Chef Concierge Stephanie Borgo offers her insider knowledge on the best places in Aspen for holiday shopping, buying winter apparel and enjoying gourmet coffee.- By Vicki Hogue-Davies
Winter is the prime season to visit Aspen. Snow sports, upscale shopping and scenic views are waiting to be enjoyed. Chef Concierge Stephanie Borgo shares her knowledge about the best places to warm up inside, stay fashionable and dry on the slopes and buy the perfect holiday gifts.
Mountain Style
When visiting an elegant mountain resort like Aspen, dressing in chic mountain-resort style is de rigueur.
For the right winter sports apparel and equipment, Borgo recommends visiting ASPEN SPORTS. The store is conveniently located inside The St. Regis Aspen Resort, making it a must-stop spot for guests before hitting the slopes. It carries everything you need to ski or snowboard the slopes in mountain style while staying dry, warm and comfortable. (970-925-6332; aspensports.com)
“There are many more sports apparel stores around town, including JET SET, which has more up-market, European designs.” Jet Set is a high-end Swiss skiwear company that carries colorful ski jackets and ski pants featuring the brand’s signature star design. Street coats, hoodies, cardigans and other luxury cold-weather wear and accessories are also available at the store, along with a young girls’ collection that emulates the women’s line. (970-429-8336; jetset.ch)
Another high-end European store that is an Aspen favorite is MONCLER. “Moncler is very designer and upscale,” Borgo says. The store, which opened its first U.S. boutique in Aspen in 2008, carries the brand’s signature quilted down ski parkas in warm, rich colors for men, women and children. In addition to its ski jackets, the store features street outerwear, knitwear, handbags, shoes, eyewear and cold-weather accessories. (970-544-5558; moncler.com)
Shop Eclectic
You’ll find just the right one-of-a-kind gifts for those special people on your holiday list at these exclusive Aspen stores.
“AMEN WARDY is the most popular place in Aspen for gift buying,” Borgo says. “It is a housewares store with great gifts for every day, including the holidays.” The store, exclusively located in Aspen, features tabletop and other home accessories, as well as one-of-a-kind and limited-edition pieces hand-picked by founder Amen Wardy. The luxury home boutique also sells gourmet food items, bath and body products and whimsical gift items. (970-920-7700)
“The OMNIBUS GALLERY, which specializes in vintage posters, is very unique and a great spot for picking a gift for someone who enjoys skiing and Aspen,” Borgo says. “There are vintage posters illustrating both.” Among the more than 2,000 the gallery carries, most date from the late 1880s to 1939. The most expensive posters in this carefully crafted rare collection sell for more than $100,000. (970-925-5567; omnibusgallery.com)
Another store that Borgo recommends for holiday shopping is ASPEN ECLECTIC. “It sells Aspen-themed items and things for children, so it is a good spot if you need a unique Aspen-related gift or have a young one on your list,” she says. (970-925-6217)
Shop Eclectic
You’ll find just the right one-of-a-kind gifts for those special people on your holiday list at these exclusive Aspen stores.
“AMEN WARDY is the most popular place in Aspen for gift buying,” Borgo says. “It is a housewares store with great gifts for every day, including the holidays.” The store, exclusively located in Aspen, features tabletop and other home accessories, as well as one-of-a-kind and limited-edition pieces hand-picked by founder Amen Wardy. The luxury home boutique also sells gourmet food items, bath and body products and whimsical gift items. (970-920-7700)
“The OMNIBUS GALLERY, which specializes in vintage posters, is very unique and a great spot for picking a gift for someone who enjoys skiing and Aspen,” Borgo says. “There are vintage posters illustrating both.” Among the more than 2,000 the gallery carries, most date from the late 1880s to 1939. The most expensive posters in this carefully crafted rare collection sell for more than $100,000. (970-925-5567; omnibusgallery.com)
Another store that Borgo recommends for holiday shopping is ASPEN ECLECTIC. “It sells Aspen-themed items and things for children, so it is a good spot if you need a unique Aspen-related gift or have a young one on your list,” she says. (970-925-6217)
Cozy Up
On a cold winter day, enjoying a warm cup of gourmet coffee is an inviting way to cozy up while exploring the town or after a day of skiing or snowboarding on the slopes.
Borgo recommends two spots with some of the best coffee in town: VICTORIA’S ESPRESSO WINE BAR & GOURMET GRAZING and INK! COFFEE. “Both are within easy walking distance of the hotel, are locally owned and have great coffee,” she says. “And they both make breakfast burritos and other items, so you can start your day there with coffee and a bite to eat.” (Victoria’s, 970-920-3001; aspenespressobar.com. Ink! Coffee, 970-544-0588; inkcoffee.com)
“PARADISE BAKERY & CAFE is also a good spot for coffee and serves breakfast and pastries,” she says. Be sure to try their food with your cup for a delicious pairing. The cafe makes fresh croissants, quiches, bagels, cinnamon rolls, muffins and more daily. (970-925-7585; paradisebakery.com)
