Rumor has it that there is no steep skiing in Colorado. At least that's what I hear every time I venture to another area outside the state. Oh sure there's Berthoud Pass and Arapahoe Basin, and Telluride has some good shots. But the overall perception is that Colorado, in contrast to other Western states is flat.

Well I'm here to tell you that perception is unequivocally wrong. Last week I had the chance to visit Aspen Highlands one of the four mountains that make up the Aspen complex. It had been some time since I had the opportunity to seriously revisit the area I'd come to know so well. Aspen was one of the first resorts I skied when I first came to Colorado back in the early "70's.

Ever since I first began skiing Aspen Highlands I'd been hearing about the legendary skiing outside the area boundaries. Only problem was, skiing any area considered "out of bounds" meant loss of ski privileges, fines and jail time, not necessarily in that order.

Some time ago, Aspen Highlands opened its Steeplechase area, which all locals consider some of the best skiing in the Aspen Valley. Now Aspen Highlands has expanded its 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 public debut in 1997. The Bowl was opened only for experts who desire an "in-bounds" backcountry ski 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 Chair) the bowl itself encompasses half a mountain.

Access to Highland Bowl demands a 45-minute hike from the top of the Loges lift. The hike itself is a test of conditioning and endurance as it rises from 11675 feet to 12,382 feet.

In one or two places during the hike up, it narrows to a single track that's only a foot wide and drops off one side to the valley floor below. This portion of the hike requires 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 to the top is well worth the climb. Once you are at the top, the vista is spectacular, with a 360-degree view of the surrounding peaks, including the breath-taking Maroon Bells.

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

The open area of Highland bowl is divided into five areas. Each of these areas 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 trail map says, "Please do not underestimate this terrain or overestimate your ability." The warning 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 demands mental preparation. These runs aren't something you jump into and ski. It's something you think about and plan. It's definitely a mental game."

With a vertical that approaches more than 1,500 feet, there are 15 designated shots, slots or chutes that average from 40 to 48 degrees. To get an idea of what that might be like, take your dining room wall, and pull it out towards you 5 inches from the bottom and you'll see 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 stabilize the snow.

"We only open the Bowl when we know it's safe to ski," Smith says. "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 close to 50 degrees.

The snow pack was firm and stable with a light dusting of snow from the previous evening. 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 descent.

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 felt as if I were falling from the sky. The pitch and vertical seemed to go on forever. When we reached the bottom of the Bowl 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 feeling bored with your skiing and looking for a challenge, check out the Highland Bowl. It's one of those experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.