What to Pack For a Trip to Aspen, From Puffer Coats to Snow Pants

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On a recent trip to Aspen, CO, a tour guide explained that people often "visit in the winter, stay for the summer, and never leave." It was my first time in Aspen, but after just a few days taking in all the sights and sounds of the popular ski-resort town, it was easy to understand the intoxicating phenomenon the tour guide was describing. From the picturesque snow-capped mountains to the quaint downtown shopping district that looks like a scene straight out of a snowglobe, there's plenty to see and do. Fashion-wise, getting ready to hit the Aspen slopes calls for the quintessential après-ski ensemble, while relaxing fireside at The St. Regis Aspen Resort — with a hot chocolate in hand, naturally — might involve a cozy cashmere sweater paired with chic winter boots.

Since Aspen is bursting with activities that will keep you as booked and busy as you want, make sure that your wardrobe includes a range of warm basics, practical layers, and a couple dressier pieces. Variety is the name of the fashion game when you're putting together your packing list for Aspen. The more mileage you can get out of a particular garment (like a fitted turtleneck that works underneath a dress or on its own with tailored trousers), the better. Also, bear in mind the time of year: During the cold weather months — think November to February — it's especially important to pack as much outerwear as possible. One pro tip? Layer a thinner jacket underneath a thicker puffer when you board the plane. This way, you save room in your luggage and still have multiple coats to choose from.

No matter what your agenda has in store, keep reading for what to wear and what to do in Aspen.

Where to Stay in Aspen: The St. Regis Aspen Resort
The St. Regis Aspen Resort

Where to Stay in Aspen: The St. Regis Aspen Resort

Located at the bottom of Aspen Mountain, The St. Regis Aspen Resort serves as an idyllic basecamp for all the adventures that await. The expansive hotel features numerous indoor and outdoor spaces where you can sit back, relax, and take in the gorgeous mountain views. Start your day with a workout in the hotel gym, followed by breakfast at the buffet at Velvet Buck, which serves local, seasonal ingredients that fuse both mountain and Mediterranean cuisines. After a day exploring Aspen, return to the comfort of your room, which is outfitted with 400-thread-count Frette linens, marble bathrooms, and custom furnishings by Ralph Lauren. Unwind with room service or indulge in fireside dinner and drinks at the Mountain Social Bar & Lounge.

Abercrombie & Fitch Long-Sleeve LuxeLoft Maxi Sweater Dress
abercrombie.com

Abercrombie & Fitch Long-Sleeve LuxeLoft Maxi Sweater Dress

Sweater dresses offer peak versatility no matter the season. Pair this neutral number with tights, ankle booties, and an embellished headband for a comfortable yet chic ensemble you can wear all day long.

Abercrombie & Fitch Long-Sleeve LuxeLoft Maxi Sweater Dress ($110)

Where to Sightsee in Aspen: Silver Queen Gondola
Dan Bayer

Where to Sightsee in Aspen: Silver Queen Gondola

You can't go to Aspen without getting on the mountain. Even if you're a newcomer to the slopes and don't feel like breaking out the skis or snowboard just yet, you still have the option of taking the gondola to the top. The peak of Aspen Mountain stands at 11,212 feet, which means the ride up takes anywhere from 15-25 minutes. Once there, snap all the snowy selfies you want before heading into the ski lodge, where hot chocolate and freshly made butternut squash soup await. If ski or snowboarding lessons aren't on your itinerary, take the gondola back down the mountain and walk to The St. Regis, which is conveniently located just two blocks away from the gondola entrance.

FP Movement All Prepped Jacquard Ski Suit
freepeople.com

FP Movement All Prepped Jacquard Ski Suit

How often do you get the chance to wear a full-on ski suit? Take advantage of the locale and sport this vibrantly patterned 'fit with a beanie, gloves, and snow boots.

FP Movement All Prepped Jacquard Ski Suit ($498)

Where to Relax in Aspen: Remède Spa
The St. Regis Aspen Resort

Where to Relax in Aspen: Remède Spa

Set aside some time during your Aspen vacation for a little self-care moment at the Remède Spa, also located at The St. Regis. Begin your spa day with a 60- or 90-minute massage, followed by a dip in the Confluence, which mimics the effect of hot springs found in Colorado. Top off the visit with a fresh manicure/pedicure and a reset in the spa's oxygen lounge.

Onia Wren Rib One Piece
onia.com

Onia Wren Rib One Piece

Layer a swimsuit underneath a linen blouse or dress so you can easily slip into it when you're ready for a dip in the spa's pool. Simple slippers and a claw clip to keep hair out of the face rounds out your relaxed look.

Onia Wren Rib One Piece ($175)

Where to Shop in Aspen: Canada Goose x Reformation Pop-up
Canada Goose

Where to Shop in Aspen: Canada Goose x Reformation Pop-up

Want to do some shopping while in Aspen? If you're staying at The St. Regis, you're in luck, because the hotel is currently home to the exclusive Canada Goose x Reformation pop-up shop, where you'll find all the items in the brands' new collection. From printed puffer coats to reversible vests, there's a slopes-ready piece for every kind of après ski fashionista.

Buck Mason Vintage Interloop Oversized Crew
buckmason.com

Buck Mason Vintage Interloop Oversized Crew

Since you don't have to travel very far from your hotel room to the pop-up, throw on a slightly oversized sweatshirt and sweatpants for a toasty outfit that still feels put-together. Furry boots and a chunky scarf offer the perfect finishing touches.

Buck Mason Vintage Interloop Oversized Crew ($88)

What to Do in Aspen: Stroll Through Downtown Aspen
Jeremy Swanson

What to Do in Aspen: Stroll Through Downtown Aspen

Since The St. Regis is so centrally located, all you have to do is walk out the hotel's front doors to find world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, and more. Downtown Aspen is quite literally at your fingertips, brimming with plenty of hotspots to check out during your stay. From shopping at the luxury consignment boutique The Little Bird to enjoying dinner at the exclusive Caribou Club (reservations required), you'll have no shortage of places to discover.

Canada Goose x Reformation Mila Puffer
canadagoose.com

Canada Goose x Reformation Mila Puffer

Take the new coat you picked up at the pop-up out for a spin. Layer this colorful, retro-inspired puffer over a turtleneck dress and heeled snow boots for a look that's ready for whatever Aspen has in store.

Canada Goose x Reformation Mila Puffer ($1,150)

Ahead, check out additional fashion items to shop for a trip to Aspen.