It isn’t unusual to spot celebrities in Aspen, Colorado when you visit. The mountain town attracts movie stars, music icons, and influencers due to the private, quiet nature of Aspen. Of course, it also doesn’t hurt that the Roaring Fork Valley is home to world-class skiing, NYC-caliber designer shopping, and is filled to the brim with VIP treatment for those who know how to access it.
Which Celebrities Have Been Spotted in Aspen, Colorado?
The list of celebs who have homes near Aspen or who visit frequently includes:
- Mariah Carey
- Goldie Hawn
- Justin Bieber
- Heidi Klum
- Kate Hudson
- Kendall Jenner
- Kevin Costner
- Nina Dobrev
- Anitta
- Jack Nicholson
- Nicky Hilton
Read on to learn where the stars go, what they love to do, and which activities they recommend!
1. Mariah Carey
Among the most iconic celebrities in Aspen during the holidays is Mariah Carey. The singer is well-known for spending the holidays in Aspen with her children and extended family. She can often be spotted shopping in downtown Aspen while serving glamorous winter fashion looks. According to her social media, Mariah opts to stay in luxury vacation rentals where her family can celebrate Christmas in style!
2. Goldie Hawn
As 2 of the celebrities who own a home in Aspen, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russel can frequently be spotted around town. Like Mariah Carey, they often host Christmas at their Aspen home with their 4 adult children. The couple have been spotted doing their Christmas shopping around town. Goldie is known for her suave faux fur styling and Kurt Russel is sure to be representing Colorado fashion in a cowboy hat.
3. Justin Bieber
Among the many celebrities in Aspen, Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber have also been known to enjoy the winter wonderland. The couple were recently spotted hitting the slopes of Snowmass Mountains. Justin is known to be a talented snowboarder, which his friend and Olympian Shaun White has attested to. Hailey is newer to the Colorado tradition, so she took a private ski lesson to learn the ropes.
4. Heidi Klum
Heidi Klum is a local fashion sensation. The model has been spotted rocking iconic and unique coats while strolling around town and skiing. Heidi, her husband, and their 4 kids are another family who love to have their winter family vacations in Aspen.
5. Kate Hudson
Kate Hudson and her siblings practically grew up in Aspen, even attending primary school in town. Recently, she enjoyed a major homecoming moment with her first live performance at Bad Harriet in Hotel Jerome. Alongside her brother Oliver, Kate is an avid skier who frequents the slopes of Buttermilk, Ajax, Snowmass, and Highlands Mountain. Both siblings relish the diverse runs and alpine lifestyle that Aspen offers.
6. Kendall Jenner
The Jenner and Kardashian crews are no strangers to Aspen, Colorado. In previous years, the families have booked luxury vacation rentals to celebrate the holidays. Kendall Jenner and her sister, Kylie, are friends of Hailey Bieber, so the pair often join the Biebers for a little winter adventure.
7. Kevin Costner
Kevin Costner is another one of the celebrities in Aspen who has a residence in town. In 2000, he purchased a mountain property, which he named Dunbar Ranch after his character in “Dancing With Wolves.” The actor can be spotted walking his dog through Aspen’s many parks or buying cowboy hats worthy of “Yellowstone” at Kemo Sabe.
8. Nina Dobrev
Actress Nina Dobrev attends events in Aspen with her boyfriend, Shaun White. As an Olympic snowboarder and the founder of WHITESPACE, Shaun White often hosts events in Aspen which Nina stylishly attends. In past years, Nina Dobrev and Zoey Deutch have been spotted at the St. Regis drinking cocktails and cuddling with Kitty, the hotel’s house dog.
9. Anitta
Anitta is known as one of the bravest celebrities in Aspen when it comes to hitting the slopes. Sometimes, she can be spotted strolling through town or hitting the slopes in fashionable fitted ski suits. However, Anitta gained the most respect and fame when she posted a video of herself drinking champagne while skiing in only a towel. The star is known to play tour guide and introduce her friends to the beauty of Aspen by curating restaurants and giving them skiing tips.
10. Jack Nicholson
Most known for “The Shining,” Jack Nicholson was an avid Aspen skier. In 1980, he bought a home in Aspen’s west end to use as his outpost for his ski trips and a place to unwind between movie roles. In 1987, the home was further enshrined in Aspen history and lore when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Nicholson has since sold the home to hockey player Patrick Dovigi, which continues the tradition of actors, athletes, and musicians finding a cozy home in Aspen, Colorado.
