Today marks the official end of the bootpacking season! Thank you all for your hard work this year! The final check for days packed between 12/13-12/27 will be processed and paid on on 1/2/2026. PLEASE Fill out the Bootpacker Survey HERE or scan the QR Code below–Your feedback will help us improve the program going forward.
December 17, 2025
Attention Bootpackers: This Friday 12/19 will be the final day of bootpacking at Aspen Highlands. It has been a productive, safe and successful bootpacking season. On Friday, plan to pack a half day and celebrate your hard work with a BBQ at PHQ in the afternoon. Bring Your Own Grillables!!
December 14, 2025
If you are ready to finish your packing season, you need to follow these instructions to redeem your pass benefit. Make sure you include all of the required information to make the process occur. Refer to the Bootpacker Benefits link in previous posts. You may only apply your credit towards 1 ASC pass type.
The following information must be included in an email to [email protected]:
-Last Name, First Name
-Days Packed
-Ticket product choice (Premier College, Alpine 1-Day, Alpine 2-Day, Premier Pass, Transferrable -Day Lift Vouchers)
-Paid Parking Pass (Yes or No) *eligible if you packed 7 days or more packing
-Date of Birth
-Street Address/PO Box
-City, State, Zip Code
-Primary Phone Number
-Email Address
If you are transferring a pass benefit to another individual include (this does not include day tickets), provide this information for them:
Last Name, First Name
-Days Packed
-Ticket product choice (Premier College, Alpine 1-Day, Alpine 2-Day, Premier Pass, Transferrable Day Lift Vouchers)
-Date of Birth
-Street Address/PO Box
-City, State, Zip Code
-Primary Phone Number
-Email Address
If you, or the party you are transferring the benefit to, have previously purchased a pass or day ticket this season, indicate the item purchased in the email. This will notify ticketing of any reimbursements which may need to be processed.
Once this information is emailed to [email protected], you are instructed to wait for a confirmation email. At this time, and no earlier, you can go to ticketing to receive your benefit item. We ask that you treat everyone with patience and respect during this process. Vouchers must be redeemed by January 15, 2026 and cannot be rolled over or saved for future use.
The AHSP and ASC wished to genuinely thank you for your work this season. Please contact [email protected] with any questions. We hope you all have a great season.
Have Fun, Ski Safe!
December 12, 2025
Bootpacker Parking December 15-19 will be free for working packers at the Highlands. We will hand out parking vouchers at check-in. We ask that you park in the covered parking on the lower level in the back. Thank You!
-AHSP
December 10, 2025
Dear Packers, We would like to update you all in regards to our packing schedule for next week. At this time, we will offer packing Monday thru Friday next week, 12/15-12/19. As always, this is subject to changes in weather, snowpack and available work. Patrol will have the final say and will notify packers of any changes. As always, check back daily for any operational updates.
-AHSP
November 30, 2025
Time to Start Packing!
Monday, December 1, will be the first day of bootpacking for all Bootpackers hired for the 2025 season.
Please be prepared to start work at 7:55 am at the Aspen Highlands base area with all required equipment. Remember, this includes an avalanche transceiver, with batteries, appropriate vibram sole, or equivalent, boots and a helmet. You can read the list of other equipment needed for the day’s work in previous posts. Parking in the garage is free. Always be prepared to travel on skis. For those individuals that have warm, stiff mountaineering boots, this may be the preferred mode of travel until we have enough snow. If you only have ski boots, they will suffice. Our method of travel will depend upon the amount of snow we receive tonight. We will make this determination Monday morning.
If you have not finished the required paperwork for the job, HR will be on site to assist at 7:45am. Do not forget all required I9 documents for completion of this task. Individuals who have not completed the checklist will not be allowed to work until cleared by HR.
We plan on packing Monday through Friday this week with the possibility of Saturday, December 6. We will communicate the schedule on highlandspatrol.com. The schedule may change due to changing weather and snow conditions. We look forward to seeing all available packers
Respectfully,
AHSP
November 24, 2025
Greetings Packers!
Here is an update on the state of bootpacking at Aspen Highlands. Due to a lack of snow, there will be no bootpacking Thanksgiving week, November 24-30. AHSP is monitoring a change in the pattern after the holiday which could bring snow to the area. If the forecast validates, we are hoping packing will begin after the holiday weekend. The exact start day will be announced on highlandspatrol.com when we know. Please use this week to complete your hiring checklist. An email was sent out to individuals who have not completed the checklist and who need to hand documents in to HR. HR hours November 24-28 will be 8:30-4:30. The office will close Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, at noon and will be closed Saturday and Sunday. Thank You everyone for remaining vigilant and patient. Bring the snow!
