Gallery ~ 3 Photos

Grace Ferguson

   Locals may despise the effects of the ‘tourist season’ on their beloved ski slopes, but when the weekend comes and they clip into their skis, most can still enjoy the mountain without a problem. Hidden powder troves, unrevealed runs and beautiful sun stashes are the ingredients for a memorable day. These three locals have their ways to escape the crowds and have a tourist free day.

Tim Grogan is an Aspen Highlands Ski Patroller. He loves skiing, and even has a run, Go-go Gulley, in the Highlands Bowl, named after him.

   “Favorite run…I would have to go with White Kitchen in the Bowl,” Grogan said.

   He also shares that most of the Lower Mountain runs are powdery too, though you would think they would get less snow.

   “Not too many people ski on the Lower Mountain, like the stuff in the P-Shoots and Mystic,” Grogan said. “You are almost guaranteed being alone in deep powder and woodsy turns.”

Ricky Wojcik, a sophomore at AHS, enjoys skiing the runs up Loge Lift on Highlands.

   “My favorite run is Steeplechase, because it always has lots of powder and is really really fun.” Wojcik said.

   Steeplechase includes Garmisch, Kessler’s, Sodbuster and Snyder’s Ridge, which all funnel to the Deep Temerity lift. When discussing the two restaurants on the mountain, the Merry-Go-Round and Cloud 9, Wojcik mentioned that they were both pricey.

   “I tend not to eat on the mountain because it’s quite expensive. Sometimes I pack food for myself or eat at the Alehouse,” Wojcik said.

Grace Ferguson, an AHS student athlete, agrees that the restaurants are not cheap, but the Highlands runs are so much fun and worth it.

   “I like Powder Bowl because there is tons of powder,” Ferguson said.

   Powder Bowl is forgotten by most skiers, since it is off the Five Trees Lift and hidden from the rest of the mountain by the ski racing course barrier. You can tell from it’s name that it will be a snow stash almost all winter.

As these Aspenites admit, whether you are disgusted by tourists or enjoy their company on the groomers, there are always ways to avoid the crowds and find hidden powder stashes.