Aspen Highlands Colorado (US)

Highland Bowl is a wonderful bowl accessible only by a hike or more specifically by taking the Loge Peak or Deep Temerity chairlift, followed by a snowcat ride and then followed by a hike after the trail becomes too narrow for the snowcat. I highly recommend a back-country backpack or harness or ski strap (sold by ski patrol if you need one) which can help you carry your skis as you might find it quite useful to have your hands free to articulate your poles as parts of the ascent are steep. Loosening your boots will definitely help make the hike more comfortable. The best snow is found on the North facing slopes (snow is more protected from direct sunlight) on the far side while the steepest terrain is on the South facing slopes. Highland Bowl also offers 1400 feet of ski-able vertical with wide open steep terrain, an infinite number of lines and a sustained average of 33 to 45 degrees of slope.

The bowl extends the resort's in-bound terrain, thus benefiting from avalanche control and other ski patrol services. Don't duck under the rope if the bowl is closed as it may take a while to blast and take care of avalanche dangers. The ski patrol will open Highland Bowl when it is safe. One must remember that on March 31st, 1984, three patrolmen (Chris Kessler, Tom Snyder, and Craig Soddy) died in an avalanche in Highland Bowl while doing avalanche control work, trying to prepare the bowl for the public. There is a shrine dedicated to them located on the right side of the Broadway run, just after exiting the Loge Peak lift.

The snowcat ride is free and is picked up at the top of the chairlift.

The G zone, B zone and Y zone are named after ski wax types. G zones face North (green wax), B zones face East (blue wax) and Y zones face South (yellow wax).