When Hollywood’s A-listers and international celebrities need to escape the spotlight, they head to one place: Aspen, Colorado. This glittering mountain town offers more than world-class skiing — it’s a playground where stars can indulge in luxury experiences without the paparazzi. From five-diamond hotels with ski-in/ski-out access to exclusive mountain-top dining that requires helicopter access, Aspen delivers the perfect blend of adventure and opulence.
Whether it’s Mariah Carey shopping for custom cowboy hats or Kevin Costner renting out his 160-acre ranch, celebrities have been drawn to Aspen’s unique mix of rustic charm and refined luxury for decades. Here is a list of 16 luxury experiences in Aspen that celebrities love.
The Little Nell’s five-diamond indulgence
The Little Nell stands as Aspen’s only Five-Star, Five-Diamond hotel, offering ski-in, ski-out access directly at the base of Aspen Mountain. When we were there, the CEO of Yahoo, Marissa Mayer, was in-house at The Little Nell, and reportedly, James and Erica Packer stayed there, too.
The hotel’s ski concierge will organize ski rentals, wax and store your skis, and even help you into your boots while serving hot chocolate and fresh-baked cookies after your mountain adventures.
Hotel Jerome’s storied celebrity sanctuary
Since 1889, The Hotel Jerome has been more than just a place to stay— it’s a hub for town meetings, celebrity sightings, and dining at its top-tier restaurants. Recently, Kate Hudson enjoyed a major homecoming moment with her first live performance at Bad Harriet in Hotel Jerome at the underground speakeasy.
The historic property maintains its reputation as the hotel where celebrities prefer to stay, offering spacious rooms that far exceed typical luxury hotel standards.
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St. Regis Aspen’s gilded luxury
The St. Regis is a mountain manor straight out of the Gilded Age. The modern, clean lines with floor-to-ceiling windows and bronze accents transport you back in time to an era of decadence. Visitors are known to rave about the butler service at the St. Regis.
It goes far beyond turndown service and 24-hour room service: the butlers are known to go above and beyond to make your stay the best it can be. The resort also features Chef’s Club, where the chef lineup changes frequently to keep dining fresh and innovative.
Kevin Costner’s Dunbar Ranch retreat
Kevin Costner owns the 160-acre Dunbar Ranch in Aspen, which can be rented when the actor is not staying at the residence. Set amidst a sprawling 160 acres of grandeur, the Dunbar Ranch boasts 12 elegantly designed bedrooms, eight lavishly appointed bathrooms, and is capacious enough to comfortably host 27 guests.
The property features three private fishing lakes, a private baseball field called “Field of Dreams,” and stunning views of Independence Pass — all available for the ultimate celebrity-worthy escape.
Viceroy Snowmass mountain luxury
As the only ski-in, ski-out luxury resort in Snowmass, discover an intimate collection of spacious guest suites and residences designed for timeless, mountain living. The resort draws celebrities seeking a more relaxed luxury experience away from Aspen’s bustling core while still maintaining access to world-class skiing and amenities.
Two years on, and the now much-awarded Viceroy has brought a whole new brand of relaxed ‘lifestyle luxury’ to Snowmass, making it a favorite among stars who value understated elegance.
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Element 47’s Michelin magic
The name is a nod to Aspen’s origins as a silver mining town, and its location inside the luxurious Little Nell Hotel, mere steps away from the slopes, is certainly glitzy. This Michelin-recommended restaurant delivers Chef Matt Zubrod’s approachable contemporary menu that highlights top-notch ingredients, from seasonal produce like wild mushrooms, to meats like locally raised lamb and wagyu-breed beef.
The restaurant’s impressive wine program features bottles displayed behind glass, creating an atmosphere worthy of celebrity dining.
Ajax Tavern’s celebrity spotting central
Perfect for an afternoon bite, Ajax Tavern sits pretty at the base of Aspen Mountain—right next to the Silver Queen Gondola. The sun-drenched mountainside patio is Aspen’s premier spot to see and be seen.
Whether you’re unwinding after a day on the slopes or simply enjoying Aspen’s unique charm, Ajax Tavern provides the perfect setting for casual mountainside dining where celebrities regularly gather for truffle fries and people-watching.
Matsuhisa’s sushi sophistication
Featuring Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature new-style Japanese cuisine, Matsuhisa Aspen is located within a historic Victorian house in downtown Aspen, CO. This excellent sushi restaurant, owned by renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa, opened in 1998 as the first Matsuhisa location outside of Chef Nobu’s original Beverly Hills restaurant.
The restaurant showcases signature dishes like Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño and Black Cod Miso, making it a celebrity favorite for sophisticated dining.