Respectfully,
-AHSP
For those who want to check out the updated benefits, see the link Bootpacker Benefits. Thanks everyone!
November 6, 2025
AHSP has completed the first round of hiring for the 2025 season. The job application has been closed. If we need more individuals for the program, we will post to highlandspatrol.com. For those individuals who have applied and have received a job offer, please complete the checklist ASAP. If you need HR assistance, please refer to previous posts for hours of availability at Aspen Highlands. You can call or email HR at [email protected] or call (970) 300-7700.
UPDATED PACKER BENEFITS FOR THE 2025/26 SEASON CAN BE FOUND HERE
Here is a schedule of Aspen Snowmass HR hours for hired packers who need assistance:
Mon-Wed & Fri 8:30-4:30 starting November 1
Pray for Snow!
– AHSP
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Aspen Highlands Boot Packing Program 2025-26
We’re excited to share an update about the Boot Packing program at Aspen Highlands. Starting this season, Boot Packers will officially join Aspen Snowmass as employees, as they contribute to valuable operational work on our mountains.
Here’s what’s new:
· Boot Packers will now be paid an hourly wage for their work.
· Boot Packers will be on call/temp employees of Aspen Skiing Company.
· Participants will continue to receive pass benefits based on days worked. Complete benefits can be found by clicking Bootpacker Benefits 2025/26.
The evolution of this program reflects Aspen Snowmass’ commitment to fairness, stability, and continuing to provide opportunities for people to be a part of our unique mountain community. Boot Packers have always played a vital role in making sure our mountains are safe and available for everyone’s enjoyment. This new structure ensures that important work continues, while recognizing your time and contributions in new ways.
Packing the Highland Bowl
THE WORK
Some days, boot packing at the ski area involves long days spent outside in severe winter conditions at high altitude, marching up and down in the steep avalanche starting zones. The work is extremely strenuous and is comparable to mountaineering. All the inherent risks of that sport are here also, including falls or possible avalanche involvement.
Other days boot packing is much less extreme. When the weather is calm and sunny, and we ride the lifts back up the top Loge after each lap in Temerity, Steeplechase and Oly Bowl, the boot packing may not be as strenuous.
THE SCHEDULE
· During the early season (pre-Highlands opening) we may be working Monday through Saturday from 8am until 4:30pm, weather permitting.
· Packing will begin when there is sufficient snow in the starting zones. Due to this requirement, dates of operations may begin or end at any time. In the past the schedule has varied widely. We have begun as early as October 21st and as late as December 7th. Mid-November is the most common starting date. We try to finish packing by the end of December. In some years, boot packing ends by Highlands opening day in mid-December.
· Assuming favorable weather conditions, the job will last 6 to 8 weeks. It is up to the individual to fit their scheduled days into the days available for packing. There is no guarantee how many days will be available for boot packing.
· Some days, we will not pack while ski patrol performs annual training of staff, OR performs Avalanche Mitigation work.
THE GEAR
· Mandatory – Avalanche rescue beacon broadcasting at 457khz.
· A Vibram soled boot is required. Alpine touring boots, telemark boots or stiff snowboard boots are the ideal footwear.
· Full winter clothing able to withstand entire days outside.
· Packers are responsible for their own snacks and water and must have a suitable backpack for carrying personal gear.
· Skis and boards will likely be damaged due to traveling over low snow depth terrain. Bring “rock” gear. (Ask if you don’t understand what this means.)
· An ice axe, skins and AT bindings are a plus but not necessary.
HOW TO JOIN THE TEAM
· Any individual interested in Boot Packing will need to fill out an employment application located:
https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/AspenSkiingCompany/744000087352645-boot-packer-winter-25-26
· All Packers will be required to complete employment forms including a Form I-9 and provide original copies of acceptable I-9 documents before starting work. Not sure what docs to bring? See the link for acceptable documents:
Form I-9 Acceptable Documents | USCIS
· Human Resources will assist in completing employment forms during kick off meeting and be available on Boot Packing days to assist.
Looking forward to seeing you on the hike up!
Aspen Highlands Ski Patrol