Aspen Highlands

Hike Highland Bowl, then toast at Cloud Nine.

The locals’ favorite of Aspen’s four mountains. Highland Bowl has 270 acres of hike-to expert terrain, reached by a 782-ft bootpack to 12,392 ft. About two thirds of the runs are expert, but the Maroon Bells views and the champagne lunches at Cloud Nine draw everyone. It’s best for strong skiers; beginners should start at Buttermilk.

The mountain

Vertical drop

3,635 ft

Summit

11,675 ft

Skiable terrain

1,040 acres

Trails

144

Lifts

5

Average snowfall

300″ a year

Longest run

3.5 mi

Snowmaking

12% of terrain

Terrain mix

• Beginner 0%
• Intermediate 23%
• Advanced 77%

What’s here besides skiing

• Snowmobiling
• Cross-country
• Ice skating
• Snowshoeing
• Nightlife

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• ChristmasDec 24 (annual)Usually

  Christmas Eve at the Aspen Chapel

  The interfaith chapel at the Maroon Creek roundabout holds a kids’ service at 4 pm, a family service at 6 pm and an 8 pm “Midnight Mass” (2024 times). Town churches add more services.

• New Year’sDec 31, about 8 pm (2025 timing)Usually

  New Year’s Eve fireworks over Aspen Mountain

  Fireworks over Aspen Mountain, early enough for families. Afterward, hotels and bars in town like the St. Regis, W Aspen, Hotel Jerome and Silver City throw ticketed parties.

• FestivalDec 10–13

  Wintersköl

  Aspen’s welcome-to-winter party since 1951. It brings torchlight descents on Aspen Mountain, fireworks, SoupSköl, bonfires and snow sculptures, plus early-season lift ticket deals at all four mountains.

• Opening daySat, Dec 12

  Opening Day

  Highlands and Buttermilk open for the season, in the middle of Wintersköl weekend.

• RaceLate February (Feb 21 in 2026)Usually

  Audi Power of Four ski mountaineering race

  Teams of two race 24 miles and 10,000+ ft of climbing across all four mountains, including a bootpack up Highland Bowl. The shorter recreational course starts at Highlands.

Where to stay

• ski-in/ski-outThe Ritz-Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands

  Residence-style suites in Highlands Village, a few steps from the lifts.

  Slopeside
• lodgeSt. Moritz Lodge

  West End budget lodge with breakfast, a heated pool and a free winter happy hour.

  10 min drive
• hotelAspen Meadows Resort

  A 98-suite resort designed by Herbert Bayer on the Aspen Institute campus in the West End.

  10 min drive
• innAnnabelle Inn

  European-style ski lodge on Main Street with free breakfast, two outdoor hot tubs and a fire pit.

  10 min drive

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro · On mountain

  Alpine hut with fondue, wine and Maroon Bells views. Its lunch turns into a champagne party, so book ahead.

• Snowcat dinners at Cloud Nine · On mountain

  A snowcat takes you up after the lifts close for dinner under the stars.

• T-Lazy-7 Ranch snowmobile tours · 5 min drive

  Guided snowmobile tours from a family ranch just up Maroon Creek Road, toward the Maroon Bells.

• Pine Creek Cookhouse · 25 min drive

  Wild game and scratch cooking in a cabin 12.5 miles up Castle Creek Road in the Ashcroft valley, with nordic trails nearby.

• Aspen Cross Country Center · 5 min drive

  Rentals, lessons and groomed trails on the Aspen golf course, part of a large free nordic network.

• Aspen Recreation Center · 3 min drive

  Indoor ice rink and pool on Maroon Creek Road, handy on a storm day.

Après and nightlife

• Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro

  Famous for its long lunches that end in dancing and sprayed champagne.

• Highlands Alehouse

  Casual pub at the base with burgers, beer and the bowl hikers comparing notes.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) · about 10 min drive
• Denver · about 4 hr
• Salt Lake City · about 6 hr

Directions in Google Maps