The Highland Bowl is where telemarkers and others go for a backcountry-like experience. It's a double-diamond area at the top of the Loge Peak lift. It's almost worth it, though, simply for the view of the Maroon Bells from the summit. More terrain is set to open in the Highland Bowl this ski season, as well as free snow-cat service from Loge Meadow to the top of Whip's Veneration. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean an end to hiking to the peak it'll just be a shorter walk.
Highlands does have some fun trails for intermediates.
Ogilby recommends Golden Horn, a long run off the Thunderbowl lift, especially if it's a soft snow day. But blue cruisers just aren't Highlands' thing. Most people go to Snowmass or Buttermilk for blue cruisers. Ogilby's vision of Highlands as a '70s-era haven for hardcore skiers may be coming to a close. Or maybe not.