* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 12 inches with locally higher amounts possible. * WHERE...Flat Tops, Northwest San Juan Mountains, Southwest San Juan Mountains, Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys, and West Elk and Sawatch Mountains above 9500 feet. * WHEN...Until 5 PM MST this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning and evening commutes.
Powder seekers, rejoice! Aspen Highlands is a ski resort in Colorado, USA, known for its steep and challenging terrain.
Wind
Humidity
Aspen Highlands is bringing in the new year with promising conditions for January 2, 2026. Overnight temps held steady at a crisp 21.6°F, preserving a solid snowpack depth of 14 inches—just shy of the seasonal average. The snow water equivalent (SWE) is measuring 3.4", ensuring dense, skiable snow across the mountain. Fresh snowfall is on the way, with 4 inches expected today and a total of 10 inches in the next five days. The Highland Bowl is primed for soft turns and big vertical, while lower runs offer groomed cruising conditions perfect for all ability levels.
In local news, Aspen Highlands is extending its season due to strong early conditions and high visitor demand—great news for diehard skiers and boarders looking to carve late into the spring. However, guests are reminded to ski responsibly, as recent incidents—including a tragic tree collision—serve as a solemn reminder of mountain risks. Avalanche conditions remain moderate; always check reports before venturing into off-piste terrain. With lift ticket prices climbing to peak holiday rates, now’s the time to take advantage of mid-week lines and fresh tracks. Layer up, wax those skis, and enjoy the Highlands in its winter glory.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Upper Taylor.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Aspen Highlands.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Aspen Highlands impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The Aspen Highlands Ski Resort in Colorado is located in the Elk Mountains range of the Rocky Mountains. Some of the pertinent mountain ranges and mountain aspects of the resort include:
1. Aspen Highlands: The resort itself is named after the mountain it is located on, Aspen Highlands. This mountain offers a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
2. Maroon Bells: The iconic Maroon Bells, two peaks in the Elk Mountains, are visible from the resort and provide a stunning backdrop to the ski slopes.
3. Highland Bowl: This challenging terrain at Aspen Highlands is a favorite among advanced skiers and snowboarders. It offers steep chutes and open bowls for experienced riders to enjoy.
4. Pyramid Peak: Another prominent peak in the Elk Mountains, Pyramid Peak is visible from Aspen Highlands and adds to the picturesque scenery of the resort.
5. Deep Temerity: This area of the resort offers some of the steepest terrain in Colorado, with challenging runs that will test even the most experienced skiers and snowboarders.
Overall, Aspen Highlands Ski Resort is known for its stunning mountain scenery, challenging terrain, and variety of slopes for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
Some of the best trails include Highland Bowl, Olympic Bowl, and Steeplechase. An interesting fact that few people know is that the resort was founded by Whipple Van Ness Jones, the inventor of the geodesic dome, who also designed the Highland Bowl ski area. For beginner skiers, the resort offers the Cloud Nine beginner area, which has gentle slopes and a magic carpet lift. The best apres ski bar at Aspen Highlands is Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, which offers European-style dining, live music, and champagne spraying.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 5 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 6500 per hour |
Base Elevation | 2451 Meters |
Terrain Park | No |
Acreage | 1028 Acres |
Established | 1958 |
Run Count | 125 Trails |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, snow showers. high near 35. west wind 10 to 15 mph. chance of precipitation is 80%. new snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Aspen Highlands is expected to receive up to 4.13" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Buttermilk Mountain
Aspen Mountain
Snowmass
Colorado ski resorts are anticipating a strong round of snowfall this week, with the heaviest accumulations forecasted in the northwestern and southwestern mountains. Steamboat, near Dry Lake and Tower sensors, is expecting up to 13" in the next five days. The Tower sensor, currently showing the deepest snowpack in the state at 44", suggests Steamboat could see excellent powder conditions. ... Read more