2026-01-02T17:00:00-07:00
* 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 Friday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.
Aspen Highlands Ski Report
Rate this placeNearby: Buttermilk Mountain Aspen Mountain
Last Updated: January 1, 2026
Ringing in 2026, Aspen Highlands greets skiers with crisp mountain air at 21.6°F overnight and a modest snowpack of 14 inches—well below the seasonal average, down 43% from typical depths. Aspen Highlands is a ski resort in Colorado, USA, known for its steep and challenging terrain.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
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Wind
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Humidity
Summary
Despite the lean base, conditions remain rideable across groomed terrain, and operations in Highland Bowl and Temerity continue to hold strong for advanced skiers seeking challenge and thrill. The snow water equivalent measures 3.4 inches, reflecting a thin but manageable foundation. A fresh dusting of 1.2 inches is expected within 24 hours, with a total of 4 inches forecast over the next five days—offering a welcome refresh to trails in need.
Highlands regulars should prepare for changing conditions, as local winds and dry trends may limit deeper accumulations. Still, the mountain buzzes with excitement as Aspen Snowmass announces plans to extend the ski season into May, and recent upgrades—including the approved Golden Horn surface lift—signal ongoing investment in enhanced accessibility. While avalanches outside ski boundaries have prompted increased caution, in-bounds routes remain closely monitored and safe. Powder hounds may need to hike for untouched lines, but for those seeking the raw beauty of Colorado skiing, Aspen Highlands continues to deliver both challenge and charm this New Year’s Day.
Weather Forecast
Seasonal Comparison
Year over year snow water equivalent
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.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured 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.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Aspen Highlands
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Aspen Highlands impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
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 |
Aspen Highlands FAQ
How much snow did Aspen Highlands receive over the past day?
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Aspen Highlands today?
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.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Aspen Highlands this week?
Aspen Highlands is expected to receive up to 4.13" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are some ski resorts near Aspen Highlands?
Buttermilk Mountain
Aspen Mountain
Snowmass
What are ski area conditions in Colorado like right now?
Steamboat Springs and the surrounding Routt National Forest are primed for the heaviest snowfall over the next five days, with Dry Lake and Elk River sensors forecasting 13 inches, and nearby Tower projecting 12 inches. These areas feed directly into Steamboat Ski Resort, making it the top pick for powder chasers. Rabbit Ears Pass and Scotch Creek are also expecting ... Read more
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