The Little Nell – a true gem in Aspen, Colorado. It has the best service of any five-star hotel in the world. And it doesn’t matter if you are a celebrity, a CEO or a normal person like me.

Aspen is Nirvana for snow bunnies with four incredible mountains to ski on, boutiques that would be at home on Rodeo Drive or the Champs Elysees and a dining scene that could host a series of Masterchef. And The Little Nell is front and centre in all of that.

On arrival – A charming driver meets us at Aspen airport and drives us to the hotel, pointing out places of interest along the short trip. We are then welcomed like long-lost friends in the lobby, that spills into a comfy sitting area around a warming fire. In it are glammed up people in ski gear or casual wear – designer of course.

Location, location – The Little Nell is the only ski-in, ski-out hotel in Aspen and sits at the base of Aspen Mountain, the Silver Queen Gondola just steps away, ready to whisk you up into the heavens.

Rooms and suites – We are in a Town View Room, which is big and beautiful with gas fire, elegant armchairs, a banquette and table for in-room dining and an opulent marble bathroom with twin stone vanities, bathtub set up for serious soaking and First Tracks June Jacobs spa amenities. The mini-bar is loaded and all snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are complimentary. Alcoholic drinks and oxygen – there is a container of it in the fridge – cost extra. A de-humidifier ensures we don’t dry out too much.  Next time, when we bring the kids, we will try and book the Pfeifer Suite – a two bedroom, two and half bathroom suite, the Little Nell Suite or the Paepcke Suite.

Dining and Après ski – Don’t go on a diet when you are here, as the dining scene is awesome. When you come down off the mountain settle in for cocktails, hot chocolate and/or delicious snacks in the Ajax Tavern, The Terrace Bar or The Living Room. For dinner, the signature restaurant at The Little Nell is Element 47, which has been doing very well since it opened December 1 last year.

Celebrity spotting – Aspen is cool for celebrities because they are left alone when they come. Michelle Obama and her children were skiing in Aspen just before we got there. Mariah Carey, Kate Hudson, Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Paris Hilton and Britney Spears are fans, and Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffiths love it so much they have a house there and can often be seen skiing. Our own Lachlan and Sarah Murdock have a house there too, and Jack Nicholson recently sold his. When we were there, the CEO of Yahoo, Marissa Mayer was in house at The Little Nell, and rumour has it that James and Erica Packer stayed there too. We did see Martina Navratilova dining at Matsuhisa in Aspen one night.

Skiing – Ski Aspen Mountain all you like, but make sure you try Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands and Snowmass – all within 15 minutes’ drive. There is a free shuttle in Aspen or ask the Nell’s drivers to take you. The Little Nell’s Ski Concierge will organise ski rentals, will wax and store your skis and set them out on the snow for you. They’ll even help you into and out of your boots. They’ll schedule lessons, and even give you hot chocolate and fresh-baked cookies when you finish skiing for the day. The Little Nell also organises The Oasis – the world’s only ski-in, ski-out Champagne Bar! It pops up on weekends offering Verve Clicquot in sun-drenched sun lounges. So very Aspen!

Pool and spa – There is a heated pool and Jacuzzi outside when is perfect to loosen sore muscles, or book a massage – in a treatment room or in your room. There is a well-equipped gym on site too, if you must work out.

Kids welcome – Children are really well looked after with special menus, robes and slippers, books and toys and the best ski schools around. Kids and even dogs – will feel like royalty!

Shop till you drop – Buy a fur at Dennis Basso or Bogner ski gear at Gorsuch in the Little Nell building, and then venture out into the smorgasbord of divine boutiques and galleries in the town. Don’t miss Kemo Sabe for really upmarket cowboy boots and cowboy hats.

Tip – Don’t ski the first day so you can acclimatise to the altitude, drink plenty of water and maybe try Buttermilk first off to get your ski legs. And leave plenty of room in your Louis Vuitton luggage for all your shopping … you’ll need it!

Information – www.thelittlenell.com; www.aspensnowmass.com

Helen Hayes is an experienced Travel writer and a full member of the Australian Society of Travel Writers.