Updated posts 2026
In the elite echelons of hospitality and design, Jayma Cardoso shines as a beacon of innovation and exquisite taste. The Brazilian-born visionary, lauded for her creation of The Surf Lodge—a sanctuary where Montauk’s chic set converge for sun-drenched weekends filled with live performances by the likes of John Legend and Willie Nelson—has ventured into the crisp air of Aspen with an equally compelling proposition: The Snow Lodge.
This latest endeavor, nestled within the opulent embrace of the St. Regis Aspen Resort since 2019, mirrors the effervescent charm of its Hamptons predecessor, yet whispers of the wintry allure unique to the Rockies. Here, the après-ski culture is reimagined through Cardoso’s discerning eye, blending the European tradition of slopeside sophistication with the laid-back luxury known to her loyal following.
The Snow Lodge, now celebrating its fifth season, has swiftly ascended to the pinnacle of Aspen’s winter social scene. With a meticulously curated Italian menu and an array of experiences that range from intimate dining to grandiose concerts, it’s the epitome of Cardoso’s knack for creating spaces that resonate deeply with the desires of the global elite and aspirational travelers alike.
The seasonal model behind both properties is a specific answer to a problem that defeats most restaurants. Rather than spreading a business thinly across twelve months, Cardoso’s venues operate intensively for a defined window and then close entirely, which concentrates demand, allows staff and talent to be booked as a single campaign, and makes scarcity part of the product rather than an operational failure. The Surf Lodge in summer and The Snow Lodge in winter also let the same team, suppliers and programming approach run twice a year in opposite hemispheres of the calendar.
Cardoso’s genius lies in her ability to transport the vibrancy of her venues beyond their physical confines, crafting atmospheres that captivate and charm. Her inspiration, drawn from a desire to infuse Aspen with the vivacious spirit of European après-ski life, has resulted in a locale that celebrates the ski lifestyle as fervently as its European counterparts cherish their snow-capped retreats.
“Skiing is a lifestyle in the US, but in Europe it’s life,” Cardoso says. “The Jade Room allowed me to curate the decadence of life, and whom better to partner with than Dom Pérignon, whose jade bottle influenced more than the color scheme of the room. We enlisted Petrossian to create a caviar experience to couple with DP, to make a night at the Jade Room a moment to add to your memoir.”
The season at The Snow Lodge heralds an elevated experience, with programming that promises not just celebrity sightings and fashion-forward events, but a roster of performances by artists including Diplo and Bob Moses. It’s this blend of culinary prowess, artistic expression, and hospitality that sets Cardoso’s ventures apart, making The Snow Lodge a destination for those in pursuit of winter’s most coveted experiences.
For Cardoso, the appeal of her creations is rooted in authenticity and a respect for the natural and cultural landscapes she inhabits. Whether basking in the eternal summer of The Surf Lodge or embracing the wintry enchantment of The Snow Lodge, her life is a study in seasonal contrast, a perpetual dance between the sun’s embrace and the snow’s caress. As she continues to redefine the boundaries of luxury hospitality, Jayma Cardoso remains an example of how vision, executed with passion and precision, can transform a location into a destination.
