Celebrities+in+Aspen+Preview

Celebrities in Aspen – 5 Reasons Stars Flock to Aspen, CO

A woman in a black jacket stands on a snowy landscape, showcasing winter fashion.
Photo Credit: Instagram – kimkardashian

Celebrities in Aspen are just another Tuesday. Everyone knows that Aspen, Colorado, is where movie stars and musical artists come to unwind. But it isn’t just the world-class skiing or Michelin-starred restaurants that draw them in. It’s the exceptional service, discretion, and knowledge of the Aspen Luxury Concierge team that facilitates once-in-a-lifetime experiences. 

WHAT DO CELEBRITIES IN ASPEN DO WHILE VISITING?

The Kardashians and Jenners are known to visit Aspen during the winter holiday season. Justin and Hailey Bieber, Nina Dobrev, and Shaun White have also been spotted hitting the slopes on skis or snowboards. Some celebrities, like Kurt Russel, Goldie Hawn, and Kevin Costner have made Aspen their permanent homes by buying luxury properties. Mariah Carey is a long-time visitor; she can usually be spotted shopping in Aspen in an all white get up. 

Aspen has been known as a playground for the rich and famous since the 1970s. You never know who you may rub shoulders with at Kemo Sabe or Madame Ushi.

WHY IS ASPEN SUCH A POPULAR DESTINATION FOR CELEBRITIES?

Rihanna spotted in Aspen, showcasing her stylish outfit and confident demeanor.
Photo Credit Instagram – rihannaentertainment_

There has always been a connection between the slopes and the silver screen. In the 1930s, the owners of Aspen ski resorts started inviting movie stars to come spend a weekend in Snowmass. The Aspen Film nonprofit further established Aspen as a celebrity destination. By the 1990s, the Academy Screenings took place in Aspen every year. 

It might have been the films and slopes that brought the stars to Aspen, but it has been the service of Aspen Luxury Concierge that kept them coming back. ALC creates bespoke experiences for luxury-seeking clients. A celebrity’s concierge defines their travel by facilitating the high-end accommodations and private events that A-listers value. But ALC’s services aren’t only for movie stars. Anyone can access the lux life when they hire Aspen Luxury Concierge to manage their trip!

WHICH CELEBRITIES HAVE HOMES IN ASPEN, COLORADO?

Over the decades, various stars have made Aspen one of their permanent homes. The most famous resident celebrities in Aspen are Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. The pair have owned a sprawling property near Aspen for decades. Their children, Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson, make annual trips to Snowmass for family time. In fact, when his children were younger, Oliver moved the family from L.A. to Aspen. This allowed his kids to have the same Aspen childhood that he had where they could ski after school all winter. 

In 2022, Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky from Real Housewives bought a new home in Aspen. The couple have been Aspenites for years, but they simply needed to upsize for their growing family. 

Even stars who don’t own property here, routinely spend the winters in luxury vacation rentals. The Kardashian clan routinely rents a mansion to spend the holidays in beautiful, snowy Aspen.

But what is it about Aspen that appeals to all the movie stars, business moguls, musicians, and politicians? It’s probably the same 5 reasons why everyone loves Aspen:

1. THE FASHION SCENE 

The celebrity is shopping for some luxury clothes in Aspen

You wouldn’t expect a mountain town perched at 8,000 feet to have a luxury fashion scene. This one, however, does. Shopping in Aspen is like shopping in New York City, Zermatt, and L.A. at the exact same time. Aspen has storefronts for Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Dior, as well as other major brands. These clothes are completely unique to Aspen, inspired by the alpine atmosphere and the local ski scene. Kemo Sabe is also a big draw for fashion icons. It isn’t uncommon to see Orlando Bloom, Katy Perry, Rhianna, and A$AP Rocky browsing for new western gear, sometimes at the same time. 

In a place that’s a hotspot for designer storefronts, it makes sense that Aspen style is on a whole other level. When you walk down the streets, you’re guaranteed to see someone in a 5-figure fur coat and sunglasses. Sometimes that person is Kendall Jenner, who just finished dinner with Hailey and Justin Bieber. Then there’s Mariah Carey, who is known as the fashion queen of Aspen. For years, she has shopped in Aspen and then hit the streets in new jaw-dropping, white ensembles. 

