Aspen has 4 different mountains for skiers and snowboarders to choose from, but the crown jewel of them all is Highland Bowl Aspen. Resting atop Highlands Mountain, the bowl offers a challenge to even the most experienced skiers. Both locals and visitors regard the bowl as a rite of passage due to the strenuous hike to the top. Once you reach the summit and hit the powder, the grueling hike is worth it because the bowl has some of the best runs in the world!

What is the Aspen Highlands Bowl Hike Length?

The Highland Bowl Aspen trail is a 0.75 mile hike with a 782-foot vertical ascent. Some days, the resort runs a free snowcat that takes skiers the first 0.35 miles of the trail up to Highland Bowl Main Gate. The snowcat can shake 15 minutes off the total hike time. Without the snowcat, the hike to the summit of Highland Peak takes between 25 and 60 minutes.

All of the runs in the bowl are black diamond or double diamond. Clearly, the bowl is not for the faint of heart. The incredible runs and steep terrain attract world-class skiers from all over the world.

Although the hike is strenuous, there is no joy as great as when you see the prayer flags at the peak flowing in the winter breeze. The view from the summit is something that few people get to experience: snow-capped peaks as far as the eye can see, rendered silver in the morning light. When you turn around to see how far you’ve come, the city of Aspen will be nothing more than a speck in the distance. When you reach the peak, you’ll understand why Highland Bowl represents the greatest achievement to so many skiers.

The History of Highland Peak and the Aspen Highlands Bowl Hike

Once upon a time, the mining camp area around Aspen was known as “Highland City.” The real ski scene didn’t begin until the 1960s. Throughout the 60s, Highland Mountain was a popular ski destination, but the bowl was not really considered part of the resort. Particularly adventurous skiers were known to hike up Highland Bowl Aspen and have a go at the steep terrain.

From 1973 to 1978, the Highlands ski patrol began requiring skiers to pay the cost of a lift ticket to hike and ski the bowl - in addition to their lift ticket for the rest of the runs. In 1979, the bowl was formally closed to both visitors and the Highlands ski patrol due to avalanche concerns. Despite the closure, adventurous skiers would sneak into the bowl for a ski run before fleeing from patrollers.

Highland Bowl became an official part of the resort 1997 when Swiss consultants started working with the forest service to study weather patterns and avalanche risk in the bowl. By the 2002-2003 season, the entire bowl was open to skiers, even the G-zones with thick trees.

Now, Highland Bowl holds a particularly mythic status for both locals and visitors. Some locals scoff at the idea of taking the snowcat part of the way; they claim that you have to “earn your runs” in the bowl. For life-long Aspenites, it is a long-standing tradition to make the pilgrimage to the bowl as many times as possible over the course of the ski season. The hike to the bowl is not for the faint of heart, but it is a legendary winter experience that you’ll never forget.

What to Expect on a Highland Bowl Ski Day

Even by Aspen standards, the skiing on Highland Mountain is something special. Each run has completely unique terrain that you can’t find anywhere else. On the moguls, you get an unparalleled workout, followed by a rush of pride when you conquer the bumps with perfect precision. Most skiers can agree that the black runs that cut through the trees are skiing at its finest. As you glide through the timber, the world goes quiet and all you can think about is the golden light cutting through the trees. Skiing the glades can be meditative for a lot of skier, especially on days when the slopes are empty and you don’t see another skier for your entire run.

How to Get to Highland Bowl Aspen

Before you can ski Highland Bowl, first you have to get there. The most direct route is to take Elevation ski lift up to Merry-Go-Round then take Loge Peak up to the base of the bowl. Any Aspen skier will tell you to get warmed up and adjusted to the altitude before you hit the bowl. The team at Aspen Luxury Concierge recommends starting on Broadway, a blue, then working your way up to the blacks of Steeplechase and Temerity.

When you are ready to conquer the Aspen Highlands Bowl hike length, take the Deep Temerity lift up to the base of the bowl. If the snowcat is running, it can take you the first 0.35 miles of the hike. The total hike distance is 0.75 miles with a 782 foot vertical climb.

Crowds, Run Quality, and Closures

Due to the advanced runs, Highlands has shorter lift lines than Buttermilk and Ajax. A majority of runs on Highlands are well-groomed, so skiers can pick up speed as they navigate the descent. Other runs are left ungroomed, so they turn into moguls, offering skiers a chance to practice their control and precision.

What makes Highlands unique is how nearly every lift has an expert way down, so advanced skiers can tackle one black diamond after another the entire length of the mountain. In the bowl, skiers have their choice of black runs, including tight glades, steep terrain at 48 degrees, and cliffs. All the runs on Highland are known for being consistently well-groomed. Skiers enjoy many opportunities for fresh powder throughout the ski season and good snow preservation.

Like other strenuous Aspen hikes, the trek to the bowl may have a small crowd. Just follow the line of skiers and let them guide you to the top of the peak. Due to the popularity of Highland Bowl runs, ALC reminds skiers to be courteous and step off the trail to rest. Due to avalanche risk, the bowl is closed in the event of major storms. Before you visit Aspen, check the forecast to see if a heavy storm is expected.

