Known to locals as “Ajax”, Aspen Mountain is awash with advanced terrain, including steep descents, monster moguls and long, technical tree runs, all converging on the legendary Ajax Tavern at the base (the parmesan truffle fries here are a must-order). “Ajax is my favourite – it’s one of the best ski mountains in the whole of North America,” says Dodge. “In particular, the runs I love are T-5, SQR and Kristi’s. Just spectacular skiing.”

A solid all-rounder, Aspen Highlands is essentially one long ridge, with runs for all abilities dropping off either side (the mid and lower mountain trails are particularly good for intermediates). The star attraction is Highland Bowl – which you hike into with your skis on your back, before swooping down through pockets of perfect powder, in a time-honoured ritual. “I’ve been skiing these mountains for 30 years, but if I had to choose one, it would be Highlands,” says Davenport. “I absolutely love hiking up Highland Bowl – and it usually has the best snow in Colorado.”

Despite its reputation as a beginners’ paradise, Buttermilk Mountain isn’t just for novices – after all, it’s been hosting the Winter X Games for 20 years now. You’ll find Aspen’s best terrain parks here – as well as some of the longest, most delicious groomers in the entire area. “I grew up skiing Buttermilk, and now as a father it’s the only place I’ll take my daughter,” says Rutgers. “It has tree trails that go on for days.”

Hunter S Thompson once rode a horse into the Hotel Jerome to order a whiskey, but the magnificent Living Room in the lobby is a far more civilised affair these days. Skiers congregate at the mahogany bar after a day on the slopes, to toast each other’s good health over an impressive array of cocktails, including the signature Aspen Crud – a boozy, Prohibition-era milkshake. “I love the Living Room at the Jerome – the grand fireplace, the ambience and the overall décor really combine beautifully,” says Dodge. “The cocktail list is fantastic, too, which always helps.”

As far as Rutgers is concerned, the sacred window between the last ski lift and nightfall is best spent at Chica, a bar-restaurant serving Latin American cuisine with a cold weather spin, washed down with decadently delicious cocktails including their moreish Black Truffle Old Fashioned. “After a day on the mountain, I like to head to Chica for one of their signature Chica-Ritas before popping by the awesome Performance Ski to see who’s around and what’s new in town,” he says.

A stellar gastropub at the foot of Aspen Highlands, the Highlands Ale House is the establishment that champion skier Davenport swears by for his post-slope procedure. “My favorite après spot these days is the Highlands Ale House,” he says. “The expansive deck is great for a drink in the sunshine, and the vibes are full of ski-town stoke.” The 75 whiskies on the menu at this beloved ski-in inn don’t hurt, either.

It’s little surprise that Dodge recommends Bosq – he is the chef and co-owner of the local establishment, after all. But he’s far from alone: the intimate downtown restaurant with an emphasis on locally foraged ingredients is often booked up two or three weeks in advance. “Think modern alpine getaway: a clean space with grey washed tones, Scandinavian design and sultry music passing through the air,” says Dodge, who does much of the foraging himself.

A lusty French bistro serving elevated country fare, the cosy, pillared dining room of Cache Cache remains one of the top spots to see and be seen in Aspen. Locals rave about the crab beignets with firecracker sauce, but for Rutgers, there’s only one choice: “I go to Cache Cache because I love Jodi [Larner], the owner, and because the trout Milanese is to die for,” he says.

A hybrid restaurant and speciality food shop on East Hopkins Avenue (Aspen’s “Restaurant Row”), Meat & Cheese describes its offerings as “world farmhouse”, and its cheese boards in particular are, frankly, world class. “My go-to is the eggplant parmesan sandwich and my kids love the chicken and waffles,” says Davenport, who is a fully paid-up fan.

Aspen is rightly proud of its arts and culture scene – one visit to the Mr Shigeru Ban-designed Aspen Art Museum will show you this little mountain town punches well above its weight on that front. But for Rutgers, the real star of the show is the Aspen Historical Society, with its fascinating, unorthodox bevy of museums spread out across town. “Anyone new to Aspen first needs to get their passport stamped at the Aspen Historical Society,” says the Aztech Mountain owner. “AHS is incredible in its mission to preserve Aspen’s diverse and colourful history.”

Another haunt of Gonzo journalist Thompson, the Woody Creek Tavern is a quirky cowboy bar around 15 minutes’ drive from downtown Aspen. Oozing down home, comfortable charm, it’s menu recently got a major upgrade thanks to new ownership, but it can still be relied upon to serve the best margaritas in town. “Old school Aspen still lives on at the Woody Creek Tavern, and we love hitting it up on the way home from a big ski day,” says Davenport.

Well and truly off the beaten path, the Pine Creek Cookhouse is a log cabin nestled at the foot of the Elk Mountains, about 30 minutes’ drive from Aspen proper. But its alpine gourmet food, with an emphasis on wild game and fresh fish, is well worth the effort, according to Dodge. “If I could single out one hidden gem for visitors, it would be the Pine Creek Cookhouse,” he says. “It’s an incredible dining experience, made all the more special by the fact that you can only get there by snowshoes, cross-country skis or horse-drawn carriage.”