Aspen Highlands Ski Resort
Summit elevation
Skiable acres
Base Elevation
Total runs
Aspen Highlands Overview
Aspen Highlands is the second largest mountain of the four mountains at Aspen Snowmass, including Buttermilk, Snowmass, and Aspen Mountain. It is known for its expert terrain, including the challenging Highland Bowl, and offers some of the most intense in-bounds skiing in the United States. It also has the best view of the Maroon Bells.
Ski Terrain
Resort Trail Map
Aspen Highlands Lift Tickets
Aspen Highlands has several types of lift tickets including day lift tickets, season passes, Ikon Pass, and the Mountain Collective Pass. Below is a detailed explanation of the differences between the lift tickets.
The Aspen Highlands Lift Ticket gives you access to all four mountains at Aspen Snowmass. The lift ticket availability can potentially be limited during busy periods to maintain a good ski experience.
- Cost: Prices start from around $179 for a 1-day Adult ticket (in-resort rate). In general, weekend prices are more expensive than weekday prices.
- Available for purchase: During ski season
Aspen Highlands offers several season pass options to cater to different preferences. These season passes provide access to all four mountains of Aspen Snowmass and are available for purchase pre-ski season.
- Premier Pass: This pass gives you access to all four mountains throughout the ski season plus additional benefits such as a complimentary Ikon Base Pass, Uphill Pass, and Summer Sightseeing lift ticket. It also provides discounts for day lift tickets, lessons, rentals, and more.
- Alpine Pass: This pass gives 1-Day or 2-Day access each week throughout the ski season, with no blackout dates.
- Valley Pass: This pass is only for those with a Colorado driver’s license or state-issued ID from one of the selected areas near Aspen Snowmass. It provides 7-day access throughout the ski season.
You can access Aspen Highlands on 2 types of Ikon Passes. Ikon Passes are available for purchase pre-ski season until around the end of November. Lift reservation is required and can be made using your Ikon account after your pass has been issued. The differences between the passes are highlighted below.
- Ikon Pass gives unlimited access to 17 resorts and up to 7 days each at 41 ski resorts with no blackout dates throughout the ski season. You can access Aspen Highlands (or the other Aspen Snowmass mountains) for a total of 7 days.
- Ikon Base Plus Pass gives unlimited access to 14 ski resorts and up to 5 days each at 36 destinations with some blackout dates. You can access Aspen Highlands (or other Aspen Snowmass mountains) for 5 days in total.
The Mountain Collective Pass provides 2-day access each to 24 ski resorts across 5 continents with no blackout dates.
- Mountain Access: 2 days total at Aspen Snowmass including Aspen Highlands. Lift reservations are required so it is recommended to reserve as early as possible
- Additional Benefits: Half-price for additional days at the Collective resorts and lodging deals.
- Ideal for: People who want to ski at multiple ski resorts for a short period.
Aspen Highlands Ski and Snowboard Lessons
Aspen Highlands Ski and Snowboard School offer group clinics and private lessons. The lessons here are more suitable for intermediate skiers or boarders. The check-in locations are either at the base of the Exhibition Lift or inside the ticket office.
- Child Group Lessons (Age 5-17): There are full-day lessons available. Only skiing lessons are available for ages 5-6 and ages 13-17 at Highlands.
- Private Lessons: This is a personalized lesson of up to 5 people with the option of half or full day. You get priority lift access, complimentary ski storage, and transportation between mountains. There are also guided experiences to explore Buttermilk like a local.
- Group Clinics: This lesson is for intermediate or advanced skiers and riders to improve their skills with skilled professionals. There is also a Race Clinic (for improving racing abilities) and Women’s Edge Ski Clinic available.
Nearest Town to Aspen Highlands
Aspen Highlands is located just 3 miles from Aspen, which is roughly 3.7 miles from Aspen/ Pitkin County Airport. Aspen also provides easy access to Buttermilk, Aspen Mountain, and Snowmass. The ski town is known for its upscale atmosphere with luxury shopping, fine dining, and high-end hotels.
Aspen Highlands Lodging
Aspen Highlands has a small base village with a few lodging options, including The Ritz-Carlton Club. Alternatively, there are plenty of lodging options available in the town of Aspen, which is only around a 8 minute drive or shuttle to Highlands plus close to Buttermilk and Aspen Mountain. For more information, visit Aspen ski-in-ski-out lodging.
On Mountain Dining
Aspen Highlands has two highly-rated on-mountain dining options.
Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro
Located at the top of Cloud Nine lift, this European-style cabin has a scenic view of the Maroon Bells. After 2pm, the restaurant is known for its lively après party.
Opening hours (subject to change): Closed for summer
*Opening date is December 14, 2024.
Merry Go Round
Located mid-mountain at the top of Exhibition lift, you can enjoy American cuisine, snacks, or drinks at the bar.
Opening hours (subject to change): Closed for summer
*Opening date is December 14, 2024.
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Frequently Asked Questions
There are ski vacation packages to Aspen Highlands, which bundle lodging, lift tickets, rentals, and transfers together to make your ski vacation planning a lot easier. See Aspen Snowmass ski packages for more information.
February is the best month to visit Aspen Highlands for less crowds and great snow. It is crowded from Christmas week until the end of January as the town of Aspen comes alive for the Wintersköl festival and the X Games. If you’re a powder hound, the best months to ski or ride Highlands are December, January, and February.
Aspen Highlands has basic amenities at its base village, including a ticket office, rental shop, ski school, public lockers, parking lot, restaurants, and a warming hut. There is also a free shuttle service bus stop that connects Highlands to Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, and Snowmass.
Aspen Highlands usually opens from mid-December to mid-April. For historical and estimated opening dates, see Aspen Highlands opening dates.