Aspen in winter is a guaranteed luxurious getaway, but New Year’s Eve brings even more exclusive access and events than usual. From galas to concerts to fireworks, the night is sure to be a blast. And the morning after you recover, you can hit the slopes in style (some of the best in the US). Our guide to NYE in Aspen covers where you should stay for the best skiing, which restaurant pop-ups to snag reservations at, and the hottest bars to raise a glass to 2026 in.
What to do
675 E Durant Ave, CO 81611
Watch the fireworks
Best for: starting 2026 with a bang.
Every year, Aspen lights up with spectacular fireworks on NYE. For an exclusive experience, book The Little Nell’s Clicquot Cats. You’ll start with cocktails and snacks before climbing aboard a private snowcat for a ride up Aspen Mountain, arriving at a firelit setting with Champagne and s’mores to watch the fireworks from a rare vantage point.
thelittlenell.com
Listen to LCD Soundsystem live
Best for: dancing the night away.
Aspen’s premier live music venue is ending its 20th anniversary year in style by hosting the inimitable LCD Soundsystem, James Murphy’s iconic dance-inflected group with the hit 2007 album Sound of Silver. Although the band retired, it got back together in 2017 and plays shows sporadically (although not many outside of NYC), making this show something to talk about.
bellyupaspen.com
450 S Galena St, CO 81611
320 E Hyman Ave, CO 81611
See a magic show
Best for: a child-friendly celebration.
If you’re with the kids, head to the historic Wheeler Opera House for an interactive performance by magician Jen Kramer. Her energetic, family-friendly show blends sleight-of-hand, storytelling, and audience participation. She’s performing two sets tonight, an early show at 5pm and a late show at 9pm. The best part? There are excellent views of the fireworks from the lobby.
wheeleroperahouse.com
Hit the slopes
Best for: working off a New Year’s Day hangover.
Yes, you’re here to celebrate, but presumably you’re also here to carve powder. With four resorts in the area, skiing in Aspen is a multi-mountain affair. Aspen Mountain is the most accessible from town, and it has 104 trails spread across 828 acres. It’s a challenging mountain though, so if you’re more of a beginner, consider Snowmass and Buttermilk.
aspensnowmass.com
Aspen Mountain
Where to stay
675 E Durant Ave, CO 81611
The Little Nell
Best for: ski-in, ski-out luxury.
Aspen’s only five-star address with direct lift access to the mountain, the Little Nell exudes luxury year-round. But on New Year’s, it goes all out. For dinner, Element 47 offers a multi-course tasting menu, while Ajax Tavern has a more relaxed mountain-view dinner. Save your energy for the hotel’s iconic annual NYE fête, featuring live performances, rare wines, and a glam sparkle bar.
thelittlenell.com
Hotel Jerome, Auberge Collection
Best for: classic western hospitality with style.
Hotel Jerome is a classic, historical American West hotel with plenty of luxurious details and amenities. On NYE, the night begins at Antler Bar with bites and drinks, before a live set by rock band Feeding Giants. As midnight nears and Champagne flows, DJ Clemente Castillo takes over. The hotel’s holiday partnership with Waterford makes it extra sparkly.
auberge.com
330 E Main St, CO 81611
315 E Dean St, CO 81611
The St. Regis Aspen Resort
Best for: recovering in an excellent spa.
This hotel is a swanky spot to rest your head after a day of skiing – or celebrating. This winter, it’s hosting several residencies, including Marea, a luxe coastal Italian restaurant from Manhattan (and one of Beverly Hills’ best restaurants), which will host a NYE dinner. On New Year’s Day, be sure to book a recovery treatment at the RAKxa Wellness Spa.
marriott.com
Where to dine
Marea
Best for: a taste of Italy by way of Manhattan.
Arriving from NYC to The St. Regis Aspen Resort for the winter, Marea is a beloved upscale coastal Italian restaurant. For New Year’s Eve, it’s offering a four-course dinner with a bottle of Dom Pérignon Champagne. A DJ and live entertainment will continue through the night past midnight, including a countdown to midnight and New Year’s toast.
marearestaurant.com
315 E Dean St, CO 81611
111 S Garmisch St, CO 81611
Petit Trois
Best for: an indulgent French feast.
Ludo Lefebvre’s acclaimed LA French restaurant opens this month at MOLLIE Aspen. Here, it will offer an all-day menu featuring a blend of bistro classics and modern dishes driven by local ingredients. While the restaurant doesn’t have a NYE dinner, the hotel is hosting a French disco party that include appetisers and dessert by Petit Trois.
petittrois.com
Mt. Rubirosa
Best for: alfresco dining.
Following the success of their Hamptons outpost this summer, trendy Manhattan Italian restaurant Rubirosa – home of the TIE DYE™ Pizza – is setting up shop inside The Little Nell for the winter, opening on 12th December. Highlights include a large, heated piazza with fire tables, a full outdoor après -ski bar, a rustic taverna, and a private dining salon.
mtrubirosa.com
675 E Durant Ave, CO 81611
76 Boomerang Rd Top of the Cloud Nine Lift, CO 81611
Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro
Best for: daytime partying with the stars.
Take a break from skiing and ride the lift up to Cloud Nine for lunch or après – and a midday ‘Champagne shower’. This celebrity favourite is always lit, thanks to DJs, fondue, and – oh yeah – all that Champagne… But don’t forget: you have to ski down at the end!
aspensnowmass.com
Where to après
Bad Harriet
Best for: honouring powerful women throughout history.
Tucked away inside Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resort, Bad Harriet offers a craft cocktail experience. Named after the wife of the resort’s original developer, Jerome B. Wheeler, Bad Harriet honours powerful women throughout history with cocktails like the D Lady made from Empress gin, elderflower, English breakfast tea, lemon, and egg white.
auberge.com
310 E Main St, CO 81611
301 E Hopkins Ave, CO 81611 | Credit: Acclimate Studios
Hooch
Best for: craft cocktails in the heart of downtown.
A cosy cocktail bar that bills itself as being ‘like your living room, only more fun,’ the drinks menu features cocktails inspired by destinations, including Tokyo, London, Oaxaca, and more. The Rainy Day in Paris has Weller 12-year, Villon Cognac liqueur, Averna Amaro, Benedictine, and Peychaud bitters. There’s also an extensive wine and beer list, plus snacks.
hoochaspen.com
The Snow Lodge
Best for: keeping the party going.
Located inside The St. Regis Aspen Resort, the Snow Lodge is the winter home for Montauk’s loved Surf Lodge, hosting outdoor performances for après every weekend. Insider tip: head to The Jade Room – the venue’s chic, intimate lounge with live music, caviar, and Champagne – to keep the party going into the night.
thesnowlodge.com