2. THE EXCEPTIONAL SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING IN ASPEN

A young man snowboards down a slope, showcasing his skills in a winter wonderland.

The Aspen, Colorado ski resorts are so exquisite that the Aspen X Games are hosted on Buttermilk Mountain every year. As a ski paradise, it only makes sense that the celebrities would make the trip just for the fresh powder. Celebrities in Aspen can often be spotted on Ajax sporting Ferragamo coats. 

Recently, Olympian and X Games gold medalist, Shaun White, was spotted snowboarding with Nina Dobrev. The pair ran into the Bieber and Jenner crew. According to Kendall’s Instagram story, Shaun White gave her a mini-snowboarding lesson. 

Like all things Aspen, there’s always more than what you expect. One draw of Aspen is that a snowsuit can be optional. Recently, pop stars Anitta and Lele Pons posted a video of themselves skiing in towels and drinking champagne. At other ski resorts, that might have warranted a call to ski patrol. However, in Aspen, partying and skiing have always been intertwined. There’s a long history of unique skiing outfits thanks to Aspen Gay Ski Week and daily parties at Cloud 9.

That wasn’t even the first time Anitta has braved the cold. Back in 2021, she decided to spontaneously film her “Loco” music video on the Aspen slopes wearing a bikini. 

3. THE MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS IN THE WORLD

An upscale romantic restaurant in Aspen

After a day on the slopes, celebrities in Aspen cozy up at one of the gourmet Michelin-starred and recommended restaurants. Aspen is the perfect romantic destination in the cold weather. Celebrity couples like Megan Fox and MGK or Kris Jenner and Corey Gamble may be spotted leaving Element 47. 

If you want to romance your beloved, there’s no better place than Aspen. Try taking them to Cache Cache for French-American food in an elegant atmosphere. Steakhouse No. 316 is one of the best restaurants in Aspen in terms of service. You will feel like a celebrity as the attentive staff effortlessly handle your every request. You may also enjoy French Alpine Bistro, which envelopes you in a cozy, intimate atmosphere. The bistro is the perfect end to a ski day with their menu of fondue and crepes. 

These luxury establishments cater to the needs of the wealthy and influential in Aspen. But you don’t need to be on the Forbes 100 list to get a reservation. Visitors who want luxury experiences work with local concierge services to have all their needs taken care of. Aspen Luxury Concierge is the premiere source for high-touch services in Aspen-Snowmass. Our concierges have connections with bespoke establishments all over town.

When you plan your trip with ALC, your concierge will use their connections to get you access to the best restaurants, clubs, shops, and more. Schedule a consultation with ALC to get access to exclusive experiences in Aspen, Colorado.

4. EXCLUSIVE ESTABLISHMENTS OFFER PRIVACY AND SECURITY

Security is watching some VIPs in Aspen

Many stars get mobbed with paparazzi wherever they go. L.A. and Hollywood are hubs for stalker fans and opportunistic paps. In Aspen, those stars can get a reprieve from the cameras to relax and unwind. Concierges in Aspen are known for their discretion as they protect their client’s privacy. 

Aspen has been long established as an elite destination. Another draw of this little mountain town is the number of exclusive, private clubs, hot ticket events, and Aspen DJ events. The most well-known private club in Aspen is the Caribou Club, which is a bar, lounge, and networking opportunity all in one. Celebrities in Aspen often frequent private clubs in order to get away from prying eyes.

Another popular venue for upscale events is AspenX Mountain Club at the top of Ajax Mountain. Complete with a bar, restaurant, and a view, AspenX is one of the best venues in town for private parties and gatherings. Last December, AspenX became a celebrity hotspot when Nicky Hilton, Nina Dobrev, Ashley Benson, Paul Wesley, and Shaun White ascended the gondola in heels and furs. Fashion house Max Mara took over the lux establishment to celebrate 10 years of exceptional design. 

HOW TO ACCESS EXCLUSIVE CELEBRITY EVENTS IN ASPEN

Star-studded guest lists are the backbone of Aspen nightlife. However, there is a secret: you don’t have to star in Vampire Diaries to get a Max Mara teddy bear to take home. Getting into the best parties is just a matter of knowing the right people.

