Aspen Highlands Ski Area

With an abundance of expert terrain, groomed cruisers (including some of the most challenging big-mountain terrain in North America) and breath-taking vistas of the Maroon Bells, it's no wonder that Aspen Highlands Ski Area is the local's favorite. And for those who love moguls, the Mushroom trail has been newly extended to test even the fittest of legs. This is a mountain for those who like to ski/board hard. Probably the most famous part of the mountain is the Highland Bowl: an area of intense, expert-only terrain that wasn't fully opened until 2002 (the rest of the mountain was developed in 1958). And from Highland Bowl you'll get spectacular views of the Maroon Bells, Hayden Mountain and Pyramid Peak.

The Aspen Highlands Base Village offers 29 beds, but the free bus service (that runs every 15 minutes when the lifts are open) can take you to 14,000+ beds in about 10 minutes. The Base Village offers a ski shop and 2 bars, plus cafeterias, restaurants and other shops. The on-site rental shop offers ski and 'board gear.

Along with Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk and Snowmass, Aspen Highlands is part of the Aspen/Snowmass Ski Complex owned and operated by the Aspen Skiing Company.