Hotel of the Week: The Snow Lodge Revives Its Winter Residency at The St. Regis Aspen

With its slate gabled roofs, elegant brick façade, and location at the base of Mount Aspen, the St. Regis Aspen feels like a fairytale manor, especially after a fresh dusting of snow. But even with its nods to the Gilded Age and the tastes of the founder of the hotel group, John Jacob Astor IV, the beloved resort seems especially vibrant and alive this season due to The Snow Lodge.

Now in its second year at the St. Regis Aspen, The Snow Lodge brings the best of après-ski to the resort across the areas of design, cuisine, and music to the storied property. The winter counterpart to Montauk’s The Surf Lodge, this iteration proves that there’s so much more to skiing in this town, especially when it comes to its appreciation for culture. Jayma Cardoso, founder and creative director of both The Surf Lodge and The Snow Lodge, is known for not just keeping her finger on the pulse but actually being ahead of the curve, as is displayed throughout this collaboration. “The Snow Lodge is the winter counterpart to The Surf Lodge. Same soul, different season,” she explains. “It’s about bringing together music, food, fashion, and culture in a way that feels organic, social, and fun, from après-ski through late night.”

The most visible expression of The Snow Lodge is the takeover of the courtyard, which has become the beating heart of the Aspen scene. Outfitted with an astonishing array of Janus et Cie outdoor furniture, including Matisse Teak club chairs and sofas, Tahoe cocktail tables, and Drum side tables, the space becomes a wintry gathering space perfect for relaxing over afternoon cocktails, roasting s’mores, and taking in the legendary Snow Lodge concert series, which this year included Diplo, Marshmello, Lupe Fiasco, and Black Coffee. “JANUS et Cie shares our belief that outdoor living should be beautiful year-round. It felt like a natural fit to bring their craftsmanship into an alpine setting.” For an intimate outdoor experience, yurts outfitted with fireplaces, cozy blankets, and tables offer the ultimate in après-ski entertaining. The entire concept recasts the use of outdoor spaces and outdoor furniture for the winter in such a chic light, especially with the epic view of the mountain, along with a perfect sightline of the heated pool with steam rolling off the surface on the terrace above.

Another important design moment—yet not nearly as visible—is The Snow Lodge Suite. Architect and designer Antonio Di Oronzo of Bluarch captured the visual embodiment of The Snow Lodge’s identity. The space exudes the warm sophistication and appreciation of craft that are so rooted in the Aspen community, feeling layered and collected. Sculptural furniture, custom millwork, and rich wood tones create its foundation while layers of textural fabrics, including a woven ceiling installation, make guests want to settle in. “The goal is for guests to feel immediately comfortable, intrigued, and at ease. It’s like they’ve stepped into a space that has a point of view but doesn’t demand attention.” Instead of typical mountain tropes, the space offers a curated selection of art that feels right in line with the art collectors who spend time in Aspen. Dustin Yellin, Alex Katz, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Chloe Wise, and Ansel Adams are among the artists on display. Plus, there’s a hand-blown glass work by Aleksandra Zawistowska, along with objects by Justine Menard and Fornasetti.

Restaurants also play a major role in the collaboration. The pop-up outpost of Marea, a favorite New York Italian seafood restaurant, is an absolute must for any gourmand traveling to Aspen. “Marea is refined, soulful, and ingredient-driven,” explains Cardoso. “Bringing that level of coastal Italian cuisine to Aspen felt exciting and natural.” Fans are thrilled to find some of the New York classics, including the red wine-braised octopus fusilli and trio of crudi, plus Aspen-only items like the rack of lamb—all executed under the careful watch of Marea brand executive chef PJ Calapa. It’s the perfect convergence of the mountains and the coast.

In addition, there’s a Caviar Kaspia pop-up. Tucked away in The Jade Room, which is also used for DJ sets that go late into the night, this pop-up of the Parisian institution is both a visual and gustatory feast. “Caviar Kaspia is all about celebration and indulgence, which fits Aspen perfectly,” explains Cardoso. “Add champagne and great music, and it becomes an unforgettable late-night experience.”

Through all these activations and layers, Cardoso has fashioned a menu of events and experiences that keeps the excitement going long after the last ski run of the day. By perfectly pairing the spirit of Aspen with her own unique brand, there’s a real marriage of spirit and taste that feels both fresh and exciting. “Aspen has such a strong sense of place, so we wanted to respect its alpine heritage while layering in a modern, global perspective. The result feels warm, timeless, and very much rooted in the mountains,” she says. “Our goal was to complement that legacy by adding energy, culture, and social experiences that elevate the overall guest journey.” And she’s absolutely accomplished that season with her own unique style and infinite ability to bring together all the magical elements it takes for people to have an unforgettable experience, no matter the season.