Elite Traveler Fall 2021

etr li at ve eler FALL 2021 125

Stellar sustenance

more than a few S-turns away. Beginner skiers and boarders will thrive at neighboring Buttermilk Mountain, which has ample, gentle slopes and amiable ski school programs. Drop off trails, a long ridge, groomed cruisers, harrowing fun and jaw- dropping views define adjacent Aspen Highlands, beloved for its off-piste, up-to-48-degree-pitched Highland Bowl, accessible only by snowcat and a half-hour hike. A bit farther flung is the less-crowded Snowmass, blessed with abundant powder and miles of open space, offering runs for every level skier and boarder. It’s a must for families.

Matsuhisa Nobu does Aspen his way in a classic Victorian house and its basement. Sprinkled with Latin American influences (tiradito, ceviche, tacos), this eatery serves the celebrity chef’s signature range of sashimi, sushi, wagyu beef and specialty tempura. A stellar wine and sake list completes the delicious package. matsuhisarestaurants.com Casa Tua Italy’s Dolomites share a kindred connection with Aspen’s portion of the Rocky Mountains. Bringing mountain-inspired Italian dishes to the table, this artful restaurant delivers rib-sticking, soul-stirring fare — think fettuccine with wild mushrooms and black truffles. A date-night favorite, Casa Tua displays rotating art and photography installations. casatualife.com Catch Steak Aspen espouses its own homegrown culture but attracts a realm of transplants, too, who love to call the hamlet their second home. Accordingly, with much anticipation, Catch Steak, the famed NYC restaurant, has ferried its carnivore savvy concept to the ski town. Stylish like its sister restaurants in other playground across the globe, this one boasts a rooftop hangout and cellar just steps from Aspen Mountain Gondola. catchrestaurants.com L’Hostaria Celebrate your victories on the slopes at romantic L’Hostaria. Nestled in the heart of the town, with coveted patio seating, this elegant Italian trattoria goes to great lengths to achieve authenticity. Standouts include house-made pasta dishes such as Garganelli alla Carbonara and ravioli with spinach, ricotta, speck and sage. hostaria.com Alpin Room This winter, Snowmass raises the stakes for on-mountain dining when the Alpin Room, a sit-down restaurant, debuts. With à la carte and course-driven options drawn from the great mountain cuisines of Europe, the restaurant will serve classics like French onion soup, tartiflette, duck confit with leek spätzle and carrot cake. aspensnowmass.com

Bosq With a sought-after deck that faces Paepcke Park, Bosq serves chef/owner Barclay Dodge’s globally inspired, gastronomic, course-driven, seasonal menu. Expect savory options, such as lobster grilled on juniper branches or Peking duck with a modern twist. The rose syrup infused hazelnut and dark chocolate dessert gets rave reviews too. bosqaspen.com Ajax Tavern Strut your stuff at in-demand Ajax Tavern, positioned at the base of Silver Queen Gondola on Aspen Mountain. With slope-side views, this casual hot spot for lunch (and après-ski) offers people (and skier) watching as peerless as its food. Don’t leave without sampling the famed truffle fries. thelittlenell.com

Photos C2 Photography, Jordan Wise, July Fletcher