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.

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.

Start your shopping at the Four Mountain Sports at 520 E. Durant Ave. The Aspen outpost of this popular rental shop (which has nine locations in the valley) also includes an enormous selection of gear, apparel and outerwear. You'll also find the Helly Hansen Concept Store where the latest HH gear can be tried on, purchased and then put to the test on nearby Aspen Mountain.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.