Bowling, Highlands-style

By By Erik Skarvan

Growing up in Milwaukee, I had a lot of motivation to go bowling. You see…Milwaukee was the “Bowling Capitol of the World” and probably still is, unless some other Midwest town has grabbed the prestigious title. I had the iconic Echo Bowl nearby and plenty of bowling instruction and leagues to take advantage of throughout childhood in order to have fun and hone my skills. I honed my PBR beer-drinking skills at the same time!

Fast forwarding to my present healthy lifestyle in Aspen, there’s a whole new kind of “bowling” to be experienced, Aspen Highlands-style. Now this bowling is a bit more athletic and challenging, to be sure. As a weekly skier and blogger on Highland Bowl: The Bowl Blog www.aspensnowmass.com , I’m going to offer you a few basic pointers so you don’t strike out when hiking or riding her epic terrain. And I’ll spare you any further puns.

The Highland Bowl adventure is very unique--the complete backcountry experience--all within the Aspen Highlands' boundaries. Although her double-black-diamond “expert only” pitches are 40-45 degrees, the bowl remains relatively safe due to the avalanche control work systematically performed by the renowned Highlands ski patrol. These Herculean efforts--thorough bombing and ski cutting work--help create an amazing opportunity to ski or ride the steep and deep without the safety concerns typical of ski mountaineering. The hike entails traveling 782 vertical feet to a peak elevation of 12,392 feet and the descent travels a vertically impressive 2,552 feet over a variety of open, rock-banded chutes and pristine powder lines through the evergreens.

When ascending, skiers and riders have the option to ride the Bowlcat over the first part of the ridge, shaving off 15-30 minutes of hiking. The Cat shuttle usually runs from 10:30-2:30 each day and is recommended for first timers or those less aerobically fit or acclimated.

Once hiking, make sure to stay hydrated with an insulated water pack or water bottle. If I had a dollar for every time I see “bowlers” without water, well…I’d be close to retirement. Water provides energy and oxygen, helps maintain your core temperature and will assist in preventing altitude sickness, which is largely brought on by dehydration. Take a good swig of agua every 10 minutes. While you’re at it, bring energy snacks to give you an additional boost, enhancing your hiking and riding experience. I prefer Powergels to provide tasty, quick energy. Drink before you’re thirsty and eat before your hungry.

Pace yourself properly. The hike can take up to an hour, depending on how you feel that day and the line you’d like to ski/ride. If you prefer the tree skiing the G Zones provide (like I do), you’ll be doing the full hike out to Highland Peak. Hike at a pace that’s relatively comfortable to YOU. Don’t be sucked into the faster pace of others; especially “bowl hippies,” who hike it regularly and have the legs and lungs of Lance.

Be Miss or Mr. Manners and use etiquette, by stepping off the main hiking trail for faster hikers. Let them have the good, packed line then step back into the “boot stairs” and resume your trek. And don’t forget to take in the jaw-dropping views. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world…. and you are!