With a dining scene rivalling many larger metropolitan cities, Aspen and Snowmass Village in Colorado are bursting with culinary options to suit every palate. Whether you are looking for an unforgettable foodie adventure in the mountains of Snowmass or an intimate fine-dining experience in one of downtown Aspen’s newest restaurants, these two world-class mountain towns have something for everyone.
Food Events
FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen (16-18 June)
Each year, the world’s most accomplished winemakers, celebrity chefs and culinary luminaries come together in one breath-taking setting at the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen. This premier culinary event consists of three incredible days of cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and panel discussions led by world-class chefs and wine experts. The festival’s unique setting beneath Aspen Mountain sets the stage, kicking off Aspen’s summer season.
Heritage Fire, Snowmass Village (29 July)
Returning to Snowmass Village this summer, Heritage Fire is a live-fire, open-air culinary experience, showcasing an all-star cast of more than 25 chefs who specialise in whole animal cookery and an outstanding showcase of wineries, breweries and craft distilleries. Each chef and their team spend the morning grilling heritage-breed animals on the Base Village Events Lawn for an afternoon of eating everything from dry-aged beef, whole pigs, lamb, goat, duck and chicken to artisan cheeses, oysters and heirloom vegetables.
Snowmass Deja Vu – New Culinary Festival (26 August)
Snowmass Déjà Vu is a new one day festival celebrating libations, an homage to the classic Snowmass Craft Beer and Chili Pepper & Brew festivals from past years. On 26 August, Denver-based Two Parts is throwing a retro-inspired party, complete with free-flowing beers, engaging activations and plenty more surprises in store. Visitors can expect a slopeside, summer day full of tastings from favourite Colorado breweries from the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond.
Foodie Experiences
Backcountry Sunset Dinner on Snowmass Mountain
Dine under the stars with family or friends on this unique foodie adventure with Blazing Adventures. Begin your evening ascending Snowmass Mountain in a custom Jeep to Burlingame Cabin, a historic sheep herder’s cabin tucked away in the aspens. Enjoy a local, mouth-watering BBQ dinner, before grabbing a cold beverage around the campfire or joining an extended Jeep tour to a scenic overlook. As the sun begins to set behind Mt. Daly, enjoy live music, finishing with s’mores around the campfire before being transported back down the mountain. Tickets cost £120 for an adult, £92 for a child and £80 for kids aged 3 and under.
Sundeck Restaurant on Aspen Mountain
Operated by The Little Nell, Aspen’s only five-star, five-diamond hotel, the Sundeck takes full advantage of its mountaintop location in summertime. Take a 15-minute scenic gondola ride up the mountain to enjoy a refreshing salad, or made-to-order stir-fry on the Sundeck’s patio with extraordinary views over the Elk Mountains. Those feeling adventurous can explore the variety of hiking routes before sitting down for lunch.
A summer favourite, The Little Nell invites all cyclists to join them for a Ride & Dine Dinner Series, embarking on a journey from The Little Nell by bike to arrive at the scenic destination for an al fresco dinner. Before departing from the hotel, you’ll select wines for dinner from our 20,000-bottle cellar with the hotel’s dedicated sommelier team. Upon arrival, you’ll be treated to a farm dinner prepared by The Little Nell’s chefs, featuring fresh ingredients from local and regional purveyors.
Aspen Farmers Market and Picnic
From mid-June to early October, the Aspen Farmers Market takes place every Saturday morning from 8.30am until 2pm and is the best place to pick up fresh food that is grown and produced by local Colorado vendors. Enjoy fresh fruit or artisan bread, plus meats and jams, and set off into the Rocky Mountains for an incredible view whilst indulging in delicious food. Head to John Denver or Wagner park for a summer picnic surrounded by lush grass, perennial flowers & engraved rocks.
Roaring Fork + Farm Map
Aspen, Snowmass and the Roaring Fork Valley are launching “The Roaring Fork + Farm Map” this spring which will bring to life a new food and farm trail from Aspen and Snowmass Village to Glenwood Springs. The guide spotlights local farms, ranches, unique lodging, distilleries, breweries, local food champions and producers as well as seasonal foodie events such as Farm Fest and farmer’s markets. The interactive foodie map aims to highlight the best eateries and dishes produced in the Roaring Fork Valley.
New Openings
Parc Aspen – Aspen
Parc Aspen opened in January 2023 in the former L’Hostaria space, with a locally sourced, seasonally curated modern farm-to-table concept focused on revitalising the local dining scene. Set in a modern farmhouse restaurant and wine bar, Parc Aspen offers three levels of dining: an affordably priced local’s bar, a contemporary fine dining room and an experiential 12-person private dining space.
Madame Ushi – Aspen
Recently opened in Aspen, Madame Ushi is a Japanese steakhouse, bar and nightclub operated by DJ Cedric Gervais and Wei Chen, former chef de cuisine at Nakazawa Aspen. Guests can enjoy a refined ambiance and impeccable service, with a contemporary Japanese-inspired menu including the finest Wagyu beef and the freshest seafood sourced from around the world.
The Red Onion – Aspen
The Red Onion, one of Aspen’s most iconic and oldest restaurants and bars which was established in 1892 is scheduled to reopen mid-summer under new management from local restaurateurs Craig and Samantha Cords-Pearce.
The Tavern Kitchen & Bar – Snowmass
The Tavern Kitchen & Bar, a new gastropub concept from the owners of local Aspen retailer Harper & Hudson, is set to debut in Snowmass Village in time for the July 4th weekend. The Tavern, which takes over the Slow Groovin’ Chophouse space on the upper Snowmass Mall, plans to offer live music, an interactive menu with unique cocktails and desserts, themed event nights and much more. The core menu focuses on staples such as nachos, soups, burgers, sandwiches and breakfast items.
Mawita – Snowmass
Mawita is a warm colourful oasis in the mountainside community of Snowmass Village, transporting you to South America with three unique dining rooms with cosy fireplaces and amazing mountain views. Recently opened, Mawita uses fresh, locally sourced foods to create dishes that take inspiration from different Latin cultures. Changing seasonally, the summer menu includes Spanish tapas style and Peruvian food.
