Healthy with Nedi’s Aspen Travel Guide

Nedi’s Aspen Travel Guide

Snow. Fresh Powder. Cozy Socks. Couples Massages. S’mores By The Fireplace. Après Skiing. Red Wine. Welcome to my favorite ski resort in the United States – ASPEN. Skiing has been one of my favorite sports since I was a child and as the years have passed, it has turned into an elegant winter holiday. I started skiing when I was six years old in Bulgaria and participated in several competitions during the winter months until we moved to America. For me, going on a ski trip now is a lot different than when I was younger. It is a lot more relaxing, romantic, and easily my favorite winter holiday. I love packing all sorts of adorable hats, cashmere scarfs, fur vests, and looking like a cute snow-bunny! One of my favorite stores in town is Kemo Sabe. They have the best cowgirl accessories and I highly recommend getting a hat from there! The best way to end the day is by enjoying a glass of wine while having the sun warm up your face after being on the slopes. If you are not sure what to pack for your ski trip, check out my packing guide.

Where To Stay

The Little Nell is a magnificent hotel located right at the bottom of Ajax Mountain. The suite we stayed in was beautiful and I was glued to the fireplace every chance I got. I liked it so much that we are now in the process of installing a fireplace into our apartment in New York lol. The breakfast there is insane. I didn’t have room service once… and I love my room service. They had a great variety of fruit, fresh juices, yogurt parfaits, eggs any style, pancakes and the most delicious hash browns.

St. Regis is another gorgeous hotel located just a few blocks away from The Little Nell. Not only do they offer personal butler services, pick up and drop off services in town – their staff is outstanding and friendly. My favorite thing about this hotel is their delicious s’ mores. I love getting cozy in the lounge after I hit the slopes to enjoy this sweet treat.

The Mountains

Buttermilk – This is a great mountain if you are a beginner.

Aspen Highlands – It is famous for the Highland Bowl, which provides what some consider some of the most intense skiing in the state. Cloud Nine is also located there for those that like to party. I wouldn’t recommend it unless you are ready to be covered in champagne.

Snowmass – You could spend a few days skiing there and never go down the same slopes twice, it’s enormous. The runs are wide open, the views are incredible and there is something for any skill level.

Aspen Mountain a.k.a. Ajax – Located right above the Little Nell, Ajax is a great mountain that offers skiers a choice between blue and black diamonds. This is my favorite mountain due to its proximity to town.

Après Skiing

Ajax Tavern – Ajax Tavern is the place to be for Après skiing, it is glamorous, yet easy-going. The sun-drenched patio is complete with a DJ, bottles of flowing champagne and a dancing, happy crowd. The indoor space is cozy for a cloudy day and the truffle fries are to die for. Definitely try the vegan cauliflower gratin and the grilled salmon niçoise salad.

 J-Bar at the Jerome Hotel – J-Bar is a historic and elegant option for après ski. It feels like an old western saloon. If you’re feeling bold, check out nearby Conundrum Hot Springs, known for clothing-optional swimmers. 😉

7908 – This brand new spot on Galina and Haiman is one of Aspen’s finest supper clubs. Enjoy a variety of Nedi Approved dishes like the Curried Cauliflower and the Zucchini Pasta. Stay into the evening and dance to the world-renowned DJ, Kid Kamillion, for an authentic Aspen aprés skiing experience.

Cloud Nine – lunch here feels similar to lunch in the French Alps as there is a selection of fondue, steak tartar, and caviar. On a sunny afternoon, the south deck regularly turns into a dance party and it’s for those who don’t mind getting splashed with champagne… this is a lively après ski scene!

Hooch – This cozy cocktail bar found in the basement under the Meat & Cheese Restaurant is the perfect spot for those looking for a more relaxed and intimate aprés skii atmosphere.

Where To Dine

Casa Tua – Casa Tua offers a top-notch dining experience. The ambiance at Casa Tua is both intimate and elegant and the food is divine. They have an incredible Northern Italian menu and a truly excellent wine list.

Duemani – The food here is incredibly delicious and there are plenty of healthy choices to choose from. I recommend the heirloom tomato tartare, the artichokes, grilled octopus and one of their pastas!

Cache Cache – Upscale French-American cuisine with an extensive wine list. The beet salad and escargot are delicious! We tried the grilled sea bass (photo below) and it tasted so fresh!

Campo de Fiori –  A rustic Italian eatery that not only serves delicious authentic food but also claims a lively and upbeat scene. Their pesto zucchini pasta and baked eggplant parm are must-tries! 

Pinons – A classic in Aspen, I have never left disappointed. The caviar and trout are incredible!

Kenichi – This is my go-to for sushi while in Aspen. They have an incredibly fresh sushi menu, deliciously naughty sake cocktails and offer intimate booths in case you and your boo want to dine in private.

Matsuhisa – The menu is similar to the famed restaurants in New York or Beverly Hills, but include a bit of a local –and more laid back- twist. Located in a mountain cottage, the ambiance is more understated than you would find in his other global locations.

Aspen Kitchen – Aspen Kitchen offers a contemporary American menu sourced from Colorado growers and producers. They offer one of the best farm-to-table menus in town.

Whitehouse Tavern – This is my favorite lunch spot in Aspen. They serve delicious premium sandwiches and salads in an intimate cottage setting.

Element 47 at The Little Nell – This is a more laid back option that also serves an incredible steak and an extensive selection of red wines.

Steakhouse 316 –  Hands down the best steakhouse in Aspen. If you are looking for a juicy steak or the finest cut of meat, a dinner at Steakhouse 316 is an absolute must! I definitely recommend starting with their delicious portobello carpaccio and tuna tartar.

Betula – This gorgeous, new French restaurant serves a variety of healthy dishes. Some of my favorites are the sea bass ceviche with sweet potato, beetroot salad, seared scallops with mushrooms, and the grilled salmon with broccolini. If I’m needing a little indulgence, their chocolate lava cake with mango sorbet is out of this world!

Spring Cafe – Spring Cafe is a delicious vegetarian cafe in town. This place is ideal for lunch. Make sure to try the spaghetti squash with mushroom and lentil bolognese, and the banana bread!

Victoria – This adorable Australian coffee shop in town serves both breakfast and lunch, but their matcha latte and vegan chia seed bowls are my favorites!

Marker + Local – I completely fell in love with this cute, local coffee shop. It’s just down the street from the Little Nell and has an assortment of Nedi Approved dishes. Their chocolate zucchini bread tasted just like my Chocolate Zucchini Brownies and they make the best chai latte with plant-based milk.

Clark’s – This charming oyster bar is the perfect place if you’re in the mood for great seafood. Their menu includes quite a variety of dishes from the cold bar, soups and salads, seafood specialties and several delicious veggie sides like grilled Brussel sprouts and pan roasted cauliflower.  

Bosq – Bosq is the ideal place for those looking for an intimate space with a modern feel. You can’t go wrong with any of their dishes, but the crispy sweet n sour eggplant is a must-have!