It’s the Wednesday before the X Games start and the slopeside patio outside the Residences at The Little Nell is packed with après skiers—some up on the tables and benches—dancing and swilling cocktails. The Chainsmokers, the DJ duo that will play a sold-out show at the Belly Up Aspen the next night, are doing their thing on a small, tented stage at the end of the patio. 

Admittedly, I’m not as enthused by the thumping EDM beat as the younger partiers around me (can someone please show up with a guitar?) but, hey, here’s a shot ski full of tequila. Some things transcend generations. 

The free concert comes courtesy of dating app Bumble and the Snow Lodge, a spin-off of Montauk’s buzzy Surf Lodge that has set up here for the winter. Taking over the former Shlomo’s space at the base of Aspen Mountain, the bar and restaurant has launched a winter music series, also partnering with Belly Up on some shows. In addition to the Chainsmokers, acts like Cody Simpson, St. Lucia, Wild Belle, and more have performed. 

With little time to remodel since signing a lease in December, Snow Lodge proprietor Jayma Cardoso recruited New York City vintage-store owner Bob Melet to style the interiors. He created an instant retro look, with ’70s-era skis and snowboards artfully placed on walls, a pair of old snowmobiles parked out front, and that infamous “Keep Those Tips Up” 1972 Lange poster by the entrance. The existing wood paneling readily fits in with the throwback lodge ambience.

When the patio isn’t hosting music après-ski, a DJ may be playing inside, amping up the mood for those noshing on truffle and mushroom flatbread, fondue, or a charcuterie plate. Entertainment aside, there’s also the view through floor-to-ceiling windows of skiers descending the Little Nell run just outside.

Whether the Snow Lodge will continue its Aspen residency beyond the winter is still TBD. In the meantime, catch its beachfront vibe—and maybe a concert or two—through April.