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Cloud Nine’s champagne-soaked parties
Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro is legendary for a reason: channeling authentic European Alpine culture in a warm, welcoming environment. On sunny days, the south-facing deck at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro regularly plays host to ski-boot dance parties that just happen, as flutes of Champagne, glasses of fine wine, and a bevy of cocktails create a jovial atmosphere.
Accessible only by skiing or snowboarding, this mountain-top bistro at 10,740 feet offers fondue, raclette, and the most boisterous après-ski scene in North America.
Four legendary mountains experience
The four resorts combined offer 5,547 total acres of terrain, eight parks, and 336 trails served by 43 lifts. Celebrities love exploring Aspen Mountain (Ajax) for its proximity to luxury hotels, Snowmass for its vast family-friendly terrain, Aspen Highlands for its legendary Highland Bowl, and Buttermilk for hosting the Winter X Games.
Celebrities in Aspen can often be spotted on Ajax sporting Ferragamo coats, enjoying world-class skiing with unparalleled convenience.
Kemo Sabe’s celebrity hat haven
Celebrities like Rihanna, ASAP Rocky, Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Mariah Carey, Kyle Richards, Beyonce, and Kevin Costner have all been spotted shopping for western hats. Celebrities and icons, from Rihanna to Shania Twain and the Kardashians, have all been spotted wearing Kemo Sabe hats.
The luxury western wear retailer offers custom cowboy hats ranging from $225 to $895, with custom bands that can bring prices into the thousands, making each hat a true status symbol.
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Private jet arrivals in style
It’s easy to fly privately into the nearby Pitkin County Airport. Is it that Jackson is more out of the way, or is it that the Jackson Hole airport (the only airport in a National Park) has more private jets flying in and out of it than commercial flights? However, Aspen’s airport handles a similar volume of celebrity traffic.
The small mountain airport allows A-listers to arrive discreetly, with many luxury hotels offering complimentary transfers directly to their accommodations.
Spa sanctuaries and wellness retreats
The Spa at The Little Nell is the region’s sole ski-in, ski-out spa, deeply rooted in the ‘Aspen Idea’ – a holistic lifestyle philosophy that celebrates the life-affirming pleasure found in active pursuits.
Luxury hotels throughout Aspen offer world-class spa experiences, from the award-winning Remède Spa at the St. Regis to Viceroy Snowmass’s expansive 7,000-square-foot spa sanctuary — perfect for celebrities seeking relaxation after mountain adventures.
Caribou Club’s exclusive membership
For more information about accessing private clubs in Aspen, contact Aspen Luxury Concierge for a list of our high-touch services. The Caribou Club represents the pinnacle of Aspen’s exclusive social scene, offering members-only dining and entertainment where celebrities can gather away from public attention.
Kate Hudson celebrated her Hen’s Night here, on the night before her marriage with (now) ex-husband Chris Robinson, cementing its reputation as the ultimate celebrity playground.
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Red Mountain’s billionaire estates
Red Mountain, also known as Billionaire Mountain for its concentration of the resort’s ultra-elite. An estimated 100 to 125 billionaires either live in Aspen for part of the year or own property here. Many of them have homes on Red Mountain, which is essentially billionaire row due to the beautiful real estate and opulent homes in the neighborhood.
These properties include mansions on Billionaire Mountain, where Ann Walton and the Bezos family reside part of the year, offering the ultimate in privacy and luxury.
Goldie Hawn’s longtime legacy
Kurt Russel and Goldie Hawn are the most well-known residents. Goldie’s son, Oliver Hudson, even went to elementary school in Aspen and has been skiing at the four ski resorts since he was 5. Goldie Hawn and her partner, Kurt Russell, have been spending part of their year in the Aspen area for more than a quarter-century.
Their 70-acre Snowmass ranch has been a family retreat for years. The couple’s decades-long love affair with Aspen has made them unofficial ambassadors of the celebrity lifestyle, inspiring countless other stars to make the mountain town their second home.
The ultimate celebrity escape
These 16 luxury experiences represent why Aspen continues to attract the world’s most famous faces year after year. From Kevin Costner’s sprawling ranch to Mariah Carey’s holiday shopping sprees at Kemo Sabe, each experience offers the perfect blend of exclusivity, luxury, and authentic mountain culture that celebrities crave. Whether it’s the five-diamond service at The Little Nell, the champagne-soaked parties at Cloud Nine, or the discretion of private clubs like Caribou, Aspen delivers experiences that are both extraordinary and authentic.
As the Roaring Fork Valley is home to all the experiences, amenities, and activities that people enjoy, it’s no wonder that stars like Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell have called it home for decades. In contrast, others continue to return season after season for the unparalleled luxury that only Aspen can provide.
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