Aspen Highlands Ski Resort - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

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About Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

The Aspen Highlands Ski Resort is located in Pitkin County. The ski resort covers 3,000 acres of land and has more than 100 trails for skiing and snowboarding. There are also several restaurants and shops at the resort. The Aspen Highlands Ski Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in Colorado. Every year, the resort receives more than 1 million visitors. The Aspen Highlands Ski Resort is a great place to ski or snowboard, and it is also a great place to enjoy the scenery.

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Hotels to stay near Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

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Things to Do at Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

Aspen Highlands Ski Resort is located in Pitkin County, Colorado. The resort offers a variety of activities for both skiers and snowboarders. There are several beginner and intermediate trails, as well as a few advanced trails. The resort also has a terrain park with a variety of jumps and rails. In addition, there are several restaurants and bars located at the resort. Visitors can also take a gondola ride to the top of the mountain to experience the stunning views of the surrounding area. Whether you're looking for a challenging ski run or a relaxing gondola ride, Aspen Highlands Ski Resort has something for everyone.

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History of Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

Aspen Highlands is one of the four ski areas in the Aspen-Snowmass complex in Pitkin County, Colorado. It is located on the southern flank of North Table Mountain, just east of Aspen. Founded in 1958, it was originally known as Highland-Bell until it was renamed Aspen Highlands in 1962. The area consists of three main sections - High Country, Rescue Gully, and Deep Temerity - and offers a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. In recent years, Aspen Highlands has become known for its expert terrain, particularly its steeps and trees. It also boasts some of the best views in the area, with panoramic views of the Elk Mountains and the town of Aspen below. Whether you're looking to test your limits or simply take in the beauty of the Rockies, Aspen Highlands is sure to offer an unforgettable experience.

Best Time to Visit Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

The best time to visit Aspen Highlands is during the months of February and March when the snow is at its deepest and the sun is shining brightest. However, those looking to avoid the crowds can find excellent conditions during the shoulder seasons of November and April.

Tips for Visiting Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

  1. Purchase your lift tickets in advance online. This will save you time and money, as tickets purchased at the resort are significantly more expensive.
  2. Rent your ski equipment in advance. Again, this will save you both time and money. You can often find discounts on rental equipment if you book it in advance online.
  3. Stay at one of the many hotels or vacation rentals located near the resort. This will give you easy access to the slopes and also provide you with a comfortable place to relax after a long day of skiing.
  4. Start your days early. The slopes tend to be less crowded in the morning, so you'll have an easier time finding open runs. Plus, the skiing is often better early in the day when the snow is freshly groomed.
  5. Take lessons from a professional if you're new to skiing or want to improve your skills. The Aspen Highlands Ski School offers group and private lessons for skiers of all levels.
  6. Explore other activities in Aspen besides skiing. The town is home to numerous shops, restaurants, and galleries that are worth checking out even if you don't hit the slopes every day of your vacation.

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

  1. Aspen Highlands was founded in 1946 by Walter Paepcke, who also founded the Aspen Institute.
  2.  The resort was originally named "Highland-Bell" after its two highest chairlifts, but was later renamed to "Aspen Highlands" after the nearby town of Aspen.
  3. Aspen Highlands is home to over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, making it one of the largest ski resorts in the United States.
  4. Aspen Highlands is known for its famous après-ski scene. The resort's Base Village is home to a variety of bars and restaurants, as well as a lively nightlife scene.
  5. Aspen Highlands is also home to several renowned ski schools, including the Warren Miller Performing Arts School and the Snowmass Ski School.
  6. The resort's Highland Bowl is one of the most popular attractions at Aspen Highlands, and offers skiers and snowboarders ample opportunities for powder skiing and big-air jumps.
  7. Aspen Highlands is consistently ranked as one of the top ski resorts in North America by industry publications like SKI Magazine and Powder Magazine.
  8. Aspen Highlands is home to the legendary Deep Thorpe ski run, which drops 2,400 vertical feet over its 3.5-mile length.
  9. The resort has been voted "Best Overall Ski Resort" in North America by readers of SKI Magazine for four consecutive years (2016-2019).
     

