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Some time ago Aspen Highlands opened their Steeplechase area, which all the locals consider some of the best skiing in the valley. Now, Aspen Highlands has expanded their skiable terrain to include most of the terrain in the "Highland Bowl", which has skiing steep enough to rival anything the West has to offer.

Highland Bowl made its debut to the public back in 1997. The Bowl was opened for experts only who desire an "in-bounds" backcountry experience. Not for the weak of heart, the Highland Bowl will challenge the skill, stamina and capabilities of even the best skiers. Located at the top of the mountain (via the Loges Chairlift), the bowl encompasses the entire half of one mountain.

Access to the Highland Bowl demands a 45-minute hike from the top of the Loges Lift. The hike to the top is a test of conditioning as it rises from 11,675 feet to 12,382 feet at the top of the Bowl. In one or two places on the hike up, the path narrows to a single track that is only a foot wide and drops to the valley floor below. This portion of the hike up demands you keep your head down, not think about what you are doing and put one foot in front of the other. But, like all great adventures the hike is well worth the climb. Once at the top the view is spectacular with a 360-degree view of the surrounding peaks, which includes the breathtaking Maroon Bells.

This year the ski patrol is offering snow cat rides (11am to 1pm, conditions permitting) to the first access gate in the Bowl, which is usually a 20-minute hike. For those not accustomed to the altitude or in less than great shape, the snow cat ride will help save some of your energy and leg muscles for your ski down the Bowl.

The open area of Highland Bowl is divided into 5 areas. Each of these sections is roped or signed and entrance should be through these areas only. Slopes this extreme test a skier's mettle. The advice given on the extreme trail map states, "please do not underestimate this terrain OR overestimate your ability", and is something that should be taken seriously.

"Errors are exacerbated on runs this steep," says Rich Berkley, Director of the Ski and Snowboard Schools of Aspen. "Skiing the runs in Highlands Bowl demand mental preparation. These runs are not something you just jump into and ski, it's something you think about and plan. It's definitely a mental game."

With a vertical that approaches over 1,500 feet there are 15 designated shots slots or chutes that average between 40 and 48 degrees. To get an idea of what that might be like, take your dining room wall, pull it out about 5 inches at the bottom and you have that's what the pitch is like.

"Safety is our prime concern," says Mac Smith, 28-year veteran and director of the Aspen Ski Patrol. "As soon as the snow begins to fly in the fall, we put in over 1,200 man hours to boot pack the snow that has fallen." Boot packing is done by walking the terrain in ski boots (or in this case, belaying on ropes) to pack and help stabilize the snow.) "We only open the bowl when we know it's safe to ski" says Smith, "although safety is the first and most important concern, Mother Nature still rules and both terrain and environment should be given due respect".

After resting from the hike to the top our group skied the "Ozone" run, the highest run with the longest vertical and an initial pitch that was close to 50 degrees. The snow-pack was firm and stable with a light dusting of snow. The run was so steep that the snow loosened from each turn seemed to fall rather than slide. Although I consider myself in good shape, my quads were spent from the hike to the top and begging for mercy as I began my decent.

Because the run was so steep, balance over my feet and through each turn was my prime concern. A fall on this kind of run is something you want to avoid. I kept my hands as wide as possible and up in front of my body where I could see them. The common mistake most skiers make is dropping the inside hand and rotating the body. Each turn seemed to last forever and the sensations were as one would feel as if falling from the sky. The pitch and the vertical seemed endless was without a doubt some of the best steep terrain I have ever skied. It was easy to look back and stand in awe at the magnitude and magnificence of the vertical we had just skied.

If you're new to Colorado and have never skied Aspen Highlands or simply feeling bored with your own skiing and are looking for a challenge, check out the Highland Bowl. It's one of those experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.