Discover what’s new and noteworthy in Aspen this 2025

Aspen is having a moment, and it’s one worth watching. In 2025, the iconic mountain town is evolving with new developments across every facet of life. Fresh ski terrain, destination restaurants, wellness experiences, designer retail, and thoughtfully designed homes all reflect Aspen’s ongoing transformation.

For discerning buyers, including vacation homeowners, ranch investors, and those seeking a refined mountain lifestyle, it’s an ideal time to explore what’s unfolding in Aspen. This curated guide highlights the most exciting updates of the year, from backcountry adventures to real estate trends. Whether you come for the season or stay for the lifestyle, this is your curated guide to what’s new and what’s shaping the next wave of things to do in Aspen, Colorado.

Skiing updates for 2025

Aspen’s most exciting updates begin on the slopes. With major terrain expansions, upgraded lifts, and thoughtful improvements across all four resorts, Aspen’s ski scene is entering a new era. For those planning a winter visit—or looking for long-term reasons to stay—the updates on the slopes set the tone for everything else happening in town.

Hero’s terrain expands Aspen Mountain

Aspen Mountain’s long-anticipated Hero’s expansion has officially transformed the mountain’s eastern aspect—a significant expansion on one of North America’s most iconic ski hills. Adding over 150 acres of high-elevation terrain, Hero’s includes glades, steep shots, and intermediate runs which can be accessed directly from the existing summit lifts. The expansion not only diversifies the mountain’s offerings but also helps disperse crowds more evenly, improving the overall ski experience.

Snowmass takes off with the new Coney Express and more

Snowmass welcomed the Coney Express lift late last season, and it has already become a guest favorite. This high-speed quad replaces the old Coney Glade lift and now offers faster access to family-friendly trails and mid-mountain lodges. Looking ahead, 2025 will see even more enhancements with two additional lifts in the works: Elk Camp and The Cirque, both designed to improve flow and reach on Snowmass’s sprawling terrain.

These updates are part of a broader effort to modernize infrastructure while preserving the mountain’s character. From widened trails to expanded snowmaking and regraded terrain features, Snowmass is continuously evolving without compromising its character, which makes it a standout among the many attractions in Aspen, Colorado.

Golden Horn and Shadow Mountain bring new lift access

Aspen’s lift infrastructure continues to improve, with new additions planned for both Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands. On Aspen Mountain, the long-anticipated Shadow Mountain lift is expected to debut in the 2025 season, offering enhanced access from the west side of town and faster laps for intermediate and advanced skiers.

Over at Aspen Highlands, the forthcoming Golden Horn lift is designed to ease congestion and create a more fluid mid-mountain connection, especially valuable for skiers navigating between popular runs and the Highland Bowl access points. Together, these projects reflect Aspen’s ongoing commitment to further enhance skiers’ experience.

Culinary debuts and après-ski delights

The Aspen, Colorado restaurant scene continues to raise the bar. In 2025, Aspen and Snowmass debut a wave of bold new concepts and inspired rebrands—perfect for everything from intimate après-ski hideaways to destination-worthy tasting menus.

Aspen’s latest dining arrivals

Downtown Aspen and the nearby Dancing Bear enclave are setting the tone for Aspen’s evolving dining landscape. Here’s what’s newly opened and worth a visit:

• YUKIChef Nobu Matsuhisa expands his Aspen presence with YUKI, a refined Japanese restaurant above Belly Up. The space offers intimate omakase tasting menus, seasonal ingredients, and an understated late-night elegance.
• Hai SiOver on Restaurant Row, Hai Si will introduce a Japanese izakaya format with small plates, premium sake, and a moody, social vibe—perfect for winding down after a day on the mountain.
• Sant AmbroeusLocated on Main Street, Sant Ambroeus brings Italian heritage and Milanese charm to Aspen’s café scene. Espresso service, housemade pastries, and classic dishes are presented in a bright, gallery-like setting that’s ideal for both breakfast meetings and stylish lunches.
• ZigZagOccupying the former Mezzaluna location, ZigZag has reintroduced the space with an open kitchen, raw bar, and a cocktail program that encourages lingering past dinner. The atmosphere leans casual and social, perfect for après-ski catch-ups or spontaneous evenings out.
• Wayan AspenChef Cedric Vongerichten brings his Indonesian-French concept from New York to Aspen with a bold, layered menu and a polished, globally informed aesthetic. Located in the former Local Coffee space, Wayan Aspen blends exotic spices with elegant techniques for an experience that feels both adventurous and refined.
• AostaJust a few minutes’ walk from the downtown core, Aosta focuses on alpine Italian cooking in a warm, thoughtfully designed dining room. Handmade pasta, game-forward entrées, and a carefully selected wine list make it well-suited for long dinners and special occasions.

Snowmass favorites get a rebrand

Across Snowmass and downtown Aspen, familiar spots are getting a thoughtful refresh. These updates bring simpler menus, cozier atmospheres, and a stronger local feel.

