Lets start this off and say this is not a mountain for beginners. I might even go so far to say it would be challenging for early intermediates.

This is good and bad. Its bad if you are just starting out and don't get to experience this. But its good in all other respects. There were fewer people when I was here (New Years Day 2017). There were also nearly zero children here. Its just not a kids mountain.

The Snow was clean, and the mountain was mostly open. A few big steeps were still blocked off, but even if they were open were not likely going to be heavily used from the looks of it.

Skiing here top to bottom was a fun experience and rather than heading to Snowmass for one of the 3 days I skied I would have come here again instead. I never waited in line more than about 1 -2 minutes and there were never issues with overcrowding even with the city being packed full for the holiday weekend.

I didn't make my way to Highlands but of the 3 I did this is very easily #1 by a long shot.

It was also easily walkable (even with Snowboarding boots on) from the St Regis Aspen.

I already booked my trip for next year, and can't wait!

We stayed on the mountain and Ajax was convenient also tried snow mass but loved Ajax, very challenging, not for novices

Stunning scenery within an easy gondola/ski lift ride from Aspen town. Good range of dining options at restaurant with surprisingly tasty fare. Suitable for intermediate to expert skiers with blue to double black diamond runs.