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

While it is possible to explore the entire resort in one day, most visitors prefer to take their time and enjoy all that Aspen Highlands has to offer. With that in mind, we suggest allowing at least two days for a full exploration of the resort.

How to Reach Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

By car, the resort can be reached via Highway 82, which runs through the town of Aspen. From Aspen, simply follow the signs to the Highlands base area. Alternatively, the Roaring Fork Transit Authority (RFTA) provides regular bus service to the resort from a number of locations in the Aspen area.

Entrance Fee of Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

There is no entrance fee to explore Aspen Highlands Ski Resort. The Ski Resort is open to the public and there are a variety of trails that wind through the different areas of the property. 

Opening Hours of Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

The resort is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, with extended hours on weekends and holidays. 

Attractions Near Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

Aspen Chapel

Aspen Chapel

1.88km from Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

Aspen Chapel is a beautiful building located in Pitkin County. The building was designed by renowned architect, Charles Elliot Saltzman and completed in 1981. The chapel is built out of concrete, stone, and glass, with a large skylight that allows natural light to fill the space. The building is set amidst stunning natural scenery, and features a large pond and a variety of trees and plants. Inside, the chapel seats up to 120 people and features stained glass windows, a marble altar.

Holden Marolt Mining & Ranching Museum

Holden Marolt Mining & Ranching Museum

2.23km from Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

The Holden Marolt Mining & Ranching Museum in Pitkin County, Colorado is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the American West. The museum tells the story of the region's mining and ranching heritage through a series of interactive exhibits. Visitors can pan for gold, ride a mechanical bull, and even participate in a cattle drive. There is also a replica of an old-time general store and a blacksmith shop.

Aspen Mountain

Aspen Mountain

2.43km from Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

Aspen Mountain is a towering mountain peak in Pitkin County, Colorado. The mountain is popular with climbers and hikers, who come to scale its heights and take in the stunning panoramic views. The mountain is also home to a ski resort, which attracts visitors from all over the world. Aspen Mountain provides a challenging climb, but the rewards are well worth it. The views from the summit are truly breathtaking, and the sense of accomplishment is unparalleled.

Aspen Mountain Ski Area

Aspen Mountain Ski Area

2.51km from Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

Aspen Mountain Ski Area is located in Pitkin County, Colorado. The resort opened in 1947 and today covers 673 acres. Aspen Mountain offers a variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, with 37% of the trails rated beginner, 32% intermediate, and 31% advanced/expert. In addition to the downhill skiing and snowboarding, Aspen Mountain also offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and ice skating.

Buttermilk Ski Resort

Buttermilk Ski Resort

2.68km from Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

Buttermilk Ski Resort is located, just outside the town of Aspen. It is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and beginner-friendly terrain. However, the resort also offers a variety of challenging trails for more advanced skiers. Buttermilk Ski Resort first opened in 1958 and has been owned by the Aspen Skiing Company. The resort is home to three lifts, including a high-speed quad chairlift, and offers a variety of amenities, such as ski and snowboard rentals, lessons, and child care.

Wheeler/Stallard Museum

Wheeler/Stallard Museum

2.71km from Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

The Wheeler–Stallard Museum in Aspen, Colorado is a museum dedicated to the history of the American West. The museum was founded in 1977 by brothers John and Malcolm Wheeler, and houses a collection of artifacts and artworks relating to the subject. The museum is located in the former Wheeler Opera House, which was built in 1889. The building itself is a landmark, and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974.

Discover More Attractions in Pitkin County, Home of Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

Pitkin County

Pitkin County

45 attractions

Pitkin County is located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, just southwest of Aspen. The county is home to several ski resorts, as well as the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area. Tourism is a major industry in Pitkin County, and the area is popular for both winter and summer recreation. In the winter, visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing, while in the summer they can hike, fish, and camp. The county is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the

Location of Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

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