The Aspen Pastry Invitational Returns October 9-11 to the Aspen Meadows, Hotel Jerome, and The Little Nell

Aspen, Colo. (Sept. 8, 2025) – Aspen Meadows Resort, Hotel Jerome, and The Little Nell announce the return of the Aspen Pastry Invitational from October 9-11. Building on the sold-out success of 2024, this annual event will bring together top pastry chefs to showcase their talent through workshops, seminars, and interactive experiences. The weekend will be a unique blend of artistry, innovation, and epicurean indulgence across venues at three iconic Aspen hotels, set against a gorgeous mountain backdrop.

With expanded programming, this year’s Invitational features seven lauded pastry chefs presenting a variety of workshops on topics including mastering French tarts, the fundamentals of sourdough, a workshop on cake decoration, and a deep dive into healthy baking. Dessert social hours will give those wanting just to taste (versus learn) a chance to join the fun. See below for a full schedule of events. 

 

The following are the participating chefs: 

Aspen Chefs: Hotel Jerome’s Pastry Chef Ben Kunert; Aspen Meadows Resort’s Executive Pastry Chef Sara Figueiredo; The Little Nell’s Pastry Chef Barbara Marcos and Executive Chef Keith Theodore.

Visiting Chefs: Sofia Cortina, Latin America Best Pastry Chef and Creative Chef at Theurel & Thomas;  Sebastian Kraus, award-winning German pastry chef and 2019 Patissier of the Year; Michael Laiskonis, New York City-based pastry chef for Ambassador for Les Vergers Boiron; Logan Seibert, Pastry Chef at Cocotte, a French-style bakery in Cornelius, NC, who brings Michelin-star caliber artistry to breads, croissants, and seasonal creations. 

 

Tickets and Passes                                                                                                          

Participants can build their dream itinerary by choosing between a five-workshop pass or à la carte tickets. The pass provides access to five workshops across the festival, allowing guests to personalize their schedule while enjoying the best of each day’s programming. Individual event tickets are also available to create a fully customized experience.                                                                

Tickets are $55 for individual workshops; $95 for individual social events, and $220 for a five-workshop pass. For more information and to purchase individual tickets, visit: https://aubergeresorts.com/hoteljerome/experiences/pastry-invitational-2025/

To purchase tickets, visit here for the five-workshop pass: https://www.exploretock.com/hotel-jerome/event/563494/annual-aspen-pastry-invitational-2025-5-workshops-pass. 

 

Special Room Offers 

For guests visiting Aspen for the event, the three hotels have special offers: 

• Hotel Jerome is offering rates starting at $650 per night for stays of two to four nights. For more information, visit: https://aubergeresorts.com/hoteljerome/special-offers/.
• The Little Nell is offering preferred rates for stays of two to four nights. For more information, visit: https://www.thelittlenell.com using the promotional code SWEET25.
• Aspen Meadows Resort has select value dates for the fall season, as well as specific Colorado Resident rates. More details and booking information at https://www.aspenmeadows.com/offers/. 

 

Aspen Pastry Invitational Events: 

Thursday, Oct. 9

Pâte à Choux Master Class with Logan Seibert | HJ | 9:30 – 11:30 AM
Learn the fundamentals of pâte à choux from award-winning pastry chef Logan Seibert. Master the versatile dough behind éclairs, cream puffs, and profiteroles, and explore professional techniques for fillings and glazes.

Cake Decorating Workshop with Barbara Marcos | TLN | 10 – NOON
Transform simple cakes into edible works of art with decorating techniques from The Little Nell’s Pastry Chef Barbara Marcos—practice piping, layering, and texturing to create stunning designs for holidays and celebrations.

European Classics with a Twist: The Plum Tart with Sebastian Kraus | HJ | 12:30 – 3 PM
Award-winning German pastry chef Sebastian Kraus reimagines a beloved classic, the plum tart. Learn how to infuse modern flavor pairings and refined presentation into this rustic European dessert.

Snack Breads with Keith Theodore | TLN | 1:00 – 3:30 PM                                                              Snack breads are the perfect anytime treat – moist, flavorful, and easy to grab on the go. Learn from The Little Nell’s Executive Chef Keith Theodore how these quick breads are prepared and packed with comforting, seasonal ingredients. Ideal for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a midday bite.

