut season in years.

Mountain Upgrades: Two New Lifts at Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass is launching two major lift upgrades this season—the Elk Camp Six-Pack and the Cirque T-Bar—marking the first time in nearly 20 years that two new lifts have opened simultaneously.

Elk Camp Six-Pack

• Expands from four to six passengers

• Reduces wait times and improves peak-day flow

Cirque T-Bar

• Replaces the old platter lift

• One of the highest lifts in North America

• Doubles capacity by carrying two riders

Together, these upgrades directly address crowding and create a smoother on-mountain experience—just in time for the holidays.

New Arts & Culture: The Paul JAS Center

Opening December 19, the long-awaited Paul JAS Center will become Jazz Aspen Snowmass’ first permanent home since 1991.

Located above the historic Red Onion, the center will serve as an intimate performance venue and cultural hub. Ten nights of live music will kick off opening week—ushering in a new era for Aspen’s year-round music scene.

New Luxury Hotel: White Elephant Aspen

Aspen’s lodging inventory is set to expand with the opening of White Elephant Aspen in February 2026. This boutique property—known from Nantucket and Palm Beach—will bring:

• Exclusive art collections

• Complimentary BMWs

• Doggy Turn-Down Service

• 54 guest rooms on Main Street

It will sit directly across from MOLLIE Aspen, creating a new luxury corridor on the west end of town.

New Restaurants & Culinary Arrivals

This winter brings one of Aspen’s most impressive culinary shake-ups in years. Here’s what’s new (and what’s changing):

Petit Trois at MOLLIE Aspen

Chef Ludo Lefebvre expands his acclaimed LA bistro to Aspen—his first location outside California.
Expect:

• Breakfast, lunch & dinner

• Bistro classics elevated with local produce

• An exceptional wine program curated by Dustin Wilson & Sabato Sagaria

Opening December 2025.

Mount Rubirosa (Replacing CHICA)

The beloved New York Italian concept Mount Rubirosa is taking over the former CHICA space at 501 S. Dean St.
Expect signature:

• Vodka pizzas

• Red-sauce classics

• Elevated Italian comfort food

Hai Si + Sway + Gravity Haus + Unravel Coffee: Closed

Several departures have reshaped the dining landscape, with Hai Si, Sway, Gravity Haus, and Unravel Coffee all officially closed.

Explore Booksellers’ New Coffee Shop

Aspen’s iconic independent bookstore now features a charming new coffee shop upstairs, adding a cozy community space perfect for reading, writing, or escaping the crowds.

LOLA41

A Nantucket and Palm Beach favorite, LOLA41 brings sushi, seafood, and global-inspired plates to Aspen, adding a stylish new option to downtown dining.

Hillstone Adds Sushi

Local favorite Hillstone is expanding its menu to include a full sushi program—a welcome enhancement for bar regulars and après diners alike.

Marea at The Snow Lodge (St. Regis)

The Snow Lodge will feature Marea, the celebrated Italian restaurant from Beverly Hills and NYC, for winter 2025–2026. Expect refined coastal Italian cuisine in an elevated après setting.

The Jade Room x Kaspia Caviar

A fresh partnership brings one of the world’s most iconic caviar houses into the fold, elevating Aspen’s luxury dining scene even further.

Silvers Bagels on Durant

A new local favorite on Durant Avenue: Silvers, a bagel shop offering breakfast and lunch with a 3 PM daily close. Quick, delicious, and destined to be a morning go-to.

Snow Lodge Expands to Snowmass: Apres Ski Club

The owners of the St. Regis just purchased the Viewline in Snowmass Village and are expanding the Snow Lodge brand to the mountain.
Expect:

• A new Snowmass concert series called The Apres Ski Club

• Elevated programming similar to its St. Regis flagship, but with a village-forward vibe

This is one of the biggest hospitality announcements of the year.

Retail Arrivals & Expansions

Arc’teryx Mountain Store

A new U.S. flagship mountain store on the corner of East Cooper & South Hunter will act as a hub for outdoor gear, events, and mountain education.

Aspen Collection

A brand-new line of Aspen-inspired performance and lifestyle apparel, tested by ski patrol and pro athletes.
Store locations:

• Gondola Plaza

• Snowmass Village

Both will feature rental services, luxury gear, and a coffee-wine bar.

Chanel

The luxury fashion house Chanel is officially opening in Aspen, with one of the most anticipated retail arrivals of the decade.

Moncler Expansion

A major expansion to Moncler’s Aspen presence is underway with a new building under construction kitty-corner from its existing boutique.

Foundrae

The cult-favorite modern-heirloom jewelry brand Foundrae is bringing its gold-forward collection to Aspen.

Ongoing Development Projects

Mark Hunt’s New Corner Development

The high-visibility corner across from Casa Tua and Paradise Bakery is under construction. Early indications suggest a future restaurant concept, adding new vitality to one of Aspen’s most trafficked intersections.

Restoration Hardware Hotel

The highly anticipated RH Aspen luxury hotel continues construction, signaling another ultra-high-end hospitality addition on the horizon.

Final Thoughts

Winter 2025–2026 is shaping up to be one of Aspen’s most transformative seasons in years. From major mountain improvements to world-class dining, brand-new hotels, fresh retail, and vibrant cultural programming, Aspen continues to evolve while staying true to its heritage of quality, creativity, and mountain luxury.

Looking to buy, sell, or rent Aspen, Colorado real estate while you're in town this winter? Contact Stephanie Kroll at 303.345.5886.