By Ali Margo
Ask an Aspen local for directions to a store or restaurant downtown and chances are they won’t be able to tell you the street name, but will reply with something along the lines of, “It’s where so-and-so used to be.” Between pop-ups, false starts, demolitions and renovations, downtown Aspen is a veritable Monopoly board where only the biggest players pass go. The best survive, which is why Aspen’s downtown scene rivals urban counterparts, only with mountain views and incredible weather. Most importantly, it’s all within walking distance to the lifts.
Fashion Front
Several new retail stores will open their doors on Aspen’s famed cobblestone streets this winter. If Aspen is the place to ski and be seen, the Moncler Grenoble American ski destination runway show and immersive experience in Aspen will be a junction of fashion meets function, with a full line of elevated technical ski and snowboard apparel for men and women. With six times more square footage than the flagship Aspen Moncler store, this multistory alpine experience will feature a cave-like floor plan and a complete line of technical outerwear (think: Gore-Tex and heat-sealed zippers) but with Moncler’s signature style and quality (the après line in particular integrates plenty of luxury fabric play). moncler.com
It makes sense that top athleisure brands would feel right at home in Aspen, where “studio to street” (with a hike or bike ride in between) is a way of life. Joining the current lineup is Vuori, a premium performance apparel brand inspired by coastal California that just found its home in the mountains. Known for supersoft, wearable-but-still-technical fabrics and more timeless, classic styles, these versatile pieces instantly become wardrobe staples. The popular activewear brand’s integration of fitness, surf, sport and art now officially includes snow. vuori.com
LoveShackFancy has also opened its doors on the Cooper Street mall, featuring the brand’s signature frilly lace- and ruffle-laden women’s line. Look no further for all things feminine. Racks overflow with pink, prints, florals and bows on vintage-inspired clothes with a modern twist for romantics who also want to hit the slopes. loveshackfancy.com
Beauty Buzz
Combat Aspen’s dry climate and high-altitude sun with an extensive offering of luxury skin care and makeup at Knockout Beauty, featuring brands that are curated for clinical integrity and proven performance. Luxury skin care, like MBR, Environ, Editrix and Facile, all meet European standards for clean beauty. Exceptional facials based on science-backed protocols and careful individual skin analysis will provide that extra TLC your skin needs in the mountains—like ski patrol for your face. Located inside the 02 Aspen yoga studio and spa. o2aspen.com
Eat Here Now
On the restaurant front, look for more wallet-friendly options this winter, filling the need for casual, affordable dining in the downtown core. First stop, Jimoto Aspen, where the steam rising from that bowl of handmade ramen will take the chill out of your bones and put the heat in your belly. Also serving dumplings and poke bowls, this hip, cozy space brings all the warmth you need. jimotoaspen.com
New Yorkers rejoice: Silvers Deli makes bagels on-site using a water source replication system that reproduces the chemical composition of New York City tap water for the bagel dough. Located on Durant Avenue just steps from the Silver Queen Gondola at the base of Aspen Mountain, it’s the ideal place to grab a coffee, breakfast, lunch, to-go dinners and cocktails—everything you need for a quick bite before or after hitting the slopes. silversaspen.com
Get a taste of Italy at Sant Ambroeus, with history that dates back to 1930s Milan when two pastry chefs founded the original cafe just steps away from the legendary opera house Teatro La Scala. In 1982, the first Sant Ambroeus arrived on Madison Avenue in Manhattan. Now located in the former Main Street Bakery location, it remains true to its Milanese roots serving lunch and dinner featuring handmade pastas by executive co-chefs Angelo Delle Donne and Marco Pretti—from Aspen to Italy in one bite. santambroeus.com
It’s a quick trip from Italy to France in the West End at MOLLIE Aspen, where Petit Trois is set to debut with a new French bistro menu dished up by celebrated chef Ludo Lefebvre, with his first location outside of LA. Petit Trois will bring its timeless Parisian charm and classic French cuisine to the heart of Aspen. mollieaspen.com
HORN OF PLENTY
For a taste of Aspen history and the authentic locals scene is the long-awaited rebirth of the Golden Horn, expected to open in mid-January 2026 in its original space below Yuki on the Cooper Street mall. Founded in December 1949 by Steve Knowlton, the original restaurant and club was an Aspen institution for nearly 50 years, frequented by the likes of Gary Cooper, John Denver and many more.
The new iteration aims to reclaim that local vibe and community gathering space with a gastropub-inspired menu at affordable prices. Socialize amid pool tables, golf simulators and après-ski entertainment. In true Aspen style, closing time isn’t until 2AM and it may be the only place in town where you can party in your ski boots until last call. goldenhornaspen.com