11. Nicky Hilton
When it comes to celebrities in Aspen, Nicky Hilton is a familiar face. The socialite, designer, and model has attended various Aspen events over the years, from the World Snow Polo Championships to the seasonal Max Mara pop-up at Hotel Jerome. Although she usually prefers to dine at Caribou Club, an elite members-only establishment, Aspen locals do occasionally spot her strolling around downtown for a little shopping.
Why Is Aspen Such a Popular Destination for Celebrities?
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!
But what is it about Aspen that appeals to all the movie stars, business moguls, musicians, and politicians? It’s probably the same five reasons why everyone loves Aspen:
The Fashion Scene
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.
The Exceptional Skiing and Snowboarding in Aspen
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.
The Most Romantic Restaurants in the World
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.
Exclusive Establishments Offer Privacy and Security
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.
Luxury Accommodations Fit for the Stars
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
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.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Celebrities in Aspen
A lot of first time visitors have questions about the culture of celebrities that visit Aspen. As the premier local concierge service, Aspen Luxury Concierge often works with high profile clients to give them a private, full-service, luxury experience. Our team can’t discuss confidential client information, but these are answers to the most common questions that we hear.
Kurt Russel and Goldie Hawn are the most well-known local residents. Goldie’s son, Oliver Hudson, even went to elementary school in Aspen and has been skiing at the 4 ski resorts since he was 5. The Kurt and Goldie residence is a sprawling mountain chalet with mountain views, a huge fireplace, and original vintage decor.
Kevin Costner owns the 160-acre Dunbar Ranch in Aspen, which can actually be rented when the actor is not staying at the residence. The property contains three different rustic cozy houses, views of Ajax, a private lake for fishing and canoeing, a network of ski trails, and hills for tubing.
It’s no secret that Aspen is like a playground for the extremely wealthy. An estimated 100 to 125 billionaires either live in Aspen for part of the year or own property here. Many of them have homes on Red Mountain, which is essentially billionaire row due to the beautiful real estates and opulent homes in the neighborhood.
Not many small mountain towns achieve global fame or draw wealthy vacationers from all over the world, but Aspen does. The reason is simple: the Roaring Fork Valley is home to all the experiences, amenities, and activities that people enjoy.
For example, Aspen is home to:
– 4 different mountains with world-class skiing
– Award winning golf courses
– Gold medal fly fishing water
– An assortment of 5-stay luxury hotels
– Michellin starred dining options dotted all over town
– A local culture that appreciates wellness
– Breathtaking views wherever you stand, all under that beautiful Colorado sky
– Nightlife that is comparable to LA, New York, and Miami clubs but with better service
– Aspen also hosts VIP events that cater to luxury-seeking visitors
– It’s easy to fly privately into the nearby Pitkin County Airport
The local shopping scene is studded with designer labels and home to the iconic store behind the Aspen hats trend, Kemo Sabe.
Billionaires and celebrities in Aspen are long-term residents and repeat visitors for many of the same reasons why the town is famous: the skiing, the shopping, the year-round outdoor activities, the luxury accommodations, and the gourmet dining.
As a bonus, Aspen is quieter than hotspots like NYC or LA with better service and more privacy. This allows celebrities to enjoy themselves without being plagued by the paparazzi. The staff in Aspen also take privacy very seriously, so famous visitors know that they will be protected and shielded from disruption.
Like any other town or city, Aspen can be expensive or accessible. It all depends on where you go and what you want out of your trip. There are plenty of expensive, luxury things to do while in town, like trying a different fine dining establishment every night and going shopping every morning. However, Aspen can also be affordable and accessible if you spend your trip hiking, riding the gondola, visiting the Aspen Art Museum, and grabbing food at casual restaurants.
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.
How to Vacation Like Celebrities in Aspen, Colorado Do
Aspen is not just for actors, singers, athletes, and fashion icons. You don’t have to have starred in a movie or been to the Met Gala to experience the exclusive, luxurious side of Aspen, Colorado.
Planning your trip with Aspen Luxury Concierge is the key to accessing that celebrity lifestyle for your vacation. Our concierges have the connections to secure VIP tickets to anything you could dream of, land you dinner reservations at Michelin starred restaurants, and find you opulent accommodations.
Come experience vacation like celebrities in Aspen. Come experience breathtaking beauty and luxury in Aspen. Contact ALC today to start planning your adventure!
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