Skiing Aspen Highlands Aspen, Colorado
A picture from Aspen High, showing
the overall shape of the mountain.
This mountain is by far the most challenging in the Aspen area, offering intense steeps, big bumps and challenging tree skiing. Often the locals favorite, Aspen Highlands feeds the souls of the hard core and starts an addiction unmatched. Of all the resorts in Colorado, based on challenge of terrain, Aspen Highlands rates number four.
This
skier is making his way down the Olympia Bowl. Pyramid Peak can be seen
in back.
As one rides the lift up, it is easy to understand that Highlands' slopes primarily face two directions. A south westerly face and a north east side. The north side offers some of the most choice runs on the hill. Temerity, Highlands Bowl and a multitude of other tree shots paste this side and offer the rider twenty runs that will give about two thousand feet of vertical challenge. On the other side,Olympia Bowl with its' awestruck views of Pyramid Peak and the Maroon Bells, is a little shorter.
Truly
Aspen Highlands signature, "Highlands Bowl", with free cat
rides one third of the way up and hiking the rest of the way, gives
skiers fresh challenging skiing throughout the year. Maintained by the
Ski Patrol, this area is marked for more expansion in the years to come.
This
skier is finding difficulty keeping it together on, "Lucky Find",
in the Temerity section of the mountain. It is a ride, with one turn
chutes in trees and sizable bums throughout this drop.
*Feature written and photographed by Phillips, March 2003. All information was provided by Phillips who has skied this area since 1990.
GUIDE NOTES AND DIRECTIONS:
Aspen Highlands is located on right off the round about off Highway 82 just 4 short miles from Aspen. There are free shuttle buses constantly running from the area. Regional airports include Aspen, Eagle, Grand Junction and Denver. The Aspen area is a easy drive from neighboring cities: Denver, Vail, Salt Lake, Durango, Steamboat, Jackson, and many others. To get to Aspen take I-70 to Glenwood Springs / Aspen exit. Travel south on Highway 82, approximately 48 miles from Glenwood Springs. The easiest way to contact them: Snow Report: 970-925-1221, Main Office: 970-925-1220, Ski School: 970-925-1220 or you can visit their web site: To reach them via the web go to: http://www.aspensnowmass.com