Merry Christmas from Aspen Highlands, where the lifts are spinning and the holiday spirit is in full effect! Aspen Highlands is a ski resort in Colorado, USA, known for its steep and challenging terrain.
Wind
Humidity
While the mountain sits under a modest 8" snowpack—about 64% below average for this time of year—conditions remain skiable thanks to excellent snowmaking and grooming crews. Overnight temperatures held steady at 32.5°F, preserving the base and setting the stage for a festive day on the slopes. The Highlands Bowl is open for those seeking a challenge, and trail coverage is improving slowly but surely. Natural snowfall has been light, but fresh flakes are on the way with 2.16 inches forecasted in the next 24 hours and up to 3 inches expected in the next five days.
In local news, Aspen Highlands officially opened for the season alongside Buttermilk, drawing stoked skiers and riders to powdery bowl laps. However, avalanche safety remains critical after a recent slide near the resort claimed one life. Skiers are urged to stay inbounds and check avalanche advisories. Meanwhile, exciting developments are on the horizon, including the approved Golden Horn surface lift, promising better access to expert terrain. For those hitting the slopes today, expect mixed conditions—machine-groomed runs down low and variable powder up high. Stay safe, stay alert, and enjoy the mountain magic!
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 likely, mainly between 8am and 4pm. some thunder is also possible. mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. west southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. chance of precipitation is 70%. new snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Aspen Highlands is expected to receive up to 3.88" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Buttermilk Mountain
Aspen Mountain
Snowmass
Colorado ski resorts can expect a mix of calm and accumulating snow over the next five days. The heaviest snow is projected in the southern San Juan Mountains and the northwest. Wolf Creek Ski Area, near the Wolf Creek Summit sensor, leads with 12 inches forecasted, along with nearby Upper San Juan and Cumbres Trestle. Telluride should also benefit from ... Read more