Ski the Bowl – Aspen Highlands
Aspen Highlands has expansive views, extreme skiing, and world-class on mountain dining. Located just outside the town of Aspen, Aspen Highlands is built onto a ridge that rises for over 4,000 feet. Highlands Bowl, which requires a high-elevation climb up the ridge, is a test piece for adventure skiers. Cloud Nine Bistro, a European style restaurant with direct views of the Maroon Bells, offers spectacular on mountain dining.
ASPEN HIGHLANDS SKI AREA FACTS
Base Elevation: 8,040 ft./2,451 m
Summit Elevation: Top of Highland Bowl 12,392 ft./ 3,777 meters
Vertical Rise: 3,635 ft./1,108 m
Terrain: 1,028 acres/416 hectares
Number of trails: 118
FAMOUS ASPEN HIGHLANDS SKI RUNS
Highlands Bowl
Rising 4,000 feet above the Roaring Fork Valley, the Highlands Bowl is the one of skiing’s ultimate runs. Getting to the top of the bowl requires an 800 foot hike up the ridge. Adventurous skiers are rewarded with spectacular views and thousands of feet of untracked powder. The Highlands Bowl has a weather pattern of its own, which means the snow in the bowl is often twice as deep as it is in town.
Lower Steins
Once named the steepest run in America, Lower Steins is cut into the canyon walls over Maroon Creek. Lower Steins, a locals favorite, is a great way to end your day at Aspen Highlands.
Steeple Chase
Comprising the Eastern facing side of Highlands Ridge, Steeple Chase is where you’ll find the steep and deep. Dropping steep glades down to Deep Temerity will test your leg strength.
ASPEN HIGHLANDS BARS AND RESTAURANTS
Ale House
Founded by a group of young Aspen Locals, the Ale House has become one of the best après ski spots in Aspen/Snowmass. During the end of the year party, known as Highland’s Closing, the Ale House transforms into a wild festival. A big open bar, plenty of slope side seating, and fresh pizza make the Ale House the place to visit in Highlands Village.
Cloud 9
The Cloud 9 Bistro gives you a special taste of European style mountain dining in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Serving fondue, raclette, and warm wine, Cloud 9 embraces the mountain traditions of the Alps. During the second seating, music and dancing are often a part of the fun. Also serving dinners, you can book a night snow cat rides to Cloud 9. The special dining experience at Cloud 9 Bistro has made it one of the most popular Aspen/Snowmass restaurants.
Merry Go Round
Located mid-mountain, the Merry Go Round is the place to warm up and grab some food and warm drinks. The laid back atmosphere is perfect for families. In the spring, the south facing front deck is full of people taking in the warm Colorado sun.