First cat ascends Highland Bowl prior to closing day

With the end of the ski season looming, Petra has made it in under the wire to become the first known cat to hike and ski Aspen’s iconic Highland Bowl.

Petra, a 3-year-old Siberian Forest feline, summited the Bowl on Sunday, March 30, with her pet parent Nicole Twohig. Twohig is an Aspen native who now lives in Alaska; she still teaches skiing when she’s back in town and often gets to take kids up on Highland Bowl for their first time. Experiencing the great weather up there last week inspired Twohig to take the adventure with her furry friend.

“It’s something I’ve been thinking about doing with her for a long time,” Twohig said. “She just loved it; she’s really down for all of it. When we got to the top, she was so excited. We ripped down G-8 and she was stoked.”

Twohig kept Petra in her backpack for the hike up due to the crowds, but Petra did put her paws down at the top and walk around a bit before Twohig skied down. Twohig’s sister and friends came along to witness the historic day.

“As long as you make sure you’ve got a trusting relationship with your kitty, they are the best adventure buddies,” Twohig said. “They’re really capable companions. I always had dogs, so I just figured why would I not take my cat?”

While taking any pet other than a certified avalanche dog up Highland is traditionally frowned upon by mountain operations, Aspen One has offered their congratulations to Petra on her accomplishment.

“As of right meow, she is the only cat to have done so,” Aspen One said in a statement. “We’d also like to remind folks that our guests’ pets are not allowed on any of our mountains, unless you’ve received specific prior permission.”

Petra and Twohig have also skied all of Ajax and Ruth Glacier in Denali National Park together, in addition to snowmobiling and rafting. Petra apparently stays warm and happy with her three coats of fur.

Those planning to attend the Highland Closing Party on Sunday, April 13, might have the chance to see Petra back where it all began. While Twohig can’t confirm yet whether Petra will be able to make the flight, she said it’s very possible for partygoers to have a sighting of the furry athlete.

“That’s the whole point for us,” Twohig said. “If you see us, the goal is to make you smile. This has turned into something that makes people really happy.”

Looking ahead, Twohig is hoping to get Petra up a 14er, potentially planning for Mt. Elbert first.