For more information about accessing private clubs in Aspen, contact Aspen Luxury Concierge for a list of our high-touch services.

5. LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS FIT FOR THE STARS

A cozy living room featuring a stunning view of the mountains, perfect for Celebrities in Aspen.

Celebrities in Aspen expect the best for their visit and Aspen always delivers. The world-class skiing is matched by the concentration of world-famous luxury hotels, many with ski in/ski out access. When celebrities vacation in Aspen, they’ll generally either stay at a hotel or rent out an entire villa for optional privacy. 

WHICH HOTELS DO CELEBRITIES STAY AT IN ASPEN?

During the winter season, celebrities gravitate towards The Little Nell and the St. Regis Aspen. 

The Little Nell is an unassuming establishment located at the base of Aspen Mountain. One of its biggest draws is that it has ski in/ski out access – or snowboard in/snowboard out if the guest is Shaun White. Like Caribou Club, The Little Nell takes privacy very seriously. The concierge and bellhops are famous for their discretion and quality of service.

This hotel appeals to celebrities for a few reasons:

  • Privacy
  • Easy ski access
  • The large rooms with a great view
  • On-site bar and dining options
  • An onsite spa 
  • The exceptional hotel service 

Another popular venue is the St. Regis Aspen. While this one isn’t directly ski in/ski out, it is steps from the Aspen Mountain gondola and has easy access to designer shopping in downtown Aspen. The St. Regis also has a greeter dog, Kitty, who Nina Dobrev and Zoey Deutch love to cuddle with whenever they visit. The St. Regis also has sprawling rooms with fireplaces, the Velvet Buck restaurant on-site, and the Snow Lodge. 

LUXURY VACATION RENTALS FOR VIP VISITORS

A luxury room featuring a large island and elegant wooden floors, perfect for celebrities in Aspen

For celebrities who want greater privacy and more space, an Aspen luxury vacation rental is the way to go. Elite guests tend to like rentals because they get an entire house to themselves. Vacation rentals often come with amenities. When celebrity families travel together, a rental also allows them to all stay in the same space. 

Back in 2021, Kendall, Kylie, and Kris Jenner spent a month skiing and shopping in Aspen. Their jaw-dropping rented mansion had:

  • 7 bedrooms
  • 7 full baths and 2 half baths
  • Ski in/ski out slope access
  • A bowling alley
  • Pool and hot tub
  • Home movie theater
  • Sprawling fire pit
  • Full time staff, including chef and chauffeur

The celebrity lifestyle can be accessible to you too when you plan your winter adventure with ALC.  In fact, ALC has access to the same caliber of vacation rentals as well-known celebrities. These properties include mansions on Billionaire Mountain, where Ann Walton and the Bezos family reside part of the year. Your concierge can also book you a luxury condo in the heart of downtown, a villa with sprawling grounds, or a chalet near the slopes. 

One of the vacation rentals where ALC often hosts events is Dunbar Ranch. If that name sounds familiar, that’s because it’s Kevin Costner’s 160-acre property. Just 10 minutes from downtown Aspen, the ranch has three main buildings, and, in the winter, an ice rink, a private lake, dog sledding, and a tubing track. In the summer, visitors can take archery lessons, hit baseballs, kayak, ride horses, fish, and hike. There’s no better way to feel like an A-lister than to step into the shoes – and the home – of America’s favorite actor. 

COME SEE WHY CELEBRITIES LOVE ASPEN!

All the celebrities in Aspen are right: this is the best place in the world to vacation

Just imagine waking up in a winter wonderland. You read The Aspen Times as your private chef makes you breakfast in your airy vacation rental. The air is crisp as you fly through the fresh powder on Ajax.

Later that night, you step into Matsuhisa – it’s been booked out for months, but your concierge landed you a reservation.

One door after another opens for you. You glide past every line, each velvet rope into a glittering world of endless opulence. 

As you experience the world of the stars, you wonder how you could ever go back. Like many celebrities before you, you might love it so much that you decide to buy a home in Aspen too!

