I finally skied Highlands Bowl

[skigrl27]

Wow. Anyone else out there lucky enough to have done this?

Last Saturday, sunny & cloudless, cold, windy. Started our hike around 10:45AM. Long & hard hike - followed by some intense skiing - not for the faint of heart. 10" of fresh powder. Amazing...

Easily goes down as one of the best days of my life. Certainly my best ski day...ever.

Merry Christmas all~!!

 

[Quiver Queen]

Hopefully will get a chance to do it next month!

 

[skigrl27]

Get those legs in shape & mentally prepare yourself for a big hike!! They call the final push "the stairmaster." Also, bring a pack or those straps to carry your skis. I did it without anything & I'll never do it that way again. It was still SO worth it.

 

[Quiver Queen]

What straps would those be?

 

[skigrl27]

Funny you ask...I had no clue about these "straps" either until recently. But Highlands Ski Patrol sells them. They're just nylon straps & I have no idea how to use them. Think - really long dog leash... Looked like people wrapped them around the bindings somehow. I saw people using them on the way up - doesn't look too comfy, but it's better then slinging your skis over your shoulder.

I got a nice Osprey ski pack for Xmas - so I no longer have to worry about it.

 

[Shellski]

TTIUWOP!!

Wow, that is great, what an achievement.

My husband is super keen to do the bowl when we get there, but I don't think I would make the hike, I don't think I am anywhere near fit enough, especially with the altitude factor. Maybe next time..

 

[Quiver Queen]

I'll check around & see if anybody around here knows about the straps, too. Sounds like a pack would be infinitely more comfortable.

 

[skigrl27]

Shellski - When are you coming out?

The skiing is not the hard part. If you take your time and pace yourself, the hike is do-able for anyone. It's about a 45 minute hike. You can always step aside to catch your breath. I rested on the way a bunch. If the weather's good - I'd say go for it. If you are comfortable with your skiing abilities (ie - you can ski the whole mountain) you should go for it!! It will definitely be the highlight of your trip.

Hike the bowl early, they usually open it around 10, 10:30. Then do lunch at Cloud 9...epic day.

 

[Quiver Queen]

Mr. QQ has a pack for skis that he's encouraging me to use to hike the bowl, but I think I've finally convinced him that the pack that fits him doesn't necessarily fit me. Somehow the ergonomics are off when the bottom of the pack hits the backs of your knees. So he's going to be ordering a women's Dakine Heli Pro pack for me that should fit perfectly, kind of a late Christmas gift. I cannot wait to go!

 

[Shellski]

Early February - 2nd to the 9th. I'd love to do it, but I am nowhere near as fit as I should be. It's not the ski down that would worry me, it's the hike up. Oh well, I'll see how I am feeling at the time. I have some other family in Aspen that week, so I'll have a few crazy Aussies you could take for a tour!

I'd love to meet up though, for a drink and a chat, and a ski if you have some free time.

I don't suppose you had a chance to take some pictures on the way up or down?