Aspen – October 15, 2026 -- The Little Nell, Aspen's only Five-Star, Five-Diamond ski-in/ski-out hotel, has unveiled its Winter 2026-2027 lineup, including a Sydney cocktail bar residency from January 22 to March 30 and the return of celebrity facialist Georgia Louise. It is the hotel's last full season before a renovation begins in April 2027.
The hotel will close longer than first planned
The closure was originally set to end in early winter 2028. It will now run through early summer 2028 so the work can be completed in full. This winter's programming is built around the hotel's traditions from more than three decades.
Maybe Sammy brings theatrical cocktails to The Wine Bar
Maybe Sammy, the Sydney bar founded in 2019 and inspired by 1950s Hollywood and Las Vegas, will take over The Wine Bar for the residency. The bar is ranked No. 75 on The 50's Best Bars 2026 list and was the first recipient of the Michter's Art of Hospitality Award. Its team will work with the hotel's bartenders on a menu of bespoke cocktails inspired by The Little Nell and by life at altitude, with tableside presentations.
Georgia Louise returns to the spa
Louise is known for facial architecture, fascia and lymphatic techniques, and her clients include Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Aniston and Emily Blunt. The Little Nell remains the only destination where new clients can book her. Appointments are available with Louise during scheduled residencies, or with hotel estheticians trained in her methods. She will also host a hands-on skincare masterclass.
Holiday traditions and a decades-themed New Year's Eve
From Thanksgiving through the New Year, the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony returns to the courtyard, along with Letters to Santa, cookie decorating and a storybook hour with local author Jill Sheeley. Element 47 and Ajax Tavern will serve holiday menus through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Living Room adds a limited-run "Naughty List" menu with caviar, truffles and wine.
The New Year's Eve party, held with Dom Pérignon, follows a Through the Decades theme. Guests move from Dynasty glamour in the Living Room to Studio 54 in the Grand Salon and the 90s in the Wine Bar. A time capsule lounge spans every era, and a late-night DJ plays until midnight.
A new Chefs & Somms dinner series launches
The Little Nell has a 20,000-bottle cellar and has won the Wine Spectator Grand Award every year since 1997. It has also been named Best Hotel Wine List in the World by the World of Fine Wine Awards for the fourth consecutive year. The new recurring dinner series will bring chefs and sommeliers from across the country to Aspen for curated menus and wine pairings. Registration details are due on the hotel's website by the end of October.
Aspen Mountain opens November 26
Guests can join First Tracks, an early gondola ride before the mountain opens. They can also book Friday Snowcat Powder Tours, a full-day backcountry trip that ends with a fireside lunch at a cabin in the Elk Mountains. The Little Nell Boutique will host rotating pop-ups from fashion and lifestyle brands throughout the season.