Practically the polar opposite of all the glitz and glamour that is Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands has that good ole down home felling about it. Known as the place the locals like to ski, you can see why. There’s something very peace and quiet about the place. No one’s in a huge rush, they know where they’re headed and they know how to get there.
While most of the mountain, left nicely natural, is gentle and welcoming, the top, the highlands, are quite the contrary. As you follow the steady stream of people heading off the chair into the distance, you will soon see what has captivated everyone’s attention. A huge peak, atop several bodacious bowls beckons believers to pop off their skis and book-it up the mountain. Skiers calmly remove their equipment, rig it onto their backs and start the long pilgrimage to the top.
Some jump ship early on and enjoy a gentle slope right at the beginning. Others press on yet soon weary and dive in. Still more continue past the “sign of no return” that warns of death ahead and informs you that you are taking life into your own hands.
We were thinking of hiking part of the way but watching all those warriors ahead of you and their sheer determination to reach the top, makes you wonder what the fuss is all about. (Or at least it pokes your competitive bear enough to keep you going.) Several times we looked over the side and thought that the terrain looked perfectly perfect. But we passed it by and continued the hour-long hike (with stops to admire the view of course) up to the mountain peak.
Once you reach the top and catch your breath, you can pick from a wide range of lines that extend all the way down and around the backside. It’s nice and steep with pockets and powder and gatherings of trees. It’s worth it to take your time, and after the big hike in, to enjoy the ride down. Most of the expert terrain is back here. But you can drop in earlier if you don’t want to spend all your time hiking.
The rest of the mountain is great for intermediates. There are a lot of playful runs that jut in and out of the trees and have some fun rollers.
The Cloud Nine Bistro is a perfect pit stop. A Swiss looking chalet, they have fantastic fondue. Served super hot with the right sides. It will warm you right up. You deserve all the cheese after the big hike you did in the morning right?
The Highlands are a great break from the bustle of Aspen. It’s really awesome that it exists right next door and you can take a short bus ride right from the village.
But we can’t forget about the third amigo in this terrific trinity: Next Stop Snowmass!
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