Who’s the Queen of Aspen’s snowy social scene? ALEXANDER HANKIN has the answer.
If you weren’t in Aspen this holiday season, it’s time to ask yourself why. And if you were in Aspen and didn’t spend every après-ski moment at The Snow Lodge, you just might need to get your head checked! Jayma Cardoso, the queen of Montauk’s Surf Lodge, has established herself as the undeniable social reine of Aspen. Since opening The Snow Lodge in 2019, Jayma and has transformed the party scene – everyone wants to see and be seen chez Snow Lodge.
My Aspen recap:
At the Inspiring Children Foundation benefit at Supper Club, I sport a sparkly Armani turtleneck and bring my friend Ryan Jensen. I run into friends Conor and Kyra Kennedy with their father Robert Kennedy. The Foundation helps children dealing with mental health issues specifically suicide and was started by the singer Jewel. Looking stunning and ageless, Jewel treats the crowd to her favorite hits including Hands and Who Will Save Your Soul. The evening raises over a million dollars.
Things really heat up with Snow Lodge’s famous courtyard après. With a full day of skiing under my belt I am ready to dance my sore leg pain away. Wearing a neon green Fusalp ski suit, I meet up with Fraser Olender, star of Bravo’s Below Deck who is rocking the uber exclusive Aspen x Prada Ski Jacket. In the pulsating sea of people, I see Nicole and Suzie DeFosset, who are twinning (as twins do) in Fulsap.
And it’s back to the Snow Lodge courtyard for the Chainsmokers. I saw them the night before at Belly Up and was a little meh on them. Don’t get me wrong I love the Chainsmokers, I mean I had them when they were super indie for my 25th Birthday. But I was on the fence. Clearly, I was wrong. Change of venue and complete change of energy. The band is accompanied by Zedd and play all their hits. Dancing around to Closer and Roses, I bust moves with Katie Overholt and Victoria Brito, who rocks metallic gold Chanel ski pants. Post-concert, we head inside The Snow Lodge to the Jade Room. The green tent is adorned with Wes Aderhold’s art and Jayma, in a green Pucci x Fusalp outfit, is perfectly color coordinated to her domain – as a queen always is.
New Year’s Eve is one of the most unforgettable nights I can remember (which says a lot). The “Futuristic Cosmic Voyage,” presented by Chase Sapphire Reserve, delivers on every level. I don a metallic Fendi ensemble. I meet up with Victoria Brito and girlfriend Elizabeth Martin, who wear super-cute cowgirl hats. It’s icy-cold outside, but inside Snow Lodge, it is anything but chilly. I am instantly transported into Jayma’s far-out realm. Metallics, mirrors, and pulsing lights set the intergalactic tone. Nearby, Heidi Klum dazzles in a sequined number. In the packed-room I manage to find Brooks Marks, Kade Thomas and Conor Kennedy, embodying a future cowboy aesthetic. Hee-haw! As midnight approaches, David Guetta takes to the decks to ring in the New Year. Tables overflow avalanches of caviar and champagne flutes clink in rhythm to Guetta’s dance beats.
I sneak a cheeky New Year’s kiss in the mirrored maze— and with who remains my little secret.
