Snow is not unknown to Aspen-all one can do then is cloak themselves in the best winter wear they have and go out skiing. But for the other few who do not want to indulge in the sport, they can sit and hone their knitting skills instead. All one needs to do is come to Yarn Gallery, and pick some wonderful quality yarn. The store, though small, features a treasure of yarn in all colors you could think of. It also retails all the other knitting requirements too. So go ahead take your pick and create your very own winter apparel.

This season, go stylish with Louis Vuitton. The store in Aspen is a preferred refuge among the local brand conscious crowd, as there are few other luxury label stores in the city. The leather and canvas handbag collection here is as attractive and stylish as the footwear. The cheerful and hospitable staff adds to the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the place. Also find a wide range of stilettos and sandals for women and an amazing collection of leather shoes for men.

Visitors who go shopping on Aspen's Galena Street should expect to be treated by the beautiful natural surroundings and a variety of shops and restaurants. Those interested in a romantic getaway should stay at The Independence Square, where guests can enjoy the popular bed-and-breakfast service. If you are still hungry, check out the hip and bustling Zele Cafe, a popular weekend spot for locals and tourists alike.

The Loro Piana family has been producing the most prestigious fabrics in the world, for clothing or furniture textiles. The sophisticated boutiques sell cashmere knitwear, casual clothes, elegant accessories such as scarves, socks and slippers, and an incomparable collection of fabrics. The most famous is undoubtedly anything made from cashmere, but it is also worth checking out products made with Zelander wool, Vicuna, Baby Cashmere or, just get yourself a suit made to measure that will last a lifetime.

Canada's answer to the Gap, Roots stores are found throughout Canada and are now spreading into the United States. This retailer of clothing and other fine goods specializes in everything from furniture, watches, and yoga gear to comfortable heavyweight hoodies, leather bags and footwear. Roots has also been a well-recognized name as official outfitter to several countries during the Olympics. Stores contain an excellent variety of casual apparel for men, women and children with a focus on environmentalism and high-quality products.

This world-famous brand, made more famous by the Meryl Streep flick, has one of its largest stores in Aspen. The celebrity-frequented outlet boasts of a whopping four floors of the best fur, leather and other exquisite fashion on display. The stone flooring and paneled walls add to the luxurious, upscale European look. The Italian apparel brand is not just about high-end fashion, but an equally functional range of sports wear for men and women. Prada also has a whole range of fur draped furniture, rugs and cushions for sale.

Convenience is this liquor shop's top attribute. Located in the center of town, it is within walking distance of most of the lodges, making it perfect for entertaining in the room. Both domestic and imported beer are well stocked; Heineken, Pacifico, as well as Colorado microbrew favorite, Fat Tire, are just a few samples. The wine selection is outstanding. Vintages from around the world are all carried, including many top offerings not usually found in such neighborhood type shops. Liquor choices are abundant too.

This parent-handy store makes vacationing with kids an easy task. If you forget some needed clothing, or if your child whines about being cold, this shop carries a full line of winter wear by top names like Columbia, Fila and Spyder. It also stocks accessories like ski helmets, hats, gloves, long underwear and fleece neck gaiters. If your child is not up for skiing but wants to romp in the snow, there are three different sled types to choose from. For indoor fun it carries arts and crafts, puzzles, books, Legos, stuffed animals and dress-up kits.

This ski shop, Aspen's oldest, is the Roaring Fork Valley's version of Starbucks-it is everywhere. For rental convenience it has eight locations dotted in and around Snowmass and Aspen. It offers ski rental packages like the basic, the high-tech and the hip snowboard packages, which include your choice of boards by Vans, Burton or Palmer. The shop also sells clothing by Marmot and North Face. And the main store even carries an Obermeyer Concept shop, which is often frequented by Klaus Obermeyer, the company founder himself. The shop also stocks camping, hiking and bike gear.

If you harbor any doubt to the expertise of this shop, all you have to know is that it is owned and managed by speed skiing champion Jeff Hamilton and his world-record technician Bill Miller. The shop offers high quality rental packages, featuring K2 and Volkl shape skis. If your skis can use a better edge, drop them off for an overnight ski tune to suit the current conditions. You will also find hip clothing by Lowe, Alpine and No Limits. Located across from the gondola, it offers on-mountain convenience.