Aspen Highlands is known for its steep terrain, breathtaking views, and expert-level challenges. Beloved by advanced skiers and locals, it is home to the legendary Highland Bowl and some of the most challenging terrain among the four Aspen Snowmass mountains. With fewer crowds and a laid-back vibe, Aspen Highlands delivers an authentic Colorado mountain experience.
About Aspen Highlands
The Aspen Highlands Ski Resort has long been considered a local’s favorite thanks to its consistently uncrowded slopes. Located just outside downtown Aspen, this mountain delivers a more adventurous feel than its neighboring peaks, thanks to its backcountry Aspen Highlands ski area and an intimidating trail map packed with black and double-black diamond runs.
Advanced and expert skiers are drawn to the legendary Highland Bowl, a 270-acre expanse where a challenging hike rewards you with panoramic views and some of the most thrilling in-bounds terrain in Colorado. For those who aren’t quite ready for this level of challenge, confident intermediate skiers will find ample blue runs on the lower portion of the mountain.
The Ski Trails
There are zero beginner runs at Aspen Highlands, so it’s imperative that visitors be confident in their skills before tackling any of the park’s terrain. If you’re looking for the best intro to Aspen Highlands skiing, here are three fantastic trails to experience:
Broadway
- Level: Intermediate
- Trail Features: Accessed from the top of Loge Peak, Broadway can make for a seamless 3.5-mile run when combined with Golden Horn or Thunderbowl, taking you all the way back down to the base.
South Fork
- Level: Advanced
- Trail Features: Expect pitches of 38 to 40+ degrees on this lower-bowl system. To access the forks area (South, Middle, and North), take the Exhibition lift to Lodge Peak, then hike to the North Woods Gate (approximately 30–60-minute hike).
Olympic Bowl
- Level: Expert
- Trail Features: Ungroomed, natural area with tree-lined sections. Hike-to only, adjacent to Highlands Bowl.
Other Features
Aspen Highlands offers more than just incredible skiing; its on-mountain amenities enhance the overall experience. There are two options for on-mountain dining: the casual Merry-Go-Round and the upscale Cloud Nine Bistro.
Merry-Go-Round
Relax while you dine or take advantage of their grab-and-go options. This casual restaurant offers specialty sandwiches, pizzas, burritos, and salads.
- Hours: Open December – April from 9:00 AM- 3:30 PM
- Location: Top of the Exhibition Lift
Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro
Upscale dining with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Reservations are recommended at this iconic spot, popular for its gourmet European-style menu. Try the prix fixe lunch, which includes your choice of soup or salad and a main dish such as pan-seared elk medallions.
- Hours: Open December – April from 11:30 AM-2:00 PM
- Location: Top of the Cloud Nine Lift
Getting to the Top
Getting to the top of Aspen Highlands is part of the adventure. The resort is serviced by five lifts that cover the lower, middle, and upper mountain, making it easy to access most trails quickly and efficiently. However, there are no lifts that access Highland Bowl, the mountain’s signature expert terrain.
To reach the Bowl, take the Exhibition and Loge Peak chairlifts, a combined 20-minute ride, up to Loge Peak. From there, it’s a challenging hike of 782 vertical feet to the summit, typically taking about 45 to 60 minutes. The effort is well worth it, as the area rewards skiers with deep powder, steep lines, and some of the most iconic views in the Aspen Highlands Ski Resort. However, some precautions should be taken to ensure safety:
- Allow for at least 3 hours from the base.
- Wear layers so you can cool off or warm up during the hike.
- Before the hike, stop by the patrol hut to buy a strap ($5-$10) to carry your skis or board, and ask about Bowl conditions.
Staying Nearby
Staying nearby makes it easy to access all four Aspen Snowmass mountains, including the legendary skiing at Aspen Highlands. Enjoy more time on the slopes and less time commuting by choosing a convenient base in our Snowmass vacation rentals at Timberline Condominiums—comfortable accommodations, ample amenities, and proximity to Colorado’s best powder.
