I Keep Coming Back to Aspen-The Little Nell Is the Ski-In, Ski-Out Hotel That Makes It Worth It
A great ski-in, ski-out hotel should do more than put you steps from the lift-it should make every part of the mountain experience feel effortless, from the moment you click into your bindings to the moment you sink into bed after a day on the slopes.
When reviewing the best hotels in America, I looked for properties that combine genuine ski access with serious amenities: heated gear storage, exceptional dining, and accommodations that match the caliber of the mountain itself.
After researching extensively and consulting fellow travel writers and industry insiders, The Little Nell stood above the rest, earning the 2026 Men's Journal Travel Awards title for the best ski-in, ski-out hotel of the year.
Why The Little Nell Is the Best Ski-In, Ski-Out Hotel to Book in 2026
When it comes to ski culture in the United States, Aspen is undisputed royalty, with a mountain culture glamorous enough to rival that of revered European destinations such as Zermatt or Courchevel. The Little Nell, Aspen's only ski-in, ski-out hotel, is the mountain's crown jewel. When it comes to making the ski experience seamless, The Little Nell has it down to a science, providing guests with early access to the gondola, and drying and heating equipment overnight.
The accommodations here, spanning 92 rooms and suites, evoke modern mountain luxury with soothing minimalist neutrals, fireplaces, marble bathrooms, and scenic balconies. The newest addition people can't stop talking about are the Bryte Restorative Sleep Platform smart mattresses that actively sense and adjust pressure throughout the night. When it comes to dining, guests can take advantage of the apres-ski people-watching opportunities at The Living Room, the lobby bar, or a refined dinner at Element 47. Next up for The Little Nell is something unexpected: a forthcoming New York City outpost, which the brand announced will open in Rockefeller Center in 2027.
Why You Should Trust Me
As a travel journalist with nearly a decade of experience, I've stayed at hotels of all kinds, from intimate boutique inns to expansive resorts run by major hotel brands. Along the way, I've developed a keen eye for what makes a hotel stand out-and what makes one fall short.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 2:42 PM.