If there is one thing that truly competes with the terrain at Aspen Snowmass, its the shopping in town.

No matter how good the conditions are, or how lively the àpres ski is at the base of the mountain, people will always be drawn to Aspen for its shopping, too. The town's independent mindset, Western attitude and appreciation for glitz has created one of the most compelling square miles of shopping in America. The shopping in Aspen surpasses all other Colorado ski resorts by far.

But despite what you might hear, it is not all luxury and indulgence. We have rounded up some of the best shopping experiences at Aspen Snowmass below.

Gear & Apparel

Shopping for ski gear in Aspen, Colorado

Shopping for ski gear in Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is first and foremost a ski town, and the outdoors dominate the thoughts of many shoppers. Whether you forgot to pack your ski goggles, or you are taking this opportunity to upgrade your outerwear in a town with the best selection, shopping for gear and apparel in Aspen is a must.

A high-end boutique in Aspen, Colorado
The Boutique at The Little Nell is one of Aspen's most chic boutiques, located in the lobby at The Little Nell Hotel. Shop for luxurious gifts and souvenirs such as clothing, jewelry, handbags, totes, hats, artwork, and more.

For outerwear with a little more of a haute couture feel, head to Moncler to peruse parkas, hats, scarves and gloves from the French-Italian brand. The ever-popular and eco-conscious brand Patagonia has a store slopeside in Snowmass Village as well. And if you are looking to renovate your collection of yogawear or running apparel, O2 Aspen and Lululemon are the storefronts to seek out.

Directory – Gear & Apparel

Four Mountain Sports520 E. Durant Ave. | (970) 920-2337
Helly Hansen Concept Store520 E. Durant Ave. | (970) 920-2337
Lululemon 204 S. Galena St.|(970) 925-2033

Fashion & Beauty

Shopping for luxury fashion in Aspen, Colorado

Shopping for luxury fashion in Aspen, Colorado

Yes, there is a Gucci store. And yes, there is a Prada as well. Year-round, they have some of the most compelling window displays in Aspen, and visitors love to tap into the zeitgeist of Milan and Paris from the comfort of our little mountain town. However, Ralph Lauren is a show-stopper and a personal favorite for many, in part because the designer's inspiration is often Colorado itself. (Instagram a photo of the store's buffalo while you are there).
For women's fashion, the pedestrian core of Aspen is perfect. Minimalists who want to stay active yet look fashionable can head straight to Maison Ullens, while the brands stocked at Distractions— a local's favorite since 1997 — are a solid mix of classics and up-and-comers. Bargain-hunters with an eye for Aspen's glitz and glam need look no further than Little Bird, a consignment shop that has been known to sell second-hand Chanel and Gucci at sweet prices. End the day with a stop at Cos Bar's Aspen location for soaps, fragrances and a beauty consult.
Three women strolling the sidewalk while shopping in downtown Aspen
For the guys, there's a store aptly named Testosterone, where browsers can look over a fine selection of apparel, wallets, shoes, knives, and curios like funky money clips and cool chessboards.
If you want to feel like a true VIP, nothing matches the experience at Kemo Sabe. Kemo Sabe is known just as much for their celebrity clientele as their high quality cowboy boots, cowboy hats, and accessories with a touch of glam.

Directory – Fashion & Beauty

Fine Art & Home

Historic building in downtown Aspen

Historic building in downtown Aspen

Combine the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains, an international clientele of visitors, and the Aspen Way, and what do you get? An environment perfect for fine art galleries.

Photographer Peter Lik has a supremely gifted eye for nature's dramatic moments, and at the Peter Lik Gallery, photography buffs can explore the master's large-format work. Over on Mill St., the Royal Street Fine Art gallery is bursting at the seams with compelling paintings and framed artwork. The Christopher Martin Gallery features the Dallas-based artists' abstract and colorful paintings, while the Casterline|Goodman Gallery offers a sublime collection that includes works from Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and other contemporary masters.

OK, so maybe you are not buying an original Roy Lichtenstein, but all of this art surely has you thinking of redecorating your home a little bit, right? Chequers offers a wide-ranging selection of furniture and decor and has been open in Aspen since 1992. Meanwhile, Daniel's Antiques takes eclectic to a new level with beautifully preserved historic curios, fascinating objects and furniture.

