Replying to Aspen vacation/highlands bowl

Hey newschoolers what up, I hope this isn't a repost and it if is swiftly direct me to a similar thread, thanks. Anywho, me and three friends (all age 17) are going up to aspen and staying there for 8 days over February break. We plan on hiking the highlands bowl and have a few questions:
1) is a beacon/probe/shovel required for the hike? And if it isn't is it recommended?
2) where is the best place to find powder glades and cliffs?
3) are there any good places to build a BC booter inbounds? And if not anywhere out of bounds?
4) (optional) how is the bud situation? Is it a big deal or should it be kept nice and out of the open? Also is it easy enough to shoulder tap outside a dispensery?

Thanks guys I really appreciate legit answers, have a nice day!