Whether you’re passing on skiing or snowboarding or you just want a day away from the crowds on the slopes, Aspen has plenty of wintertime options. Take a gondola ride, try dog sledding, trek the outdoors, relax and rejuvenate… no matter your preferences on any winter day, Aspen has options for you. Here are our favorite non-skiing suggestions for Aspen activities:

Get Silver Queen Gondola Views

A winter ride up the Silver Queen Gondola to the Sundeck at 11,212 feet can’t be missed; the panoramic views alone are worth the trip. At the Sundeck, you can stay warm while snacking indoors, or take a guided snowshoe tour with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES). Weave in and out of serene spruce and fir forests as you take in the endless mountain views from Richmond Ridge with a knowledgeable Naturalist.

Take a Snowy Trek at Ashcroft

If you’re not a fan of downhilling, you can still enjoy the valley’s many miles of perfectly groomed trails for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Historic Ashcroft, for instance, is a Nordic paradise where you can take a cross country ski lesson or guided tour, cross-country ski, snowshoe, or even book a horse drawn sleigh to lunch or dinner at the picturesque Pine Creek Cookhouse. Whether you take in the astounding views of the Elk Mountain range during the day or go for dinner and experience stargazing at nearly 10,000 feet, your adventure will never be forgotten.

Dare to Dogsled in Snowmass

Experience the Aspen Snowmass backcountry up close and personal by booking a dog sled ride with Krabloonik. Eight to ten Alaskan Husky sled dogs pull each sled, guided by a professional musher. You’ll also enjoy a campfire cocoa and cider break mid-ride break, and spend time getting to know the powerful and personable sled dogs. Morning and afternoon dog sledding rides last 45 minutes to an hour.

Rejuvenate in Aspen with Yoga and the Spa

O2 Aspen Yoga

Invigorate your mind, body and spirit in O2’s beautiful yoga studio overlooking Wagner Park in downtown Aspen. O2 Aspen offers a variety of yoga, Pilates and fitness classes, after which you can head to the spa for a massage and other blissful spa treatments.

Aspen Shakti Yoga

Aspen’s Shakti Shala (which means “house of true empowerment”) exists to connect, challenge, inspire and empower the Aspen community. It’s considered the most welcoming yoga studio and community in town. Aspen Shakti spreads positivity through yoga, meditation, dance, spirit, presence and fun.

Aspen Vida Medi Spa

Because Aspen sits at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, the high altitude and cold, dry climate can take a toll on your skin. Stop by Aspen Vida Medi Spa to rejuvenate and rehydrate with a variety of customized, medical-grade facial and body treatments — including laser and light therapy.

Bundle Up at the Aspen Boutiques

Elevate your mood with some retail therapy — shopping is a necessary Aspen winter activity! While full of small-town charm, Aspen’s retail scene rivals that of any metropolitan city. Stroll through Aspen’s downtown core while shopping to your heart’s delight. We suggest these only-in-Aspen favorites:

Aspen’s Original Fashion Outfitter

Pitkin County Dry Goods has been Aspen’s premier clothing retailer for over 50 years. The family-owned downtown boutique has curated a selection of exclusive designers, luxury cashmere and denim staples for loyal locals and international visitors alike.

Bundled in Style

Not far from Aspen’s Silver Queen Gondola, you’ll find Miller Sports, a serious ski shop with serious fashion sense. Founded by former professional skiers Bill Miller and Ted Davenport, the shop boasts an exclusive selection of designer ski apparel and outdoor gear from international designers including Toni Sailer, J. Lindeberg, Jet Set, Post Card, Mammut and more.

Sparkly Memories

Freshly fallen snow isn’t the only thing that glitters in Aspen. The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Meridian Jewelers — Aspen’s premier destination for luxury timepieces and high-fashion, cutting-edge jewelry — will help you find that perfect something to memorialize your Aspen vacation.

Enjoy Aspen’s Food & Drink

Aspen Means Ajax

At the base of Aspen’s Silver Queen gondola, you’ll find the town’s quintessential après ski establishment in the Little Nell. Known for its mouthwatering truffle fries and abundant people-watching opportunities, Ajax Tavern is the perfect place to see and be seen. Locals enjoy pairing a wagyu double-double burger with a dozen oysters paired and local craft beer, but you can also peruse the extensive wine list or choose a refreshing cocktail.

Just a Cuppa in Aspen

Longtime Aspen retailer Gorsuch has won over locals and visitors alike with their new espresso and wine bar — Gorsuch Ski Café — at Gondola Plaza. Whether you need an espresso, prefer a Mexican hot chocolate, or it’s time for a glass of wine, you’ll enjoy the modern alpine setting while you rest. Check out the selection of luxury Gorsuch footwear, accessories and ski equipment curated from their larger retail outlets.

Enjoying an Aspen Winter

While the skiing and snowboarding perks are well-known, Aspen isn’t only a town for skiers. The majestic scenery alone is worth a visit — not to mention the rare convenience of having culture, class and outdoor adventure all sharing the same space. Should you enjoy your stay too much and decide you don’t want to leave (or at least not for long), reach out to our team at Aspen Luxury Rentals for assistance in finding the perfect long-term Aspen rental.