What to Do in Aspen, Colorado as a Non-Skier: Winter Destination Guide

Aspen, Colorado is one of the most popular ski towns in the United States…but what do you do when you’re a non-skier like me? My husband is an avid skier; I’m talking he was on the college ski team and goes skiing every Winter. So his itinerary was you guessed it….skiing. Continue reading for my exact itinerary that I assembled for myself when we booked our long weekend getaway.

Getting There

We flew directly into Aspen Airport which is about a 10 minute drive from town. There’s almost no Uber/Lyft drivers in Aspen so I would suggest booking a taxi or calling your hotel ahead of time so that you can schedule a pick up from the airport. 

Where to Stay

We chose to stay at the Hyatt Residence Grand Club Aspen because it was centrally located and had great reviews. It’s about a 5 minute walk to the Aspen Mountain gondola. During down time I could easily stroll into town for food or shopping. I have the Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card so we were able to get a free night and bonus points.

Our room had a direct view of the mountains which was gorgeous to wake up to every morning. The hotel features a heated pool, hot tub, gym, and fireplace in every room (essential for thawing out on those really cold snowy days!). The chauffeur service was spectacular because I could let them know ahead of time where I needed to go and they would accommodate me. Lastly, for you skiers my husband said it was hands down the best ski storage service he has experienced so far!

Where to Adventure

First of all order an Aspen Snowmass Card even if you don’t ski because this is what gets you on the gondola ride up the mountain. The gondola ride is around 15 minutes and you get breathtaking views of Aspen and the surrounding mountains. You can keep the Aspen card and replenish it when you need. I ordered mine online and had it delivered to the hotel free of charge.

Friday

I started off our 3-day weekend on a relaxing note. I did heated Vinyasa yoga at O2 Aspen. It kicked my butt, but it felt good. There’s nothing like stepping out into cold, brisk air after hot yoga. 

Next I went to the Remède Spa at The St. Regis Aspen Resort for a body scrub. This spa is ELEGANT. While waiting for my body scrub I sat in the oxygen lounge where they hook you up to an oxygen machine. This was perfect because it helped me acclimate to the higher mountain altitude. I definitely felt the difference. After my scrub I experienced the other amenities which were a steam room, hot tub, and waterfalls. 

Saturday

I kicked my activities up a notch and did a Snowmobile Tour with T-Lazy-7 Ranch. I had a BLAST. This was my first time snowmobiling and I gave it a 20/10. They gave a wonderful tutorial and our tour guides were so knowledgeable about the area and its history. And yes, this place really is an operating ranch. At the end of the tour we all got the MOST delicious hot chocolate. They say the recipe was passed down from the original matriarch owner of the ranch.

Sunday

On my last activity day I did a wildlife Snowshoeing Tour on Aspen Mountain with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES). Reminder: You are on top of a mountain with thinner air while trekking in ~2 ft deep snow which can get strenuous so make sure you take snacks and water. It was about a 2.5 mile trip and we learned a lot! I absolutely love history so seeing old mountain mines and hearing stories about the Aspen tree species was too cool.

After a nap I went to the Aspen Art Museum. Admission is free and it had interesting contemporary art if you’re into that! I enjoyed it, each exhibit was something entirely different. BTW, the rooftop cafe at the museum has a stunning view of the slopes so check it out!

Where to Dine and Drink 

Here’s a list of restaurants and bars that I recommend!

1. Local Coffee House
2. White House Tavern 
3. Ajax Tavern 
4. Silverpeak Grill 
5. Mi Chola
6. Grateful Deli
7. Paradise Bakery
8. Clark’s Aspen
9. Aspen Brewing Co
10. J Bar at Hotel Jerome

Safe travels! ☼