Slopeside mountain clubhouse
Skiers glide off Aspen Mountain straight into the firelit lounge, where aprés-ski drinks flow without formality.
“The hotel's exterior, at the base of Aspen Mountain (also called Ajax) is totally unassuming.”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Dedicated ski concierges warm boots overnight and serve espresso before mountain runs.
Remarkable
The slopeside patio at Ajax Tavern draws crowds for mountainside drinks and wagyu.
Notable
A fixed slopeside landmark hosting generations of skiers and winter milestones since 1989.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Forbes Five-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, The 50 Discovery and AFAR.
the most recent renovation, by the New York studio Champalimaud Design, leaves it looking like the very picture of modern mountain luxury.
“For guests skiing in or out of Aspen Mountain, a ski concierge takes care of every detail. Boots are heated overnight; equipment transport is covered…”
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The Silver Queen Gondola sits right out back, and downtown Aspen's galleries and restaurants are steps out front.
The rooms
Stone gas fireplaces warm every room, and heated marble floors run throughout the bathrooms.
The heated pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Heated year-round, the outdoor pool and hot tub sit in courtyard gardens at the foot of Aspen Mountain.
The spa and gym
Private treatment suites feature personal steam showers and infrared salt saunas, set alongside a complete fitness room.
Dogs stay too.
The Wine Bar
Enomatic taps pour dozens of wines by the glass, accompanied by charcuterie and analog vinyl DJ sets.
The guest rooms and junior suites ... are heavenly cocoons with fireplaces, overstuffed furniture and luxurious bathrooms.
At the table
Element 47 pairs Colorado cuisine with a 20,000-bottle cellar, and Ajax Tavern pours drinks on its mountain-facing sun terrace.
How it began
Built on a nineteenth-century silver mining claim, the hotel opened on Thanksgiving in 1989 right at the mountain base.
“This five-star property has Aspen’s most coveted location, set at the base of Aspen Mountain, just steps from the Silver Queen Gondola.”
Good to know
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Aspen
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.