Best of Aspen 2026 Voting Opens With Record 1,200 Nominations

Aspen —More than 1,200 nominations have flooded into The Aspen Times for the Best of Aspen 2026, a staggering volume that signals just how deeply engaged the Roaring Fork Valley is with its own cultural heartbeat. These aren’t just empty slots in a spreadsheet; they represent the collective pulse of a community deciding, together, what matters. From the clatter of a busy restaurant kitchen to the quiet dedication of a local nonprofit, the sheer number of entries reflects a desire to be seen, to be recognized, and to celebrate the specific textures of life here on the Western Slope.

The voting process kicks off with a hard start on Wednesday, Aug. 26, marking the beginning of a structured competition that will run through two distinct rounds. This initial phase, which lasts until Sept. 1, serves as a filter, narrowing down the field of candidates based on reader preference. It’s a democratic exercise where your voice carries weight, determining who moves forward to the final showdown. The stakes are high because the winners will be crowned in a special magazine issue and a celebratory party scheduled for Dec. 4, a date that anchors the entire season of recognition.

To understand the landscape of this year’s contest, you have to look at the categories that drew the most attention. Nonprofit and Affordable Eats tied for the top spot, each receiving 30 nominations, a clear indication that value and community impact are driving the conversation. Restaurant Staff followed closely with 25 nominations, suggesting that the people behind the counter are getting the credit they deserve. Place to Work and Restaurant: Aspen rounded out the top tier with 24 and 23 nominations respectively, showing a strong appetite for both professional environments and dining experiences.

The structure of the contest itself has evolved to better reflect the geography and diversity of the valley. The popular Patio category has been split between Aspen and Basalt, acknowledging that these two areas have distinct vibes and offerings. Similarly, the Hotel category has been expanded into three separate geographic divisions — Aspen, Snowmass, and Basalt — ensuring that properties in each area compete on a level playing field. A new Wedding Venue category also debuted this year, immediately attracting 18 nominations and proving that couples planning their big day are actively seeking out the best spaces in the region.

If you’re ready to cast your ballot, the process is straightforward and accessible. Voting takes place entirely online at aspentimes.com/best, allowing you to participate from anywhere with an internet connection. To keep the process fair, the rules allow for one vote per person per day during the open voting periods. This daily limit encourages consistent engagement rather than a single burst of activity, ensuring that the results reflect sustained support. For businesses looking to rally their customers, The Aspen Times offers a way to get dedicated voting links and QR codes by reaching out to [email protected], a practical tool for turning your regulars into active participants in the contest.

The timeline for the entire Best of Aspen 2026 cycle is clear and easy to follow. After the first round of voting concludes on Sept. 1, there is a brief pause before the second round begins on Sept. 30. This final voting period runs through Oct. 6, after which the winners are determined. The results will be published in a special magazine issue, and the honorees will be celebrated at a party on Dec. 4. Sarah Girgis, the Publisher for The Aspen Times, is the key contact for the contest and can be reached at 970-429-9151 or [email protected]. The energy is building, the nominations are in, and now it’s up to you to decide who represents the best of what the Roaring Fork Valley has to offer.