Aspen Luxury Concierge specializes in providing all clients with the glamorous lifestyle that they desire. Schedule a consultation today to discuss how the ALC team can help you live the lux life!

Aspen in August

Aspen in August – Top 11 Best Indoor and Outdoor Activities

A serene mountain lake framed by lush green trees, showcasing Aspen in August's natural beauty.

When the alpine air grows crisp, you know that Aspen in August is right around the corner. Aspen, Colorado, is well-known as a beautiful fall destination. However, August is the perfect time of year to visit. Right on the cusp between summer and fall, visitors can enjoy fall outdoor activities in the temperate summer weather

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN ASPEN, COLORADO IN AUGUST?

In August, Aspen has moderate, summer weather. The average high temperature is between 68 and 72 degrees fahrenheit and the average low temperature is between 40 and 44 degrees fahrenheit. Aspen experiences moderate cloud cover during the day. There is brief, light rainfall during August; the Roaring Fork Valley usually gets around 1 inch of accumulated precipitation. 

The moderate weather makes Aspen the perfect destination for an end of summer trip. It is the best time of year to hike, fly fish, golf, check out the nightlife, and more. 

11 EXCLUSIVE THINGS TO DO IN ASPEN IN AUGUST

You don’t have to be an expert outdoorsman to experience Aspen’s natural beauty. This mountain destination caters to all activity and skill levels with a variety of terrains. If hiking isn’t your thing, Aspen also has a lively nightlife scene, luxury spas, and numerous music venues. 

1. ENJOY A LUXURY PICNIC

ALC guests enjoying a luxury picnic

There is no better way to enjoy Aspen’s natural beauty than with a picnic. Why waste a beautiful day when you can dine in the fresh air with a view of the mountains? A luxury picnic can be customized to your aesthetic, desires, and dietary requirements. 

An Aspen picnic is one of the services offered by Aspen Luxury Concierge. When you book an outdoor dining experience, your concierge will:

  • Pick up locally sourced dishes from the Aspen Saturday Market
  • Pack the picnic or arrange for catering
  • Set up furniture, seating, and shade
  • Obtain permits and reserve space if needed
  • Arrange transportation to the outdoor venue
  • Recommend a suitable picnic location
  • Personally shop for any necessary hiking gear
  • And more!

If the Aspen weather in August decides not to cooperate, there’s always a backup plan! Aspen has some of the best restaurants in the world, including several Michelin starred and reccomended establishments. It is common for such eateries to host exclusive events with specialty menu options. Please refer to this guide for a full overview of the best restaurants in Aspen. Alternatively, your concierge can hire a personal chef for intimate dining or coordinate a takeout order. 

2. PLAY A ROUND OF GOLF

Aspen guests are playing golf in August

Unique among mountain towns, Aspen is home to several full-sized, award-winning golf courses. The largest public course is The Aspen Golf Course, which was designed by renowned golf course architect Frank Hummel. Both visitors and locals enjoy the challenge of undulating greens and water elements, and you may even spot a moose out on the course! Maroon Creek Club is one of the most well-known golf courses in Aspen; if the name sounds familiar, that’s because the private club attracts high-profile professional golfers and celebrity visitors. 

Whether you’re a novice or a pro, you’ll love the local golf scene. And if traditional golfing isn’t your thing, Aspen also has plenty of disc golfing areas, including one at the top of Aspen mountain. 

3. HORSEBACK RIDING IN THE ASPEN AREA

Guests are riding a horse in the aspen woods

Horseback riding is one of the best things to do in Aspen in August for families. It is an all-ages activity that lets everyone see the majestic sights without the strenuousness of a hike. Children will love spending time with the gentle giants. Horseback riding can also be a romantic date activity for partners who need some quality time together. 

Aspen, Colorado, is home to several ranches and horseback tour services. Offerings range from short lesson rides, half day tours, and full day tours. The Aspen weather in August is ideal for longer horseback riding tours. Additionally, leaf peeping season doesn’t begin until September, so August visitors will get relatively less crowded trails. 

4. ATTEND THE ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL

Musicians perform at the Aspen Music Festival
Zereshk, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The annual Aspen Music Festival is a must-attend for anyone who loves classical live music. The festivities begin in late-June and run through mid-August.

