Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

In Aspen, Colorado the Highlands are known as the spot where the locals ski. Aspen Highlands ski resort is a great choice among the many ski areas in Colorado for those who want to push their skills a little further. With over thirty percent of its terrain marked as expert only, there is no chance for getting bored at this extreme mountain.

Don't be mistaken, however, because there are many beginner and intermediate runs for skiing and snowboarding as well. The best part about Aspen Highlands is that it tends to be uncrowded. That means more chances to enjoy your own fresh pockets of snow. Covering only 700 acres, the ski area has managed to encompass some of the best terrain in the area. Annual snowfall at Aspen Highlands is about 300 inches. They also make snow on 110 acres of the ski area.

The resort originally opened in 1958 with a single tow rope and two chairlifts. These days two high speed quads allow quick and easy access to the ski area's summit, Loge Peak. From the top make sure to enjoy marvelous views of the entire Maroon Bells Wilderness and the Elk Mountain Range. Then feel free to ski to the bottom, covering the mountain's 3,635 feet of vertical drop.

If you want to take a day off from downhill skiing, there is a wonderful cross-country trail system based out of the Aspen Touring Center. In the summers, when the resort is closed, there is a plethora of outdoor activities in the area. A few of these include mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and horseback riding.

Aspen Highlands sits right next to Buttermilk Ski Area, and only three miles outside of the town of Aspen, along the road to Snowmass. If you are traveling from Denver, follow I-70 west for 200 miles. Once you reach Glenwood Springs, turn onto highway 82 south toward Aspen. It is easy to get to Aspen Highlands. Once you arrive you can enjoy steep, uncrowded trails and a variety of skiing terrain.