Ski · Aspen Highlands
Aspen Highlands
The locals' mountain: steep, quieter, with the Maroon Bells in view and Highland Bowl above it all. How to ski it, eat on it and get there.
The locals' mountain: steep, quieter, with the Maroon Bells in view and Highland Bowl above it all. How to ski it, eat on it and get there.
Aspen Highlands opens December 12, 2026 and closes April 11, 2027. It is 1,010 acres with a 12,392-foot summit, about two-thirds expert terrain, and home to Highland Bowl (270 acres of hike-to terrain) and Temerity. It is best for confident, experienced skiers; there is no beginner terrain.
Dates and features are from Aspen Snowmass, checked September 2026; acreage and vertical from the ski area's published figures. Parking rates from Aspen Snowmass's parking page.
Paul Montiel · Aspen · Updated September 2026
We book an instructor who knows the Bowl, ask for your Cloud Nine table and have a driver at the base. Plan the day.
Highland Bowl is 270 acres of in-bounds, hike-to terrain from the top of Loge Peak, with a free snowcat for part of the way when it runs. Temerity is the steep, lift-served alternative. Both deserve a day or two at altitude first. Full detail in Highland Bowl, on foot.
More in après-ski in Aspen.
A European-style cabin near the top of the Cloud Nine lift, facing the Maroon Bells: fondue, wine and the most sought-after après in Aspen. A reservation is required; book when you book the trip.
Mid-mountain and relaxed: organic food, DJs through the season and Aperol spritzes by the bucket.
After the lifts close, a snowcat up the mountain for dinner.
More in parking in Aspen.
you are strong skiers who want the steepest terrain in Aspen, or want to hike the Bowl once in your life.
Split the day: experts at Highlands in the morning, everyone meeting in town for lunch. See which mountain is yours.
December 12, 2026, closing April 11, 2027.
No. It has no beginner terrain and ski school starts at age 5; beginners start at Buttermilk or Snowmass.
The garage is free for 30 minutes, then $35 (up to four hours) or $40 on weekdays, and $45 or $50 on weekends.
Yes. Aspen Snowmass lists a reservation as required, and peak dates fill quickly.
270 acres of in-bounds, hike-to terrain above Loge Peak, with a summit of 12,392 feet.
A private instructor who knows the Bowl, skis tuned and delivered, Cloud Nine booked, and a massage at the house afterwards.
A private lesson matched to the skier and the mountain.
Fitted at the residence, not in a shop queue.
A therapist at the residence after travel or skiing.
A car and driver on call for dinner and the night out, so nobody hunts for a taxi at midnight.
A snowcat for your group only, a guide, lunch in the trees and untracked snow all day.
Yoga in the morning light, a massage after lunch, and dinner cooked at the house.
From the aircraft door to a warm, stocked house, with nothing to carry and nothing to chase.
A birthday or anniversary at the residence: the table, the chef, the flowers and a photographer.
Aspen Snowmass: Aspen Highlands · Aspen Snowmass: parking and getting around · Aspen Highlands (ski area) — checked September 29, 2026.
Tell us your level and your dates. We'll book the instructor and Cloud Nine and plan the rest around it.
Plan the day
