Aspen area, Colorado

Aspen Highlands

Aspen Highlands is the Aspen Snowmass mountain associated with steep terrain and the hike to Highland Bowl. The operator's first-visit guide identifies it as a choice for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders, with no green-level runs.

No green-level runs
Highland Bowl expert hike
Distinct from Aspen Mountain

Terrain and ability at Highlands

Highland Bowl is expert terrain reached by a strenuous hike, not an ordinary chairlift lap. A Highlands plan can also stay on other open runs; agree on that distinction before joining friends who intend to hike the Bowl.

Arrival, bases and lessons

Use Highlands as your destination rather than the downtown Aspen Mountain gondola. Read the current mountain report before setting a Bowl objective; weather, visibility and patrol work affect whether that terrain is available.

Plan a Highlands meetup

Meet at a named public Highlands base landmark and discuss whether hiking is part of the day. Friends who do not want the Bowl should have their own suitable plan and a clear later regrouping, rather than feel pressured to follow.

Use the meetup message planner to agree on your date, terrain, pace and meeting point.

Highlands snow forecast

Forecast

Updated Sat, 4:52 PM MDT

Tonight
Showers And Thunderstorms
Wind S 5 to 10 mph
Low 43°F
Sunday
Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Wind S 10 to 15 mph
High 61°F
Sunday Night
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Wind S 10 to 15 mph
Low 41°F
Columbus Day
Mostly Sunny
Wind SSW 5 to 10 mph
High 59°F
Monday Night
Chance Rain Showers
Wind S 5 to 10 mph
Low 38°F
Tuesday
Rain Showers Likely
Wind S 5 to 10 mph
High 56°F
Tuesday Night
Slight Chance T-storms
New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Wind S 5 to 10 mph
Low 30°F
Wednesday
Rain And Snow Showers Likely
New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
Wind SW 5 to 10 mph
High 48°F
Wednesday Night
Slight Chance T-storms
New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
Wind WSW 0 to 5 mph
Low 28°F
Thursday
Slight Chance Snow Showers
Wind WNW 0 to 5 mph
High 51°F
Thursday Night
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Wind SSW 0 to 5 mph
Low 29°F
Friday
Sunny
Wind W 0 to 5 mph
High 55°F
Friday Night
Mostly Clear then Slight Chance Snow Showers
Wind SSW 0 to 5 mph
Low 32°F
Saturday
Sunny
Wind WSW 0 to 5 mph
High 57°F

Forecast for the resort’s coordinates from National Weather Service (opens in a new tab). Conditions vary with elevation. It is a weather forecast, not an avalanche or terrain assessment.

Forecast source: National Weather Service. Check the update time and the resort's current operating report before confirming your day.

Official sources for this mountain guide

Guide reviewed October 1, 2026. Use these resort sources for current maps, lesson meeting points and visitor information. Confirm tickets, reservations and open terrain for your date.

Highlands official site →

Ride Highlands with SkiBuds

Find people to ski Highlands with

Start with the date, terrain, pace, and a public meeting point. Confirm lift access and the resort's current report before the day. SkiBuds' rebuilt app is coming soon, with rider discovery and conversations to help you plan with ski and snowboard friends.

Find ski buddies Find snowboard friends

Use the snow forecast guide and powder-day group plan to confirm the weather together. Explore more Colorado mountains and riding meetups.