Aspen checklist: Where to shop, dine, drink & dance in Colorado's glitziestgetaway

Each year during ski season, the glitterati from fabulous cities around the world migrate to Aspen to strap on skis, swaddle themselves in fur coats and boots and sip après ski cocktails at The Little Nell. The crowd is chic, the restaurants are full and the town is a picturesque snow scene. At the height of ski season, Aspen is peppered with celebs (I sipped my Starbucks next to Lyle Lovett and danced next to Paris Hilton at the Caribou Club) and the roster of good restaurants and chic shopping is long.

Having spent some time perusing the scene and eating, drinking and snowboarding my way into the New Year, I have compiled a list of all of the must-do’s for a great ski vacation in Aspen:

Where to Eat

For the crème de la crème, dine at Cache Cache. My lobster tagliatelle appetizer was more than memorable. Make sure to book far in advance and befriend owner Jodi – she is very loyal to her clientele.

Don’t miss Chef Nobu’s Aspen experience at Matsuhisa. For the optimal experience, go for the tasting menu.

Dine downstairs with the “public” at Italian hot spot Casa Tua, or purchase a long or short term membership for the private club experience upstairs. The space, a former Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, feels homey yet chic with white ceilings and gray walls scattered with rotating photographs (currently of Marilyn Monroe). Don’t miss the white truffle menu.

For lunch, warm up with some tomato basil soup from Mezzaluna or earn your calories by skiing down Aspen Mountain and treating yourself to the Ajax Tavern double patty cheeseburger. Substitute your side of regular fries for truffle fries for the ultimate Ajax experience. I’m not much of a carnivore, but I can’t pass up an Ajax burger.

Other notable Aspen eateries include The Wild Fig (get the fish in a bag), Gisella, L’Hostaria and Ellina.

Where to drink and dance

For the see-and-be-seen, have an après ski cocktail at The Little Nell. This is a must-do during ski season.

Ski Highlands and stop off at Cloud Nine for a fondu and dance party experience. Expect loud music, hot wine and champagne. Ski down at your own risk.

Reserve a table at Escobar for a full-on club experience. Enjoy a loungy scene infused with electronic and swing music. Dance the night away.

Enjoy dinner, drinks, dancing and serious people-watching with a long or short term membership at Aspen staple Caribou Club. Known by locals as “The Bou."

For a slightly more low key experience, hit the brand spanking new Irish Pub Finbarr’s. Our group ducked in here to avoid New Year's Eve mayhem and ended up dancing the night away. Cozy up on a couch by the fireplace.

Boogie down at Belly Up – Aspen’s live music venue. This calendar is chock-full of everything from from Jane’s Addiction to Lyle Lovett.

Where to shop:

Pop into Pitkin County Dry Goods for everything from an array of contemporary designers like Tucker to a killer shearling and leather assortment.

Don’t miss the stellar selection of denim at Boogie’s. Head up the stairs for a '50s diner experience.

Rummage through a closet of treasures in vintage spot The Little Bird. My purchases have included everything from an Etro belt to dresses by YSL and Alaia. I’m on call for a red Chanel blazer. Ask for Carrie. Now open in Houston.

For the epitome of Aspen-style, hit the Ralph Lauren store. Pop in after Christmas for a killer sale. This year, I nabbed this perfectly poufy vest.

Choose from an amazing selection of Chloe, Roberto Cavalli and Bogner at Gorsuch LTD. Forget to bring sunscreen or shampoo? Pick from a full selection of Kiehl's products. A pair of Gorsuch foxy boots are on my list for next year.

The recently downsized Amen Wardy still hosts the chicest home décor. My hubby and I nabbed a set of amazing Venetian Mask napkin rings. Bring home their peanut butter filled pretzels to snack on.

For a chic selection of Alaia, among other interesting designers, hit Nuages boutique.

Walk down the street to hip boutique Max. I had to stop and drool over the selection of Rick Owens and this amazing croc embossed and colorful PS1.

Lindley Arnoldy writes the fashion and style blog, The Flip Side.