How to Ski Aspen Highland Bowl

A Rite of Passage in Aspen

Skiing Highland Bowl is unlike anything else in Colorado. Steep, technical, and topping out above 12,000 feet, the Bowl offers one of the most challenging and rewarding inbounds experiences anywhere in North America. For locals, “hiking the Bowl” is a rite of passage. For visitors, it’s an unforgettable adventure — equal parts endurance, scenery, and pure skiing thrill.

The Hike

From the top of Loge Peak, ski between the patrol shack and the top of the Deep Temerity lift. Crest the small hill and choose your path:

Snowcat Shuttle: Saves about a third of the climb, but most locals shoulder their skis and hike the whole way.

The Hike: Drop a layer, strap your skis to a pack (or pick up carrying straps at Highlands if you don’t have one), and start the climb. Having skis on your back frees your arms to balance along the ridge — useful on exposed sections like the Rock Outcropping.

The ridge hike is strenuous, especially at the Staircase section, where the pitch steepens without relief. But every step comes with views that few ski areas in the world can match: the dramatic Maroon Bells, Pyramid Peak, and the endless ridgelines of the Elk Range.

At the Summit

At the weather station near the top, you’ll find an old ski lift chair — a perfect place to rest your legs, catch your breath, and soak in the views. Out of bounds, the Five Fingers terrain tempts expert backcountry skiers (not recommended without avalanche gear and advanced training). Inbounds, the managed Bowl terrain sprawls out with a variety of double-black lines:

Y-Zones: First runs you’ll pass, shorter hike, often deepest snow.

O-Zones: Central lines, steep and sustained, with some of the Bowl’s most technical skiing.

G-Zones: Face north, hold chalky snow, and drop into the Northwoods glades for tree-skiing options.

Every line here is expert-only. Falls can have serious consequences, and the ski-out afterward can feel long if your legs are cooked. But when you’re fit, the Bowl offers a rolling exit that feels like a bonus run all its own.

The Ski Out

All Bowl lines funnel back to the Deep Temerity Lift. From there, most skiers call it a day — satisfied, exhausted, and ready for après. But for Highlands locals, one lap is never enough. On a powder day, two or three hikes are common. For some, the Bowl doubles as training ground, with six or more laps in a day.

Avalanche Safety & Ski Patrol Effort

The fact that the Bowl is skiable at all is thanks to the monumental effort of Highlands Ski Patrol and a community of locals who “boot pack” every inch each season. For weeks before opening, teams hike up and down on ropes, stomping the snowpack to stabilize it. After storms, extensive control work — from howitzer blasts to ski cuts — ensures the Bowl is as safe as possible before opening to the public.

Gear & Rentals

Choosing the right ski is critical to enjoying the Bowl. Wide freeride skis are perfect on deep days, while all-mountain chargers provide stability for steep, technical lines. For those who love tree runs, models with nimble handling skis are perfect for the Northwoods. 

Before you head up, stop by Miller Sports in Aspen for expert advice on conditions and a personalized ski match. Our rental and demo fleet is stocked with this season’s best skis, and our team will help you pick the setup to make your Bowl lap unforgettable.

Local Secrets

Pack Smart: Bring a backpack or ski straps for the hike — carrying skis on your shoulder for 45 minutes will burn you out.

Cat Ride or Pride Ride: The snowcat is a handy lift, but most locals still hike the full ridge.

Aspect Advantage: Southeast-facing lines (Y-Zones) often get the most snow; north-facing (G-Zones) hold chalk the longest.

Rest at the Chair: The lift chair at the summit is a Highlands tradition — snap a photo before you drop in.

Fitness Counts: Your ski down is only as good as the energy you save on the hike. Pace yourself.