Aerin Lauder’s insider guide to Aspen
The founder of beauty and lifestyle brand Aerin – and granddaughter of Estée Lauder – shares her don’t-miss bits and expert tips for exploring Colorado’s chicest mountain retreat
“I’ve been coming to Aspen since the late ’80s and it hasn’t changed much; it’s still the same little ‘gingerbread house’ town that I remember. There’s such a wonderful balance of wholesome outdoors and sophisticated style – it has absolutely everything you could possibly want, from the most extreme skiing spots to cowboy stores, Nobu and everything in-between.”
Where to hit the slopes
“I like to ski in Buttermilk Mountain, which is perfect for beginners but also has great ungroomed, powdery pistes if you’re slightly more experienced. I also love Basalt, a little town about an hour away that has some of the best snow around.”
For some off-piste action
“When I’m not skiing, I like to stroll down to Explore Booksellers and Carl’s Pharmacy, an old-fashioned place that has a nickel-and-dime store upstairs selling toys that are great for Christmas gifts. Kemo Sabe is the ultimate Aspen shopping experience, where you can get amazing branded belts and cowboy boots that have embroidered flowers on them.”
For a cozy dinner
“Après-ski, dinners at La Creperie du Village are a must. It’s owned by a wonderful Frenchman – the foie gras marinated in Sauternes is out of this world. I also go mad for the truffle-cheese fondue because it’s so fun to eat. For dessert, it’s crêpes, of course. Afterwards, my husband Eric and I go to the little bar at Casa Tua restaurant for drinks.”
My home from home
“The Little Nell is the place to stay; I always recommend their loft-style apartments for families, which can sleep up to six, as opposed to renting a chalet. I like to hang out at the outside bar and order a glass of rosé with parmesan fries and aioli.”
For an inspiring read
“I loved working with Assouline on my Aspen Style book, especially researching all the iconic photographs that have been taken on the slopes here over the years. For me, Slim Aarons’ photographs of Marilyn Monroe and Jackie O (dressed in huge sunglasses and massive hats) in the ’60s capture Aspen’s unique glamour, which constantly influences my work. I’ve even created an Aerin Buckhorn Amber candle, inspired by the famous Buckhorn ski run where all the Hollywood stars would hang out.”
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