Gâteaux de Voyage with Sofia Cortina | HJ | 4:00 – 6:30 PM
Join Latin America’s Best Pastry Chef, Sofía Cortina, as she shares her signature travel cakes, perfect for gifting or enjoying on the go. Discover the balance of French technique and local ingredient inspiration behind her creations.

Felix Dessert Social | HJ | 7 – 9 PM
Close out the first day with a lively evening of desserts and drinks. Mix and mingle with the featured chefs while sampling inventive pastries paired with signature cocktails in a relaxed social setting.

 

Friday, Oct. 10

Classic French Tarts with Sofia Cortina | HJ | 9:30 – 11:30 AM
Step into the world of refined French pastry with Sofía Cortina as she guides you through crafting flawless tart shells, luxurious fillings, and elegant garnishes that celebrate seasonal ingredients.

Healthy Baking with Barbara Marcos | TLN | 10 AM – NOON
Redefine indulgence with wholesome pastry techniques from The Little Nell’s Pastry Chef Barbara Marcos. Learn to create vibrant, nutrient-forward desserts that are vegan, gluten-free, and lower in sugar without sacrificing flavor.

Chocolate Showpiece Fundamentals with Sara Figueiredo | AM | 12:30 – 3 PM
Explore the artistry of chocolate in this hands-on workshop with Aspen Meadows’ Executive Pastry Chef Sara Figueiredo. Learn to temper, mold, and assemble stunning chocolate showpieces perfect for centerpieces or competition.

Sourdough Fundamentals with Benjamin Kunert | HJ | 1 – 3:30 PM
Master the art of sourdough with Chef Ben Kunert, whose European training informs every step from cultivating a starter to achieving perfect crust and crumb. Learn techniques to bake naturally leavened bread at home.

Contemporary Flavor-Forward Pastry Techniques | HJ | 4 – 6:30 PM                                Join Michael Laiskonis for a seminar on modern – and adaptable – fruit-forward pastry components, with an eye toward the underlying science of composition and function of ingredients. Primary methods and fundamental building blocks to be demonstrated include: Cremeux, Confit, Foam, Gel, Glaze, Mousse, Tuile, and more. The session will also include a short fruit-driven sensory exercise.

Salt & Sugar Collaboration | HJ | 7 – 9 PM
Experience a unique collaboration where chefs come together to showcase the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Savor inventive creations that highlight the unexpected harmony of salt and sugar.

 

Saturday, Oct. 11

Brioche-Based Breakfast Pastries with Logan Seibert | HJ | 9:30 – 11:30 AM
Discover the rich versatility of brioche in breakfast pastries with Chef Logan Seibert. Learn to craft rolls, buns, and filled creations that combine buttery dough with seasonal accents.

Kids’ Thanksgiving Workshop with Barbara Marcos | TLN | 10 AM – NOON
Get little hands involved in holiday baking with The Little Nell’s Pastry Chef Barbara Marcos. Children will decorate festive treats from cookies to petite pies to celebrate Thanksgiving and learn introductory pastry techniques in a playful environment.

European Classics with a Twist: The Bee Sting with Sebastian Kraus | HJ | 12:30 – 3 PM
Chef Sebastian Kraus reimagines the traditional German Bee Sting cake, pairing caramelized almonds and delicate cream with his signature modern flair for an elevated take on this beloved dessert.

All Things Pie with Sara Figueiredo | AM | 1 – 3:30 PM
The perfect session for those wanting to master all things pie: from pie crusts to creative fillings, with Aspen Meadows Pastry Chef Sara Figueiredo.

Plated Desserts with Ben Kunert | HJ | 4 – 6:30 PM
Explore the artistry of plated desserts with Chef Ben Kunert. Learn how to compose desserts that combine texture, flavor, and visual impact for an unforgettable finish to any meal.

This year’s event is made possible in part through the support of our partners, including Valrhona Chocolate, Reluctant Threads, and Les Vergers Boiron, whose commitment to craftsmanship and quality aligns seamlessly with the spirit of the festival.

 

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Please contact the below PR representatives for any additional image needs. 

 

Media Contacts:

Sally Spaulding
Aspen Meadows 

[email protected] 

970.986.9063

 

Maureen Poschman/Carol Breen
Hotel Jerome, an Auberge Resort 

[email protected] 

[email protected] 

970.948.3176

 

Abby Birdsall
The Little Nell by Aspen One
[email protected]
970.214.5560