The 5 Best Socialites Around Aspen

In mountain towns, social life often looks like a mosaic — art openings on a Tuesday, a school fundraiser on Thursday, and a dance floor that materializes after a downtown dinner. The people who knit those moments together are connectors: the ones who welcome newcomers, amplify good causes and keep conversations moving. In that spirit, the Best of Aspen, Snowmass and Basalt contest gives a nod to locals whose presence reliably turns gatherings into community.

Nancy Mayer – Aspen Sojourner Magazine

With a front-row seat to Aspen’s cultural pulse, Nancy Mayer elevates the people and places that give the town its texture. Her approach blends editorial savvy with genuine curiosity, making space for stories that feel both polished and personal. Nancy shows up for the arts, philanthropy and the everyday intersections where neighbors become collaborators — and she does it with a sincerity that keeps the spotlight where it belongs: on the community.

Jillian Livingston – Aspen Real Life, LLC

Jillian Livingston builds bridges — between events and audiences, creatives and causes, locals and visitors. Through Aspen Real Life, she turns conversations into connections and introductions into ongoing collaborations. Jillian’s gift is momentum: she can take a spark of an idea and gather the people who will help it glow brighter, all while keeping the tone welcoming and unpretentious.

Margie Throm – Aspen Thrift Shop

At Aspen Thrift Shop, Margie Throm embodies the blend of style and service. Her support for the shop’s mission — funding scholarships and local nonprofits — underscores how fashion and philanthropy can share the same rack. Margie is as comfortable championing a cause as she is curating a great find, and that balance has a way of drawing people in and pointing them toward good work.

Lauren Salzer – Local Celebrity

Part connector, part cheerleader, Lauren Salzer brings bright energy to rooms where ideas and friendships collide. She has a knack for making introductions that stick, then sticking around to support the outcomes. Whether it’s a community event or a casual gathering, Lauren’s hallmark is inclusivity — a reminder that social scenes work best when they leave the door open.

Susan Plummer – Aspen INTEL

Through Aspen INTEL, Susan Plummer distills what’s happening — from notable openings to can’t-miss gatherings — into insights that help people plug in. She’s equal parts curator and convener, lifting up local talent and ensuring good information travels fast. Susan’s presence in Aspen’s social landscape is steady and thoughtful, the kind that turns a calendar into a community roadmap.

Thanks, ChatGPT.