In Snowmass Village, 105 Pizza + Bowl replaces Snowmass Lanes & Lounge with wood-fired pies, cocktails, and a polished, all-ages vibe. Nearby, the Aspen Collection Café steps in for the former ASPENX cafés in both towns, offering flexible, all-day menus that work from breakfast to evening wine.

Meanwhile, The Crêpe Shack has transitioned into Crêpe Therapy Café , adding sit-down comfort and expanded menus in both Aspen and Snowmass. Back in Aspen, the updates continue with Aspen Tap reclaiming its original name, Aspen Brewing Co ., and renewing its focus on small-batch, locally made beer. Together, these rebrands reflect a growing shift toward relaxed but elevated dining across the valley.

Where to après in 2025

Of course, skiing and dining aren’t the only things to do in Aspen, Colorado this year. Aspen’s après-ski scene continues to evolve in 2025, with standout newcomers joining longtime favorites that still define the town’s social rhythm. Here are four standout places to sip, socialize, and unwind in 2025:

• Eleven212 – Aspen’s newest cocktail lounge brings high design and high spirits to the downtown core. Expect moody lighting and expertly crafted drinks in an exclusive setting. It’s quickly becoming a favorite among those who prefer their après shaken, not stirred.
• The Cabin at Snowmass – This reimagined slopeside venue in Snowmass Village balances lodge charm with a sleek, modern twist. Think roaring fireplaces, stylish cocktails, and small plates designed for sharing. Whether you’re warming up or winding down, The Cabin offers an elevated retreat just steps from the lifts.
• Chica Aspen – A Latin-inspired hotspot with bold décor, live DJs, and high-energy cocktails, Chica brings Miami-meets-the-mountains flair to Aspen’s après circuit. It’s currently closed for the season, but come winter, it’s the perfect place for those who like their evenings lively and their margaritas smoky.
• Element 47 – Walking into The Little Nell, you’ll find this longtime Aspen institution remains the gold standard for refined après. With its award-winning wine list and flawless service, Element 47 is where you go when jeans give way to cashmere and champagne flows as freely as conversation.

Style and shopping updates for 2025

2025 brings a wave of new boutique openings and luxe labels to town, each one adding its own twist to Aspen’s distinctive mountain-chic aesthetic. There’s never been a better time to refresh your wardrobe or browse with second-home dreams in mind.

Here’s a look at what’s new in the Aspen, Colorado, luxury shopping scene:

• LoveShackFancy
  Romantic and unabashedly feminine, this cult-favorite label brings its signature floral frocks, lace-trimmed knits, and vintage-inspired accessories to a dreamy new boutique. LoveShackFancy has opened a new boutique on the Cooper Street walking mall, adding a touch of whimsy to Aspen’s fashion offerings.
• Goop
  Gwyneth Paltrow’s wellness-meets-fashion empire has inaugurated its seventh permanent storefront in Aspen, located at 431 East Hopkins Avenue. The boutique offers Goop’s in-house lines, including Goop Beauty and G. Label, and plans to host curated in-store experiences throughout the summer.
• Revolve / FWRD
  Following the success of their initial pop-up, Revolve Group has established its first permanent physical retail location at 410 E Hyman Ave in Aspen. This dual concept store pairs Revolve’s trend-forward apparel with FWRD’s designer edit, featuring labels like Saint Laurent, Isabel Marant, and The Row, all under one roof.
• Arc’teryx
  Known for its technical precision and elevated design, the high-performance outerwear brand is set to open a new store in Aspen in fall 2025. The space caters to active buyers who want performance wear that transitions seamlessly from mountain to town.

Several other luxury brands are rumored to be scouting retail space this year, further cementing Aspen’s position as one of the most influential style destinations outside of the coasts.

Signature festivals and cultural moments in Aspen

Beyond the slopes and boutiques, the town also has a stacked calendar with world-class festivals, cultural gatherings, and must-attend celebrations. While some have already passed for the year, others are still to come, so you’ll never run out of things to do in Aspen, Colorado.

Winter thrills and style statements

• Winter X Games – This global event brought elite freestyle skiers and snowboarders to Aspen for high-flying competition, packed crowds, and late-night concerts. A winter energy staple, it returns in 2026 after a record-setting turnout in January 2025.
• Toyota U.S. Grand Prix – Olympic-level ski and snowboard athletes lit up Snowmass with dramatic runs and family-friendly village energy. With FIS World Cup points on the line, this event draws adrenaline fans and sponsors every March.
• Aspen Fashion Week – Returning this August, Aspen Fashion Week reclaims its spotlight with designer showcases, brand activations, and après-runway gatherings across town. The 2025 edition brings a fresh, modern edge to the evolving mountain fashion scene.
• Up in the Sky Music Festival – Set for August, Aspen’s newest open-air festival will bring headliners like Rüfüs Du Sol, Kacey Musgraves, and Glass Animals to the mountains. Expect genre-blending performances, surreal visuals, and high-elevation energy in its first year.

