Out of the four Aspen/Snowmass ski areas, Highlands is home to some of the most challenging terrain in the area, and perhaps even North America as well. High speed quads, decent grooming, and good on-mountain food are complemented by some of the best bump and off-piste skiing in Colorado. There isn't much to do at the base, but big sister Aspen is a 10 minute bus ride with all the nightlife anyone could ask for.
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For many folks, Aspen Highlands is their favourite Aspen Snowmass ski resort. For me it comes a close second to Snowmass because it doesn’t have the same extent and diversity of terrain that Snowmass has.

The Highland Bowl is an amazing plus for Aspen Highlands, but if the bowl is closed, the ski resort feels rather small. Aspen Highlands isn’t crowded per se, but there’s too much skier traffic in a small space such that any powder quickly turns into a mass of bumps. As a powderhound I prefer freshies (without bumps underneath them) and tree skiing where you don’t see any other punters. This is not a strong feature of Aspen Highlands (or most Colorado ski resorts!). Of course finding the perfect ski resort for powderhounds is a catch 22. Aspen Highlands isn’t a deserted haven for powderhounds because its popularity stems from many of its amazing strengths. Obviously the bowl is a major strength, as is the other double black terrain. Other pros include its proximity to the amazing ski town of Aspen and the other three ski resorts in the Aspen Snowmass area. The laid-back and welcoming atmosphere is also a plus.

One con is the cost of lift tickets, equipment rentals, ski lessons and accommodation. Because of the lack of glitz at Aspen Highlands you almost forget that this little ski resort is part of Aspen where everything costs more.

For more detailed ratings of Aspen Highlands and to see how it compares to other ski resorts around the world, see our powderhounds resort ratings.
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