Aspen Highlands offers equal parts relaxation and adrenaline-inducing activities.
Highland Bowl beckons in the background, but steeps and deep can be found throughout Aspen Highlands.
Tibetan prayer flags dance in the wind atop 12,392-foot Highland Bowl. For many, this peaceful image, earned after a 30- to 45-minute hike up 717 feet, defines the Highlands’ experience. Of course, after the serenity comes some of the steepest inbounds skiing in North America, where the bowl delivers with smiles and stoke just about any day of the season.
But Aspen Highlands has much more to offer. The resort has a rightfully-so renegade spirit after joining Aspen Snowmass in the ’90s. There’s a reason Highlands closing party, celebrated the last day of the season, is now a national draw.
A long ridge climbs up to Loge and Highland peaks, with runs falling off like a draped towel on both sides. Aspen glades? Sure. Rollercoaster-like groomers? Yes, please. Heart-thumping bumps? Naturally. Easy-breezy runs for kid? Those too.
All of this terrain is complemented by equally entertaining food and dining options, such as Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, Highlands Alehouse, midmountain Merry-Go-Round and Highlands Taqueria. After a day at this hill, there’s a lot to celebrate.
Photography by: Scott Markewitz
