Aspen Peak - Niche Media - Aspen living at its peak
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and at times, gnarly Highland Bowl traverse, a long, roller-coaster catwalk that garnered both excitement and bruises. "You could always tell a Highlands skier (before the Deep Temerity lift installation), as they'd have this massive right leg, because of the two-mile traverse," laughs Smith. With the opening of the Deep Temerity terrain and lift, Highland Bowl staked its claim among the "extreme" scene, an oft-overused yet apt term for skiers wanting to push the boundaries of the sport. "Before the Deep Temerity chair we felt a little shortchanged; you skied The Bowl and all of a sudden you were cutting left," says Davenport. "But there's all this great skiing down below. It's not as steep, but it's long and there are some fun little pitches. Now you can ski Deep Temerity in addition to the length of The Bowl. It places that portion of Aspen Highlands in the top handful of runs or areas of terrain in the country." Today, there isn't another resort in the state that claims as many acres of steep terrain served by one lift. "It changed Aspen," says Smith. "We all of a sudden had the beef." That "beef" will be newly challenged and celebrated this season as a bona fide stop on the free skier extreme competition circuit. Formerly known as the Colorado Freeride Series, the new Mountainstyle competition (held January 28–30, 2013) moves from its former venue at Snowmass Mountain to Highland Bowl. Akin to Silverton's successful Red Bull Cold Rush competition, the event's steep terrain atop Highlands will most likely raise the caliber of contestants. "Mountainstyle will pull in a high caliber of athletes, hopefully the top male ski and snowboard athletes in the game," says Aspen Skiing Company public relations manager Meredith McKee. "We're thrilled to host a pioneering backcountry slope-style competition of this level and watch all the action go down in our very own backyard." Additionally, Davenport will host the grueling annual Power of Four Mountain Battle (December 15–16, 2012), as part of the Power of Four competition series. The story of extreme skiing at Aspen Highlands may still be unfolding, as Smith has his eye on opening Loge and Maroon Bowls, perhaps in the next decade. "Loge and Maroon Bowls offer tremendous opportunities at Highlands for the future. It should be considered and looked at." For the time being, however, locals and visitors will certainly have plenty of playground with what's currently accessible in The Bowl. Many consider The G-Zones, a North-facing aspect of tree-lined terrain with endless powder stashes, to be its gem. "To me, the Gs are the crème de la crème because it's so steep, so north, it gets more snow, and the snow stays better quality for longer," says Smith. GO WITH A PRO Guided tours to backcountry bliss. Highland Bowl first-timers should go with someone familiar with the area. "There's enough of a reputation with Highland Bowl that most people will not go up uneducated or uninitiated," says professional skier Chris Davenport. "It's a big hike, but it may be the most rewarding one you ever do." Follow the lead of these expert guides: Free Wednesday Ambassador Tours: Experienced skiers can meet at the Highlands Guest Services station at 11 AM (near the Merry-Go-Round restaurant) for a free tour to The Bowl. Typically capped at 15 people, the tour offers companion and safety An alpine hitchhike: The snow cat takes skiers and riders to the first access gate. But perhaps it's the unpredictable personality of The Bowl that will continue to draw us to its ridge. Authentic, proud, and at times unapologetic, when at its kindest, on a deep, blue bird Colorado powder day, it offers an adventure like none other. "Man hugs at the bottom of The Bowl are not uncommon," adds Smith. "We get to experience something that not many other people get to do. It's life changing." AP guidance only. For ski instruction, Aspen/Snowmass Ski School is one of the best. aspensnowmass.com Beyond The Bowl: For an out-of-bounds adventure, Aspen Expeditions has a team of certified mountain guides that can lead ski descents past the top of Highland Bowl. After reaching the top, clients continue along Highland Ridge and drop into untouched runs that descend 4,000 feet to the valley floor. aspenexpeditions.com Powder Tours on Ajax: For a change of scene, Aspen Mountain Powder Tours can coordinate incredible backcountry trips. Hop a luxurious, heated snowcat (complete with iPod dock) to the backside of Ajax, where expert guides unveil their secret stashes. Less steep than Highland Bowl, the terrain is equivalent to blue and black runs. During a ski break, refuel with a hearty lunch at a charming miner's cabin. aspensnowmass.com ASPENPEAK-MAGAZINE.COM 165