Climbing up to get down - Highland Bowl, Aspen
Ana and I learned to ski from beginners together in Aspen, Co over 15 years ago. Introduced to us by our good friend Laura, the town has continued to draw us back year after year both in the summer and winter. Over this time, with lessons and practice, our skiing has steadily improved. Our kids, Jamie and Gemma, started skiing when they were 3 years old at powder pandas. Now they are accomplished skiiers and their parents have had to work hard to make sure we can keep up!
When we first started our lessons in Buttermilk all those years ago, I remember we discussed that one day, when we were good enough, we would go ski the Highland Bowl, a set of steep double black diamond runs only accessible by climbing uphill for around 40-45 minutes.
Finally, the day came, Spring this year, where we felt confident enough to go and give the runs a go. Our ski instructor Bob Mattice, kindly offered to guide us up and down.
The climb is in three sections...the second of them being the longest and steepest. Once you get over this the final ascent to the top is not too tiring....but being at altitude it is hard work. You have to carry your skiis as well which can be awkward, especially when Ana persuaded me to carry hers as well!
The view down as we walked up made us wonder...
Bob and Ana at the top...
Climb done....now just to ski down
And the view at the bottom of the bowl.....
Have to say, the ski down was steep but because it was so open and the ski so good it was not that hard. Really enjoyed it...
Anyway, having safely got to the catwalk at the bottom we took the Temerity lift up and skiied to the Cloud Nine restaurant for a slap up meal and a few glasses of wine..
Thanks so much to Bob for taking us up...a wonderful experience. One that we will do again very soon - with the kids I hope!
