A Day at Aspen Highlands

Looking up at Aspen Highlands from Maroon Creek Road will leave most people in awe. With trails racing down its jagged frontside and Highland Peak peering through the clouds in the background, the mountain’s sheer relief and unique topography calls to anyone seeking a thrill in the Rocky Mountains. 144 trails are spread across 1,010 acres and 3,638 vertical feet (1,109m) of mostly intermediate and advanced terrain, but those with basic skills can enjoy cruising the blue runs offered at lower mid-mountain. Aspen Highlands provides a wide range of experiences—from spraying bubbly and enjoying delicious fare at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro to exploring the one-of-a-kind Highland Bowl—and it’s a beloved favorite of both newcomers and long-time locals.

If it’s a clear day, warm up on the groomers below Loge Peak lift like Meadows or Kandahar. Then make big, giant slalom turns down the perfectly groomed front side of the mountain on Thunder Bowl, where local kids learn the art of ski racing and freestyle mogul skiing with the beloved Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club. If it’s a powder day, lucky you. Hop on Exhibition, then Loge Peak chair, and head straight for the Deep Temerity lift, where face shots are promised on the sustained pitch of Soddbuster and Kessler’s.

Regardless of the conditions, if you’re an advanced-to-expert skier or boarder, hiking and skiing Highland Bowl at Aspen Highlands is not to be missed. Topping out at 12,392 feet (3,777m) above sea level, this vast, mostly open, 270-acre powder playground is the closest thing to a European Alpine experience in the central Rockies. Before starting your 800-foot (245-meter) hike up the ridge, pop into the Highlands Ski Patrol Headquarters to take in views of the Bowl, thank a patroller, and buy a ski strap so you don’t have to shoulder your skis on the hike. Lung-busting for most and lapable for some, hiking the ridge and descending the Highland Bowl will likely be considered the most adventurous (and fulfilling) ski or ride experience at Aspen Highlands, if not all of Aspen Snowmass. With sweeping vistas of the Elk Range and the Maroon Bells, photos at the top are a prized possession, so take some snaps before making your descent down the double black terrain.

Once you’ve skied the Bowl, you’ll ride up Deep Temerity and it’ll surely be time for lunch. Cruise down to Merry-Go-Round where organic food meets a welcoming bar at this midmountain, market-style eatery. Or, plan ahead to secure a reservation at the legendary Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro. Located in what used to be patrol headquarters, Cloud Nine is a storied cabin known for its views of the Maroon Bells and its abundance of fondue, raclette, and champagne parties. After lunch, it’s time to explore the tree lines in Olympic Bowl and the moderate bumps off Cloud Nine chairlift. If it’s spring, the closing day après celebrations are legendary, complete with DJs, dance parties, and costumes at the base of the mountain.

A purist’s mountain, Aspen Highlands welcomes ski bums to revel in open-to-close, quad-burning laps while party lovers take in unmatched views and vibes. The range of rowdy offerings will have you remembering your day at Aspen Highlands for years to come.