2024 is a year of celebrations in the Rocky Mountain towns of Aspen and Snowmass Village, with iconic events and cultural experiences celebrating major anniversaries. Visitors will also be welcomed with new and refurbished hotels, from MOLLIE Aspen in the heart of downtown Aspen to the refreshed dining and lobby experiences at Viceroy Snowmass, as well as new dining hot spots and cultural attractions awaiting visitors this summer.
HOTEL NEWS & OPENINGS
MOLLIE Aspen hotel opens in Aspen
MOLLIE Aspen opened in December 2023, featuring 68 rooms in the heart of Aspen. Designed by Post Company, interiors are a blend of understated luxury and residential comfort, utilising native materials from Aspen and the region, accentuated with natural woods, earthen ceramics and hand-dyed textiles. The hotel has a lobby bar and restaurant with year-round outdoor seating and an all-day café, and set atop the hotel with unobstructed views of Aspen Mountain is a rooftop spa and terrace that transforms into an intimate lounge by night.
The Little Nell unveils newly renovated spa
Aspen’s only 5-star, 5-diamond hotel, The Little Nell has recently unveiled a brand-new spa and fitness centre designed by Luis Bustamante Interior Design. The Spa features three treatment suites, a menu of integrated rituals, bodywork and skincare solutions in partnership with Dr. Barbara Sturm. Located at the foot of Aspen Mountain, The Little Nell boasts luxurious amenities, guided tours and experiences, as well as a range of impeccable dining options.
Viceroy Snowmass debuts new lobby & announces restaurant refresh
Viceroy Snowmass has recently undergone refurbishments including an updated arrival experience with a newly designed lobby; the addition of Café V, highlighting gourmet coffee selections, grab and go breakfast items; a new lobby bar; and a new shopping experience highlighted by select Lululemon apparel. “The Viceroy Lounge” has also been recreated with a new lighter look and open space, with a complete renovation of Toro Restaurant due in spring 2024.
The St. Regis Aspen Resort opens RAKxa Wellness Spa
RAKxa Wellness Spa has opened at the prestigious St. Regis Aspen Resort following a complete renovation and redesign. The new spa, from Bangkok-based wellness brand, RAKxa, allows visitors to immerse themselves in a sanctuary of serenity where state of the art wellness facilities and expert therapists await, with holistic healing treatments and personalised wellness programmes.
ANNIVERSARIES
75 years – Aspen Music Festival and School
Founded back in 1949, the Aspen Music Festival and School is viewed as one of the most prestigious classical music festivals in North America, famous for its concerts, musical training programmes and over 400 classical music events and opera performances throughout the year. During the summer, hundreds of events are scheduled over eight-weeks, including orchestra concerts, chamber music, operas and classes, with the 75th year set to feature celebrations on all 53 nights of the season. The 2024 summer season will take place from 26 June – 18 August, with tickets on sale from 22 April.
75 years – The Aspen Thrift Shop
This year marks 75 years of the Aspen Thrift Shop, a shop close to the hearts of locals that showcases Aspen’s long standing commitment to charitable giving, raising more than $500k for local non-profit organisations each year. One of many thrift style shops in the town that provide an affordable and engaging shopping experience, The Thrift Shops highlights Aspen’s culture of reduce/reuse/recycle going back for generations.
50 years – Snowmass Rodeo
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this summer, the iconic Snowmass Rodeo returns to Snowmass Village every Wednesday from 19 June to 14 August. This long-standing tradition is a Snowmass summer staple and offers a range of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Complete with music, horses, cowboys, cowgirls and incredible mountain views, visitors can try their luck at ‘chicken poop bingo’ or get hands on with mutton bustin’, a local’s favourite. Snowmass Rodeo is the longest continuously running rodeo in Colorado and 2024 is set to be the best year yet, with special acts to commemorate the 50th at each rodeo and a new $6 million arena and entrance into Snowmass Village.
45 years – Aspen Art Museum
The iconic Aspen Art Museum has been exhibiting some of the newest and most important artworks from around the world since 1979. Visitors are welcomed to explore innovative and timely exhibitions, educational programmes, immersive activities and community events with thought-provoking experiences of art, culture and society. The museum also offers artist talks, screenings, performances and family-friendly events, and is free to visit.
30 years – The Red Brick Center for the Arts
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Red Brick Center for the Arts in Aspen is undergoing a significant redesign. This institution plays a crucial role in Aspen’s cultural sphere offering gallery exhibitions, art classes for both children and adults, resident artist studios, non-profit offices and a dance and rehearsal studio. Alongside its milestone celebration, the Red Brick Centre for the Arts is pioneering Aspen’s inaugural public art programme. This initiative aims to inject the town with fresh creativity, enhancing its cultural offering for both locals and tourists to enjoy.
20 years – Aspen Ideas Festival
Celebrating 20 years of Ideas, the Aspen Ideas Festival brings leaders and thinkers from around the world for intimate panels, interviews, lectures and interactive sessions covering topics from business and the economy to arts and sports. The event will include expert-led roundtable discussions, enriching activities such as yoga, guided nature walks and art tours, hands-on workshops, as well as access to unique content sessions in venues that celebrate the natural landscape. This year, the event will take place on 23-29 June.
ATTRACTIONS & EXPERIENCES
Snowmass Ice Age Discovery offers new experiences for visitors
The Snowmass Ice Age Discovery has returned to Snowmass through a number of fun, free and interactive ways after the initial discovery of over 35,000 bones or large mammals and small vertebrate species back in 2010. Visitors can witness the newest Ice Age mural in the Snowmass Mall by adventure artist Jeremy Collins. Hikers and bikers can make the most of permanent viewfinders located at the iconic Spiral Point, overlooking Ziegler Reservoir and QR codes can be found scattered around the village and inside the Sky Cab/Skittles Gondola for digital Ice Age facts and fun.
Catto Center at Toklat set to reopen in June
The Catto Center at Toklat, a 70-year old wilderness centre, is currently undergoing renovations and will be ready to re-open in June 2024. Located in the breathtaking landscapes of the upper Castle Creek Valley, the centre provides a unique “window into wilderness” for visitors to experience the area’s extraordinary natural beauty and wildlife. The Centre encourages visitors to explore the scientific, historical, and spiritual roots of our relationship with the natural world by providing an inviting, comfortable and stimulating learning environment.
Base State Longevity Spa offers new immersive wellness experience
Founded by Aspen locals, Base State believes in unlocking energy and enhancing longevity. By blending modern technology with natural practices and proven healing methods, Base State empowers its community to connect deeply with their bodies. The spa offers advanced health and longevity treatments developed by researcher William Sealy Hambright to help people live healthier lives.
DINING NEWS
Sway Aspen opened in Aspen
Just opened in Aspen, Sway offers modern Thai cuisine at an affordable price. Originating from Austin, Texas, and inspired by the phrase “Same Same, but Different”, the Aspen menu will include favourites like Salt & Pepper Tofu and Pad Thai with a drinks venue featuring sake and cocktails.
Stranahan’s Whiskey Lodge opening in March
Opening in Downtown Aspen in March, Stranahan’s will offer a captivating tasting room experience, marking a notable return for the Woody Creek-founded distillery. Visitors will enjoy a selection of the distillery’s renowned spirits as well as alpine-inspired culinary delights.
Belly Up Aspen to open new dining room
This autumn, Belly Up will introduce a lounge and dining concept above its famed music venue and offer a sophisticated pre-show experience. Guests can sample a selection of cocktails and gourmet cuisine before enjoying the venue’s electrifying evening performances.
For more information, please visit www.aspenchamber.org / www.gosnowmass.com.