There are over 400 performances put on by AMFS faculty, alums, current students, and summer program students. While the compositions change year to year, you can expect to hear:

  • Choral and acapella performances
  • Orchestral arrangements
  • Soloist performances, both vocal and instrumental
  • Chamber music concerts
  • Operas
  • Master class lectures
  • Children’s music classes
  • And more!

While the main festivities take place in covered, outdoor venues, the music permeates every corner of Aspen. Restaurants, bars, and hotels will host intimate, exclusive performances each night. The music festival is the biggest event in Aspen in August. Tickets for the Aspen Music Festival can go fast, so contact Aspen Luxury Concierge to get yours!

5. ENJOY THE NIGHTLIFE

The DJ is performing in a nightclub in Aspen

You may not expect a small mountain town to have a vibrant club scene, but Aspen has it all! The Aspen nightlife is often compared to New York, L.A., and Miami. In fact, many venues are at-altitude outposts of well-known clubs in other cities. But in true Aspen fashion, the venues here take partying to a whole new level. You can expect clubs to have a dress code to maintain the atmosphere. All the major nightclubs also offer signature handcrafted cocktails that exemplify their role in Aspen. 

If you’re ready to unwind, here are your options for party venues:

  • Escobar – EDM dance club
  • The Sterling – Party lounge
  • Gala – Miami-like nightclub
  • Belly Up – Concert venue
  • Bad Harriet – Swanky speakeasy
  • Silver City – Down-to-earth billiards bar and western saloon
  • Hooch – Cozy vibes with an extensive cocktail menu
  • Caribou Club – Exclusive private club with members-only events 

Some clubs have VIP areas or may be rented out for a celebrity’s exclusive event. If you want to access the high-end side of nightlife, that may take some string-pulling. It’s a good thing that Aspen Luxury Concierge is well-connected. Simply plan your trip with ALC to experience the finest things that Aspen has to offer. 

6. GO ON A HIKE TO SEE BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPES

A beautiful trail to explore in Aspen in August

Hiking is generally a year-round activity in Colorado. However, the moderate temperatures and dry season make Aspen in August the best time to hit the trails. The Roaring Fork Valley is home to more than 100 hiking trails of different lengths and difficulties.

The Lower Hunter Creek Trail is one of the most popular hikes. At only 1.5 miles and located close to downtown Aspen, it’s perfect for an afternoon stroll. Ute Trail is another nearby trail head; its altitude and climb of over 700 vertical feet of elevation makes it a true workout. 

If you want a view, locals recommend heading up to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area or the top of Aspen Mountain. Although the elevation can be a challenge, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views. There are hikes of various difficulties in each area, so visitors can choose a route that works for them. For a longer list of trails, check out this guide to Aspen hikes.

7. GO FLY FISHING

A man show his fly fishing skills in Aspen

Amid Aspen’s other natural gems, the streams and rivers have some of the best fly fishing in the world. Like hiking, it can be a year-round activity in certain areas. Aspen, Colorado, in August is an ideal time to learn or perfect your cast. Since August is right on the cusp of fall and summer, anglers can take advantage of the overlapping hatching season. 

If you’re in the mood to clear your mind, Aspen fly fishing is the perfect sport for you. The best way to have a good experience is to get a fishing guide. They can help you with your fly selection, your technique, and finding the perfect spot. Contact Aspen Luxury Concierge to book an inclusive fly-fishing vacation package. 

8. BIKE THE RIO GRANDE TRAIL

people biking on the Rio Grande Trail in August

The Rio Grande Trail is a paved 42.2 mile bike path that runs between Glenwood Springs and Aspen. 

There are a few different ways that visitors can tackle this trail:

  • The Challenging Way: Start in Glenwood Springs and ride uphill to Aspen. It is a net gain of 2,732 feet and usually takes several hours. 
  • The Fun Way: Start in Aspen and ride downhill to Glenwood Springs, then take the shuttle back to Aspen. This is a less strenuous option that allows you to enjoy the scenery. 
  • The Family Friendly Way: Do a small section of the trail, then stop for lunch. The RFTA public transportation bus runs between Aspen and Glenwood Springs; it can drop you off at different points along the trail. 
  • The Combo Way: Start in either Aspen or Glenwood Springs, then do an out-and-back ride. This way, you get a workout in and you have a breather while enjoying the views. 