Directory – Fine Art & Home

Casterline | Goodman Gallery611 E. Cooper Ave. | (970) 925-1339
Chequers520 E. Cooper Ave., #1A | (970) 925-7572
Christopher MartinGallery525 E. Cooper Ave. | (970) 925-7649
Daniel's Antiques431 E. Hyman Ave. | (970) 544-9282
Peter Lik Gallery406 E. Hopkins Ave. | (970) 925-1820
Royal Street Fine Art205 S. Mill St., #211 | (970) 920-3371

Food & Wine

Enjoying champagne in Aspen, Colorado

Enjoying champagne in Aspen, Colorado

In June every year, Aspen hosts the Aspen Food & Wine Classic, one of the most prestigious culinary events in the country. Needless to say, its foodie heaven here, and that's reflected in the shopping, too. Whether you are stocking up for a picnic, looking for some fancy noshes to take back to the hotel, or a tasty souvenir of your time in Aspen, you'll find it.
Oh you'll find it for sure.
In the last two years, Meat & Cheese has become one of Aspen's most beloved restaurants, but its Farm Shop to the right of the counter is also the perfect place to buy one of Colorado's best gourmet products — Avalanche Cheese Company's incredible cheese. Get a few slices of cured meat from the butcher's block, buy some gourmet crackers and you're in business.
For a sweet finale, swing by the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for a box of truffles. In need of vino? Aspen Grog Shop has been open since 1965 and has become an Aspen staple for wine, liquor, and beer. Carl's Pharmacy and Aspen Wine & Spirits also have a great selection of domestic and international wines.
Deliciously presented food in Aspen, Colorado
Over in Snowmass Village, peruse a vast selection of cheese, charcuterie, and chocolates at Grain Fine Food & General Store or order a custom gift basket to devour back at your room. Next door is the Daly Bottle Shop where — you guessed it — you can choose from more than 450 wines, more than 200 beers and several craft spirits.

Directory – Food & Wine

Grain Fine Food & General Store45 Village Run Cir., Snowmass Village | (970) 923-4100
Meat & Cheese Restaurant & Farm Shop319 E. Hopkins Ave. | (970) 710-7120
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory401 E. Cooper Ave. | (970) 925-5112

Local's Favorites

Skis outside a locals favorite shop and restaurant

Skis outside a locals favorite shop and restaurant

There are a few sure-fire ways to get locals talking: you could ask about their favorite powder stash or a favorite happy hour spot. Or you could simply ask them for the best place to score some stylish jeans at a good price.
On this latter point, you'll definitely hear about Aspen's trio of top-notch second-hand stores. There's the aforementioned Little Bird, but also Susie's Limited Consignments and The Aspen Thrift Shop. Like Little Bird, Susie's can feel like a treasure trove of designer labels in great condition with significantly reduced price tags. The Aspen Thrift Shop supports the Roaring Fork Valley by selling donated goods and converting many of the proceeds to local non-profits and scholarships for local high schoolers.
Local's enjoy coffee on the streets of Aspen
Odd Molly carries women's fashion and has been a local favorite ever since it opened. At the opposite end of the spectrum, yet equally adored by Aspenites, is Emporium and Flying Circus, an oddball boutique devoted to upcycled decor, funky jewelry, vintage clothing, local art, all-natural dog biscuits and hula hoops.

Continue the local culture tour with a swing by Explore Booksellers, which is located in a restored Victorian home on Main Street. Intimate and with a well-curated selection of books, it is the second-best place to sit and watch the snow fall (with the Silver Queen Gondola being first, of course).

And we couldn't write about the local shopping scene without including the Rocky Mountain Pet Shop which carries everything from doggie treats to natural products to pet toys.

Directory – Local's Favorites

The Aspen Thrift Shop422 E. Hopkins Ave. | (970) 925-3121
Emporium & Flying Circus315 E. Main St. | (970) 544-2499
Explore Booksellers221 E. Main St. | (970) 925-5336
Odd Molly613 E. Cooper Ave. | (970) 925-2250
Rocky Mountain Pet Shop107 S. Monarch St. | (970) 925-2010
Susie's Limited Consignments600 E. Main St., #8 | (970) 920-2376

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