How to Ski a Powder Day at Aspen Highlands

On a powder day, most locals and longtime Highlands skiers will head straight for the terrain on the Deep Temerity lift, like the oohs and aaahs of Steeplechase. Understandably so, as the runs are amazing, the snow is deep, and heading there right away puts you in a great position for the opening of the famed Highland Bowl. But, there are plenty of overlooked areas on the lower mountain that will hold stellar, untracked snow while the crowds are lured elsewhere. Runs like Golden Horn Woods, P-Chutes, Epicure, and Upper and Lower Stein, all accessed via the Thunderbowl chairlift, have steeps and deeps and playful, at times technical terrain that will be sure to deliver the goods you’re searching for. Plus, they’re right at the base of Highlands. Why not ski what you see? (And the intermediate runs off the Exhibition Lift are a wonderful snowy warm-up if you need a mellower entry into your day.)

After you’ve chomped on the powdery appetizers of the lower mountain, head to the terrain off the Deep Temerity lift for something a bit more filling. The glades are perfect for frothy tree skiing and hold a few secluded open meadows, which seem to protect idyllic turns far into the afternoon. You can explore Canopy Cruiser on a powder day and very often it feels as if you’re the only person skiing those trees. Steeplechase also seems to house secretive runs to boogie down, especially on the lower portion. Don’t be afraid to get into the woods and poke around. Truly a dream state ski adventure.

It should be noted that if the Bowl is open, completely disregard everything previously mentioned and head straight there. It’s powder day…. if you’re skiing, you chose right, no matter where you are—but the Bowl is the place to be. Enjoy, pals!