If mountain biking is more your speed, check out the Snowmass Bike Park. Located at the top of the Elk Camp Chairlift, this area covers 25 miles and 3,000 vertical feet of bike trails. Both the trail and bike park can get busy, so it’s best to visit Aspen in August to beat the crowds. Bike rentals, lessons, and lift tickets can be sourced through your ALC concierge. 

9. RELAX IN A LUXURY HOTEL WITH A SPA

The ALC guest is relaxing in a luxury SPA in August

The Aspen ethos is all about playing hard, working hard, and relaxing thoroughly. This is represented in the many options for luxury hotels in and around Aspen. One of the most well-known of the Aspen luxury hotels is The St. Regis, which has the opulent RAKxa Wellness Spa. RAKxa specializes in cleansing treatments that banish toxins and rejuvenate your skin.

Another spa option is Yarrow at Hotel Jerome, which is open to all visitors no matter where they are staying. Widely regarded as one of the best spas in Aspen, Yarrow practitioners use herbal remedies to soothe the body and the mind. If you are interested in a different wellness practice, contact Aspen Luxury Concierge for all your spa booking needs. 

10. RAFTING ON THE ROARING FORK RIVER

Aerial view of the Roaring Fork River in Aspen

In Colorado, river rafting is a state pastime. There is no better water than in Aspen’s own backyard on the Roaring Fork River. Thanks to Aspen weather in August, you can have a warm, comfortable trip with minimal chance of sunburns. 

When you go on a rafting trip, you get a helmet, a life vest, and an oar. Your guide will steer the raft, tell you when to row, and discuss the nearby geological features. River rafting combines exercise – you’ll feel sore in muscles you didn’t know you had – with sightseeing and nature-based education. River rafting trips can be booked in full day or half day. If you are a newbie, start slow, then work your way up to whitewater rafting trips. 

11. JEEP TOURS AROUND THE ROARING FORK VALLEY

A beautiful Jeep used for Tours Around the Roaring Fork Valley

There are pros and cons to booking a Jeep tour in Aspen in August. The trees don’t start changing color until late September. In August, you won’t get to see the legendary fall colors. However, there are other stunning sights that make the adventure worth it. One of the most popular Jeep tours goes to Taylor Pass with a stop at the Ashcroft ghost town. This area is a time capsule of what life was like during the gold rush. 

LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS AROUND ASPEN, COLORADO IN AUGUST

A luxury accommodation in Aspen in August

After a long day of hiking, rafting, biking, and shopping you’ll want a relaxing homebase to return to. The only thing as important as booking your activities is booking accommodations.

During peak tourism season, vacation rentals and hotel rooms fill up fast. This is where Aspen Luxury Concierge comes in. Our team is connected in the Aspen community; we can use those connections to score you the best accommodations and amenities. 

You have two options for luxury accommodations in Aspen: full-service hotel or a vacation rental

LUXURY HOTEL VS. VACATION RENTAL

Hotels offer more amenities, such as a spa, on-site dining options, room service, and transportation. Guests at the hotel can also enjoy specialty events, gatherings, and menus as a perk of staying. 

On the other hand, vacation rentals give you more space and more location options. ALC has connections to villas, chalets, downtown condos, penthouses, and vacation homes that our clients can rent. Vacation homes lend themselves to additional bespoke services like in-home yoga instruction, luxury car rental, or a personal chef. 

EXPERIENCE THE PREMIER LUXURY DESTINATION

Aspen in August has all the ingredients for an unrivaled vacation. From the outdoor athletic offerings to the nightlife to the cultural experiences, Aspen has something for everyone. The only way to have a trip that you’ll never forget is to explore Aspen with ALC.

The team at Aspen Luxury Concierge are more than just travel planners; they are experts at using connections to open doors for you. Acting as a single point of contact, your concierge will seamlessly handle every aspect of your visit. Schedule a consultation with Aspen Luxury Concierge to start experiencing Aspen through luxury.