Art, culture, and community spirit

Aspen’s cultural calendar stays full in 2025, with events and institutions that inspire creativity and community. The first-ever Aspen Literary Festival will be held this September, with salon-style discussions, intimate readings, and thought-provoking panels led by celebrated authors and poets. Meanwhile, the Aspen Art Museum continues to lead with contemporary installations, plein air painting sessions, and engaging art events like AIR and ArtCrush.

Across town, Anderson Ranch Arts Center adds hands-on summer workshops and public lectures, as well as an annual picnic and auction. Every June, the Food & Wine Classic draws chefs, vintners, and food lovers for tastings, panels, and private events across town, while January’s Wintersköl honors Aspen’s alpine spirit with fireworks, parades, and traditions that date back to 1951.

For the past 30 years, Challenge Aspen has offered adaptive recreation for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities—from skiing to paddleboarding. Its inclusive mission adds warmth, heart, and meaning to the Aspen experience.

Adventure and wellness trends

From high-altitude adventures to cutting-edge wellness, the things to do in Aspen, Colorado continue to evolve in 2025. Whether you’re chasing powder in the backcountry, unwinding in a luxury spa, or testing your endurance on the trails, Aspen offers transformative experiences that go far beyond the slopes.

Elevated wellness, redefined

Aspen’s wellness scene is now a destination in itself, blending alpine yoga, IV drips, reiki, and sound baths with cutting-edge longevity clinics. From cryotherapy to hormone optimization, guests and locals alike pursue recovery and performance in equal measure.

Where to unwind in Aspen:

• Base State Longevity
• NeuroSpa Aspen
• RAKxa Wellness Spa at The St. Regis Aspen Resort

Private trails and personal peaks

On the adventure front, curated backcountry trips are redefining off-grid travel. Private ski guides lead bespoke routes through untouched terrain, while heli-skiing offers peak-to-base powder runs with sweeping views and champagne lunches. Luxury adventure camps with glamping tents, meditations, and chef-prepared meals appeal to those craving comfort and escape.

Start your Aspen adventure here:

• Aspen Snowmass Private Ski and Snowboard Lessons
• Aspen Heliskiing
• Aspen to Crested Butte Hike and Stay

Pace yourself, Aspen-style

For active travelers, Aspen’s race calendar keeps growing. Whether you’re tackling the Audi Power of Four trail races, joining a charity fun run, or just logging miles along scenic singletrack, there’s a constant rhythm of movement here—even in the off-season.

Find your Aspen stride:

• Haulin Aspen
• Aspen Valley Marathon
• The Grand Traverse Run

The mountains don’t rest in summer

In the warmer months, Snowmass comes alive with adrenaline and family-friendly fun. The Lost Forest adventure zone continues to be a hidden gem, offering zip-lining, ropes courses, an alpine coaster, and hiking trails woven through the trees. Meanwhile, the Snowmass Bike Park has added new flow trails and jump lines to its already expansive terrain, appealing to everyone from first-timers to downhill purists.

Real estate and design trends

Aspen’s real estate market continues to evolve in step with its adventurous, design-conscious residents. In 2025, buyers are increasingly drawn to homes that offer access to top Aspen, Colorado attractions, from ski terrain to cultural institutions.

As of June 2025, nearly 28% of homes on the market are new construction, a noticeable shift in a town known for its legacy properties. New developments are reshaping key areas of the valley, particularly in Snowmass, where Stratos Snowmass is making waves with luxury residences, curated amenities, and direct access to year-round recreation. The Base Village continues to grow as well, with sleek new builds offering slope-side living, walkability, and community-focused design.

Beyond Snowmass, buyers will also find thoughtfully designed new homes in some of the Roaring Fork Valley’s most sought-after neighborhoods, including:

• Downtown Aspen
• Red Mountain
• West End
• Aspen Highlands
• Basalt
• Carbondale
• Glenwood Springs

Design-wise, luxury is leaning clean and conscious. Biophilic architecture, natural materials, and indoor-outdoor layouts continue to define new builds, balancing openness with privacy. Minimalist alpine chic, marked by neutral palettes, warm textures, and stone finishes, has become the dominant look. Smart systems, wellness features, and energy-efficient infrastructure are now standard rather than optional.

Home is your front-row seat to Aspen’s next chapter

For those considering a second home or a deeper investment in the lifestyle, Aspen’s new generation of design, experiences, and community is a compelling reason to stay. It’s not just about where you land after a day of adventure—it’s about living in rhythm with nature, wellness, design, and all the things to do in Aspen, Colorado that keep calling you back.

Aspen is constantly evolving, and the real opportunity lies in being part of that transformation. I’m Heather Sinclair, and as Managing Partner of The Agency Aspen and a trusted advisor to global buyers, I can provide you with the insight and access needed to invest wisely today, and grow with Aspen for years to come.

Ready to invest in Aspen’s next chapter? Call me at 980.948.8834 or send me an email to get started.