TOP 10 THINGS ABOUT ASPEN HIGHLANDS

Aspen/Snowmass, Colo… Aspen Highlands, said to be the hidden jewel of Aspen/Snowmass' four mountains, celebrates its 50^th Anniversary this season. This intimate but extensive mountain boasts the epic Highland Bowl as well as gentle, rolling blue runs.

1.      NEW Canopy Cruiser – Aspen Highlands will add up to 18 additional acres of skiing and riding in the Deep Temerity area, between Hyde Park and Mushroom Chutes, called Canopy Cruiser. The term Canopy stands for the prominent large trees in this area, whereas Cruiser is a relative term to your skill level on this challenging double-black diamond terrain.

2.      Highland Bowl – A 45-minute plus long hike drops skiers and riders in 160 acres of backcountry terrain in a controlled in-bounds environment.  Once guests reach the 12,392 foot summit, they can soak in the 360 degree views and catch their breath before plummeting into the wide-open, long-steeps of Highland Bowl.

3.      Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro – Just below the Cloud Nine lift, this quaint little cabin serves delicious European fare including wild game, stews and fondue.  Sweeping views of the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak can be seen from one of the finest on-mountain restaurants in Aspen/Snowmass.  Snowcat dinners are scheduled throughout the season – a unique dinner experience not to be missed. 

4.      Golden Horn – If you're looking for a groomer all to yourself, then take the Thunderbowl lift for a warm up on Golden Horn run. Fun, fast and groomed, this area is great for a first run and quick laps.

5.      The ski industry's largest on-mountain solar panel – A 2.3KW solar panel over looks the beautiful Maroon Bells and powers the Highlands patrol headquarters at the top of Loge lift.

6.      Helly Hansen Battle in the Bowls – Come watch or compete against Aspen/Snowmass Team Athlete Chris Davenport in the second annual Helly Hansen Battle in Bowls, where teams of two use GPS devices to track how skilled they are at skiing the many bowls and variety of terrain at Aspen Highlands.  This year's event is scheduled for March 29, 2009.

7.      Deep Temerity – In 2005-2006, Aspen Highlands opened the new Deep Temerity lift rising 1,700 vertical feet in 7.3 minutes and now accessing nearly 240 acres of advanced, expert and extreme terrain.

8.      How about a BBQ at 12,392?  Aspen Highlands ski patrol throws a spring BBQ every year to thank locals and guests a like-they do all the work all you have to do is eat! 

9.      End of season party in April at Highlands  – One of the biggest and longest running local's parties of the year. Held in spring, at the base of the mountain, thousands of old-timers and new-comers join in the fun of music, skiing/riding and partying. 

10.  A blossoming art scene – The base of Aspen Highlands has become a hub for the arts.  Don't forget to check out the scene, complete with contemporary ceramic art, paintings and jewelry.

Aspen Skiing Company operates the four mountains in the Aspen/Snowmass area - Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk - as well as the award-winning Ski & Snowboard Schools of Aspen/Snowmass. The area offers unparalleled nightlife and off-slope activities as well. Aspen/Snowmass is accessible by two of the most convenient airports in the mountains – Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) (3 miles from Aspen) and Eagle County Airport (EGE) (70 miles from Aspen). For more information on Aspen Skiing Company, please call 800-525-6200 or 970-925-1220, or visit the company's website at www.aspensnowmass.com.  

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