There’s something undeniably magical about Aspen in the summer—the fresh mountain air, the blend of adventure and luxury, and that perfect pace where you can truly unwind. We spent a weekend tucked into the beauty of Snowmass and Aspen, and it was one of those trips that strikes the perfect balance of outdoorsy and indulgent.
Where We Stayed
We checked into the Viceroy Snowmass, which feels like a cozy-chic lodge with all the five-star touches. The location was ideal for our crew—ski-in/ski-out in winter but buzzing with summer activities like the gondola, mountain coaster, and more right outside the door.
What We Did
- Fly Fishing: (While Mom Shopped!): The kids headed out with my husband for a morning of fly fishing with Aspen Outfitters, casting lines along peaceful mountain streams—and loved every minute of it. Meanwhile, I snuck off for a little solo retail therapy in downtown Aspen. A win-win.
- Snowmass Adventure: We took the gondola up Snowmass Mountain, where we tried the alpine coaster, and the kids (okay, and the grown-ups) tackled the rock climbing wall. The views alone are worth the trip up!
- Saturday Morning Farmers Market: If you’re in town on a Saturday, don’t miss the Aspen Farmers Market. We wandered the stalls with fresh pastries in hand, picked up local honey and handmade jewelry, and just soaked in that small-town mountain charm.
- Aspen Rodeo (Wednesday Only!): For something totally different, we headed to the local rodeo midweek—such a fun, family-friendly evening that felt like stepping into a classic Western summer night.
Where We Ate
- French Alpine Bistro – We went all in on the fondue and the cozy, candlelit interior made it feel like a little corner of Europe in the Rockies.
- Sant Ambroeus – Brunch here was a highlight: airy interiors, buttery pastries, and the perfect people-watching spot. Their cappuccinos were as dreamy as their décor.
- Toro at the Viceroy – Dinner at Toro was both lively and delicious, with Latin-inspired dishes and incredible cocktails. Definitely a must if you’re staying nearby.
Where We Shopped
No Aspen weekend is complete without a little window (or actual) shopping. A few favorite stops:
- Kemo Sabe – Think: custom hats, leather everything, and the full Western fantasy. Even if you don’t walk out with a hat, it’s worth the visit.
- Gorsuch – Elegant alpine apparel, perfect for mountain chic vibes.
- Aspen Emporium & Flying Circus – A fun mix of local makers, home goods, and vintage finds.
What to Pack: Summer in Aspen
Packing for the mountains in summer means balancing layers, a touch of western flair, and a few go-to staples that work for everything from trail walks to fondue dinners. Aspen has a way of blending luxe and laid-back, so I aimed for pieces that felt just as at home at the farmers market as they did at the Viceroy’s cocktail bar.
A few highlights from my bag:
- This Cleobella geometric dress was perfect for dinner out—breezy, colorful, and easy to dress up or down.
- I packed a mix of denim and skirts like this blue cotton skirt and Doen black midi, paired with basics like the black and white Uniqlo tees. Easy mix and match items.
- For hiking and exploring, I relied on my Merrell boots, Rhône zip-up, and the Varley and Kilte travel sets—they were cozy for the flight and easy to rewear.
- I kept warm with a Jenni Kayne sweater and my forever-favorite Ralph Lauren flag sweater.
- I threw in a few dressier pieces, too: the JMC silk dress for brunch at Sant Ambroeus and my denim dress.
- For accessories: my trusty Janessa Leone-style cowboy hat, Illesteva sunnies, Wicker Tote (in the perfect denim blue), and Margaux sandals—plus a pair of cowboy-esque brown boots for the rodeo.
- And always: Bombas no-show socks, a baseball cap, my Lake pajamas, and a refillable water bottle for long mornings out and about.
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