Highland Bowl
An Inbound-Backcountry Family Adventure
Kristen Lummis, braveskimom.com
The last time we hiked Highland Bowl, our younger son was 7. The skiing was sublime. The hike? Let’s just put it this way: I waited four years to do it again. Our son didn’t have a problem with the hike. I did. It was windy and I was nervous. While my husband and older son continued on, we bailed out before we reached the summit.
Hiking Highland Bowl
Four years on, here we were at Aspen Highlands on a Saturday, ready to try again. A family of four, mom, dad, and two sons, ages 14 and 11, we set our sights on the summit of Highland Bowl, a broad, expansive canvas of snow that crowns the mountain at 12,392 feet.
To get to Highland Bowl, you have to hike. There is a snow cat that will take you part of the way up, but after that you are under your own power and getting to the top is truly an exercise in “earning your turns.” Skis and snowboards are carried and poles are used as hiking sticks.
Unlike the previous time my son and I ventured up Highland Bowl, the day was glorious. Blue sky, no wind, cold, but not too cold, an ideal day for a hike in ski boots. When faster hikers came up behind us, we found a spot to move over and let them pass.
The trail up to the bowl follows a ridge line to a small, wide plateau (the perfect place to eat a snack!) and then up and over two more pitches to the top. The first section is by far the most difficult.
Having said that, the biggest challenge of the hike came for us after we’d reached the first plateau. In trying to keep up with his older brother, our younger son was spent. He knew from his previous experience that he didn’t have to reach the summit to ski down. He wanted to reach the summit, at least in theory, but he was beat.
Brotherly Love
And then came the defining moment of our day. Our oldest son had reached the summit first and was soaking up the abundant sunshine. When I got up to the top, he asked about his brother and immediately started back down the trail to provide encouragement. This doesn’t always happen. My sons, much like any other siblings, alternate between love and hate, between rivalry and teamwork. On this day, our oldest was all about teamwork. Working with his brother our younger son made it to the top.
The skiing was, of course, awesome. Skiing to the right off of the summit we picked a steep line with fantastic snow. After skiing down, we rode back up the Temerity chair, flushed with enthusiasm and ready for lunch. As far as skiing adventures go, it was perfect: Perfect weather, perfect skiing and some rare, but perfect, brotherly love.
Aspen Highlands Is More Than the Bowl
Aspen Highlands is a great mountain for skiers of all ages and abilities. The skiing at Highlands is laid out along and over a broad ridge. The terrain on top of the ridge is primarily beginner and intermediate. Beginner terrain is found off of the Exhibition high-speed quad, while some fantastic blue cruisers (and a super fun bump run — Scarlett’s) are found off of the Cloud Nine quad.
The black and double-black terrain is primarily found on each side of the ridge, where the mountain runs down into valleys. On the east side is the Deep Temerity area with steep, open mogul runs and glades. Because this area is east-facing, the conditions can be crusty and icy, especially in the spring. In cold conditions, or after a good snow, it is a blast. On the west side is Olympic Bowl, which is equal in pitch to Deep Temerity, but with much shorter runs and a traverse that takes you back to mid-mountain.
When You Go…
To hike Highland Bowl, take the Loge lift and look for the wooden signs that tell whether or not the Bowl is open. Ski past them and you’ll come to a “boarding area” — a platform built of snow — for getting onto the snow cat. You can also forgo the cat’s assistance and hike the entire way. The Ski Patrol hut is close to the top of the Loge lift, so you can buy straps to help carry your skis, if you need them, and ask any questions.
For the best deals on lift tickets, check aspensnowmass.com and buy at least 7 days in advance. Lodging information is also on the website. Our favorite family lodge in the Aspen Mountain Chalet, because of their home-cooked breakfast, outdoor pool and indoor hot tub. For good, moderately-priced family dining, check out the Cantina (Mexican) and Brunelleschi’s Dome (Italian).
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Ice Climbing in Ouray
Erica Lineberry, cragmama.com
Looking for an icy adventure for your family’s next recreation vacation? Don’t forget to make a pit stop in Ouray, Colorado, an area world-reknowned for its classic, high-quality ice climbing routes and a manmade ice climbing venue.
Novices will have a blast kicking and picking their way through the farmed ice of the Uncompaghre Gorge. The gorge is home too 200 named ice and mixed climbs, most within a 15-minute walk of the Park entrance. Guide services such as San Juan Mountain Guides not only will get first-timers of all ages out on the ice, but they also cater to families.
Experienced ice climbers looking to get away from the crowds will have no trouble finding solitude and longer, more remote routes further up Camp Bird Road.
Families looking to meet up with other like-minded adventurers need look no further than the Ouray Ice Festival, an international gathering of ice climbers that the town of Ouray has been proud to host since 1997.
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The Rio Grande Trail
Jen Charette, velomom.com
Thinking about Aspen in the summer? Start downtown where your kids can play in the water fountains, enjoy the local parks, and run on the pedestrian mall. When they tire of downtown, it’s time to get the family on their bikes and hit the Rio Grande Trail.
The Rio is 44-miles of paved trail that runs from Aspen to Glenwood Springs. A suggested family friendly ride is from the town of Aspen to the Woody Creek Tavern. The Woody Creek Tavern is the perfect spot to refuel and it is guaranteed to entertain your little one. The walls are covered with memorabilia, including a laughing bear, and a well lit buffalo head.
Families with extra energy can ride back to Aspen or you can catch a local bus back. Riding one way is 7.5 miles. If you want a more strenuous road ride after enjoying the Rio Grande, ride up to the magnificent Maroon Bells, the most photographed peaks in North America.
