A Bold Vision for Aspen Highlands
The Aspen Highlands Master Development Plan outlines a long-term, flexible vision for the mountain’s future.
Iconic for its steep skiing, legendary hike-to terrain on Highland Bowl, and a sought-after après scene, Aspen Highlands is defined by a welcoming, no-nonsense spirit that resonates with locals and visitors alike.
Founded and brought to life with a quirky, renegade spirit by ski pioneer Whip Jones, Highlands was incorporated into the four Aspen Snowmass resorts in 1999. But its independent nature remains. Highlands is a place still shaped by colorful characters, with sweeping views of the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak, and with a deep connection to the high alpine environment.
The 2025 Aspen Highlands Master Development Plan (MDP) is designed to lean into that soul. To sustain it. The plan outlines a thoughtful approach to enhancing the infrastructure that keeps guests moving, improving services and experiences that elevate the mountain’s strengths, and continues to protect the alpine environment that makes Highlands distinct. This plan represents a commitment to the Roaring Fork Valley, our visiting guests, and the natural landscape that makes Highlands truly extraordinary.
Timeline & Approvals
The Aspen Highlands MDP has been submitted to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and will require multiple layers of review and approvals including USFS, Pitkin County and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study before any individual projects are constructed. Pending appropriate approvals, implementation of components of the plan is anticipated to begin by the summer of 2028.
Lift Improvements & Mountain Infrastructure
Two Skiers at Aspen Highlands
Lift Improvements
- Maroon Bells Gondola: A two-stage gondola will replace the Exhibition chairlift, featuring a mid-station near the Merry-Go-Round and a top station near Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro. The gondola will operate in both summer and winter, and associated improvements to the plaza at the base will improve skier and pedestrian flow.
- Thunderbowl Lift Upgrade: The existing fixed-grip triple chair will be replaced with a high-speed quad chairlift for faster and smoother access that will cut lift time nearly in half. This upgrade will provide a particularly positive impact for the alpine racing community and race events that take place on Thunderbowl.
- New Apple Strudel Lift: A new chairlift will provide repeat skiing access to highly popular mid-mountain intermediate terrain.
Snowmaking Expansion
To ensure consistent conditions from opening day to closing, snowmaking coverage will extend up to Cloud Nine. Behind the scenes, we’re planning to upgrade pumps, underground piping, and control systems to make the system more reliable and energy efficient. These extensions were previously approved by both the USFS and Pitkin County but have not yet been constructed.
Dining & Facility Upgrades
The two on-mountain restaurants at Highlands are popular with locals and visitors alike, and small expansions are proposed for both in order to continue to provide high-quality, differentiated offerings that appeal to the wide range of Highlands skiers.
- Merry-Go-Round Restaurant: Adding 5,000 square feet for more seating, larger restrooms, an improved servery providing more culinary options and a larger bar.
- Cloud Nine: New exterior food window, accessible restrooms, larger deck, improved accessibility, and a new below-deck dining room featuring incredible views of the Bells and Pyramid plus additional back-of-house staff space.
A Year-Round Destination
Summer at Aspen Highlands
While winter at Aspen Highlands is paramount, the warmer months offer a different kind of magic. The base area has long served as a vital portal for parking and bus rides up to the Maroon Bells and the greater Maroon Creek Valley. The MDP envisions further activating Aspen Highlands as a true year-round hub for adventure.
We’re proposing new summer activations that align with the mountain's adventurous spirit. This includes expanding our hiking trails to accommodate all ability levels, connecting key resort areas like Highlands Peak, Loge Peak, and Cloud Nine. To elevate the experience (literally), we plan to install two pedestrian suspension bridges—one spanning Loge Bowl and another connecting Picnic Point to Bob’s Knob in the Oly Bowl area.
The Maroon Bells Gondola will also operate during the summer, offering scenic rides to the Merry-Go-Round and Cloud Nine. Designated summer activity zones will feature new scenic viewpoints, educational signage, self-guided scavenger hunts, and art areas. These additions will diversify our offerings and connect people to nature in new ways. Whether you're here to hike the Bowl or check out a new hike, Aspen Highlands can be your launchpad for discovery.
Stewardship in Action
At Aspen Snowmass, we believe in tangible climate action. Sustainability is the lens through which we view every project in the MDP.
- Environmental Studies: Our MDP processes include several layers of reviews before we move forward. A handful of stakeholders like the USFS will do a series of environmental studies and offer recommendations and guidelines, ensuring that remain great stewards of the land.
- Forest Health: A healthy forest is a fire-resilient forest. We’re adhering to strict guidelines to mitigate wildfire risks and control beetle infestation through glading and strategic trail networking. This helps the overall ecosystem thrive alongside our operations.
- Innovative Use of Resources to Maximize Efficiency: Implementing snow management processes like snow blankets and new efficient snowmaking technology uses significantly less energy than older systems, allowing us to do more with less.
Community Impact & Economic Vitality
Aspen Highlands is more than a ski area, it is a community pillar. The Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club calls the mountain’s base its HQ and the mountain hosts several race events each season. We are proud to serve as the training ground for the Roaring Fork Valley’s young athletes, helping them build character and skill on our slopes.
The improvements outlined in the MDP support the local economy by continuing to accommodate annual skier visits and by extending our operating seasons into the summer. Enhancing dining and lodging options to continue to meet and exceed the high expectations of our national and international guests, will help to ensure that Highlands remains a viable and vibrant destination and economic driver for the entire valley.
All and All
The Aspen Highlands Master Development Plan is a roadmap for the future. As we move forward, each component, from snowmaking pipes to summer trails, will undergo rigorous review processes. We invite our community of locals, visitors, and stakeholders to join us during these discussions. Together, we can ensure Aspen Highlands maintains its spirit for generations to come.