Ski · Aspen Highlands
Highland Bowl
A hike to 12,392 feet and some of the steepest in-bounds skiing in Colorado. What it takes, and how to plan the day so the altitude doesn't win.
A hike to 12,392 feet and some of the steepest in-bounds skiing in Colorado. What it takes, and how to plan the day so the altitude doesn't win.
Highland Bowl is Aspen Highlands' hike-to terrain: 782 vertical feet on foot from the top of the Loge Peak lift to a summit at 12,392 feet, then expert-only runs of 38 to 48 degrees. Allow two to three hours for the whole thing, and plan it for day three or later at altitude, not day one.
Figures are from Aspen Snowmass's Highland Bowl guide, checked September 2026. The Bowl opens only when ski patrol has finished avalanche mitigation.
Paul Montiel · Aspen · Updated September 2026
Advanced or expert skiers and riders only. There is no easy way down.
You're hiking at over 11,500 feet with skis on your back. It's the altitude, not the distance, that makes it hard.
Parts of the ridge are narrow and exposed. If you're uneasy with heights, it's not the day to find out.
Not on the first days. Give yourself two days at altitude first; see the first 48 hours.
Layers you can take off for the hike and put back on at the top, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and a breathable neck gaiter. A backpack that carries skis or a board, or a boot-pack strap (sold at ski patrol headquarters). Ski patrol at Highlands: 970-544-3052.
782 vertical feet from the top of Loge Peak, usually 30–60 minutes (about 45). The free snowcat, when running, saves about 15 minutes.
The summit is at 12,392 feet.
All of it is double black terrain, with the steepest pitches between 38 and 48 degrees.
Usually 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and later after heavy overnight snow while ski patrol finishes avalanche mitigation.
Yes. A free snowcat runs part of the way when conditions allow, cutting about 15 minutes off the hike.
We set up the day around the hike: a private instructor who knows the Bowl, skis tuned and delivered, a massage and oxygen at the house afterwards, and a quiet dinner in.
A day that never leaves the residence: a late breakfast, a massage in the afternoon light, a long lunch cooked for you, and oxygen and water on hand. For the day after a big ski day, or the day before you fly home.
A private lesson matched to the skier and the mountain.
Delivered before arrival for the first nights at altitude.
Fitted at the residence, not in a shop queue.
Aspen Snowmass: everything you should know about Highland Bowl — checked September 28, 2026.
Tell us your level and your dates. We'll book the instructor and build the rest of the trip around the day you hike.
Plan a Bowl day