How to Maximize Your Highland Bowl Experience

Aspen Highland Bowl is one of the most advanced ski areas in Snowmass. Even if you are an advanced skier, it’s best not to ski alone. The Aspen Luxury Concierge team recommends planning a group ski trip with friends or making new friends to ski with at your luxury hotel’s bar. Advanced skiers can also benefit from hiring a ski guide to help them navigate the bowl. Ozone and Be One are the two steepest runs in Aspen, with a descent of 48 degrees from top to bottom. Many advanced skiers have never seen steep terrain like that, so they may benefit from some pointers before they start the Aspen Highlands Bowl hike.

Another way to maximize your winter experience in Aspen is to get the right gear and the best accommodations. This is where Aspen Luxury Concierge comes in. We are a local concierge, who provides seamless bookings and exemplary service to help visitors experience Aspen in luxury.

5 Tips for Navigating Highland Bowl Aspen Hike and Ski

Since the bowl is a bucket list item for skiers across the country, everyone wants their first chance at the bowl to be perfect. The key for a fantastic day of skiing is preparation. If you go into your trek with all the right tools, you are sure to end the day with stories to tell.

1. Come Prepared with the Right Gear

When you hike towards Highland Peak, you will need to carry your skis. Aspen locals recommend stopping by Highland ski patron HQ near Loge Peak to buy bowl straps for $10 each. These straps allow you to wear your ski across your back, which distributes their weight and allows you to hike hands-free.

2. Timing Your Trip Can Make All the Difference

Some weather conditions make the hike to the peak downright miserable, but they render the ride down unforgettable. Locals recommend hitting the bowl during a storm. By the time you hit the slopes, every ski run will be covered in a layer of fresh powder. Consider heading right through North Woods Gate for unbeatable tree skiing along untouched paths.

During the colder winter months when it hasn’t snowed in a few days and a high pressure system is passing over Aspen, the Highland Bowl snow gets chalky. Skis leave rips in the snow that get filled in just as quickly.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Hitch a Ride

Some locals dismiss the snowcat as “cheating,” but there are benefits to catching a ride. The snowcat can knock time off your hike, allowing you to squeeze in a few more runs before the resort closes. Visitors are advised to take advantage of the snowcat, at least on their first trek. It is normal to not feel 100% when you first experience Aspen altitude. You should plan on taking it slow at first until you get used to the elevation. Once your lungs adjust, then you can try conquering the Highland Bowl Aspen hike without a snowcat ride.

4. Stay Hydrated

Camelbacks and collapsible water bottles are the way to go when you ski the bowl. Unlike other runs, you don’t have easy access to an on-mountain restaurant or lodges. Local skiers recommend bringing more water than you think you’ll need. The Aspen Highlands Bowl hike is more strenuous than it looks and hiking at altitude really takes it out of you.

5. You Don’t Need to Summit to Get a Good Run

Some skiers get “peakitis” and hike past great runs in favor of reaching the peak. You don’t have to reach the top of the bowl to reach challenging runs. There are plenty of good runs that start part-way up the bowl. For some skiers, stopping their hike short for a run allows them to fit it more runs in a day. However, if you do decide to go for the peak, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the Maroon Bells.

Frequently Asked Questions About Highland Bowl Aspen

A pro is preparing to ski the Highland Bowl

Is the Highland Bowl hard?

Highland Bowl is very challenging in terms of both hiking and skiing. The hike to the peak requires athleticism and stamina. The ski runs on the bowl are all black and double black diamonds, so skiers should be intermediate if not experienced to handle the terrain.

How High is the Highland Bowl in Aspen?

The peak of Highlands Mountain is 12,392 feet above sea level. The hike up the bowl begins at 11,610 for a total climb of 782 feet.

What Is the Easiest Ski Run in Aspen?

The bunny hill on Snowmass is where beginner skiers and snowboarders should start out. Once someone graduates from the bunny hill, the easiest runs are Lunchline, Dawdler, and Scooper. These are all green circle runs, which have no obstacles and moderate slope.

Make Your Highland Bowl Aspen Ski Adventure the Best it Can Be!

When you plan your ski trip with Aspen Luxury Concierge, our team:

Books you a luxury vacation rental that is conveniently located near the slopes.
Makes dinner reservations at one of the best restaurants in Aspen
Arranges transportation from the airport as well as around Aspen.
Stock your vacation rental with nutrient-rich, organic snacks to fuel your ski day.
If needed, we can rent additional gear for you or go shopping for any extra layers of clothing you may need.
Can book you additional services like a spa session, one-on-one ski coaching, or a fitness class for conditioning.

So, whether you're a seasoned alpine conqueror or a brave newcomer let Aspen Luxury Concierge guide your way to unforgettable moments amidst the peaks: start planning your Highland Bowl Aspen ski trip today!

Highland Bowl Aspen - 5 Tips for Conquering Highland Bowl