Skiing In New Mexico: Is It Worth The Trip?

can I travel to new mexico to ski

New Mexico is known as The Land of Enchantment for its diverse people, beautiful terrain, and, of course, its skiing and snowboarding. With eight alpine and three Nordic ski areas scattered throughout the state, New Mexico offers exceptional skiing and riding, stunning scenery, incredible food, and a unique cultural experience. The state's diverse terrain offers something for every skier and snowboarder, from wide-open slopes to challenging steeps. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you can enjoy the exceptional skiing conditions and breathtaking views of New Mexico's top-rated ski resorts.

Characteristics Values
Number of Ski Resorts 9
Ski Season November to April
Top Resorts Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire Resort, Red River, Ski Apache, Ski Santa Fe, Enchanted Forest Ski Area, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, Sipapu Ski Resort, Cloudcroft
Resort with Longest Ski Season Sipapu Ski Resort
Resort with Most Challenging Terrain Taos Ski Valley
Resort with Best Tree and Glade Skiing Ski Santa Fe
Resort with Best Snowmaking Crew Sipapu Ski Resort
Resort with Best Ski School Taos Ski Valley
Resort with Best Family Programs Angel Fire, Red River, Sipapu, Ski Apache
Resort with Best Restaurants Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Angel Fire
Resort with Best Bars Red River

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Taos Ski Valley: the biggest ski area in New Mexico

Taos Ski Valley is a village and ski resort in New Mexico, located in Taos County. It is the biggest ski area in the state with 1,294 skiable acres. The resort is known for its steep and difficult terrain, but it also offers beginner and intermediate trails off the top of every lift.

The area features 111 runs, with 24% for beginners, 25% for intermediates, and 51% for advanced skiers and riders. There are 14 lifts in total, including a gondola. The Kachina lift, constructed in 2014, serves one of the highest elevations of any triple chair in North America, reaching a peak of 12,481 feet (3,804 m) above sea level. The vertical drop is 3,274 feet.

Taos Ski Valley receives around 300 inches (760 cm) of snowfall per year. The resort is surrounded by Carson National Forest and offers stunning scenery, including views of Wheeler Peak, the tallest mountain in New Mexico at 13,161 feet (4,011 m).

The village of Taos Ski Valley is located at an elevation of 9,321 feet (2,841 m), with village limits reaching 12,581 feet (3,835 m). The village is home to around 69 people, according to the 2010 census, and has a variety of lodging options, including hotels, private home rentals, condominiums, and alpine-style bed and breakfasts.

Taos Ski Valley is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts and offers a unique public-private partnership with the United States Forest Service, which manages portions of the federal land utilized for these activities. The resort also has a ski school, the Ernie Blake Snowsports School, which is one of the highest-rated ski schools in North America.

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Angel Fire Resort: family-friendly with night skiing

Angel Fire Resort is a family-friendly ski resort in Northern New Mexico, 23 miles from the town of Taos. It has been a popular destination for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and groups since 1966. The resort is located 8,600 feet above sea level, with views of Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico. The top ski elevation is 10,677 feet.

Angel Fire Resort offers a wide variety of terrain, with most runs dedicated to beginners and intermediates, but there are also challenging trails for advanced skiers. There are over 80 runs and a terrain park. The resort also features night skiing, one of the only resorts in New Mexico to offer this.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, visitors can enjoy Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and tubing. The resort also offers a complimentary shuttle service that runs every 15 minutes to and from the resort and the various home and condo rentals in the area.

Angel Fire Resort has a highly-rated ski school, with excellent instructors who offer lessons for all skill levels. The resort also provides a range of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining, all while taking in the stunning views of Angel Fire.

During the summer months, the resort features one of the premier downhill mountain bike parks in the country, as well as New Mexico's best zip line, an 18-hole golf course, and more. Angel Fire Resort truly offers a memorable Rocky Mountain experience for the whole family.

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Red River Ski Area: a classic throwback ski experience

Red River Ski Area, located in the Southern Rockies, is a family-owned business offering a unique ski experience in the heart of New Mexico. With over 60 years of history, this ski resort combines the charm of a small town with the excitement of world-class skiing.

The resort is situated in the middle of the town of Red River, just north of Taos, and is easily accessible from nearby states such as Texas and Oklahoma. The ski mountain rises directly from the main street, providing a seamless transition from the town to the slopes. With a base elevation of 8,750 feet and a top elevation of 10,350 feet, Red River offers 209 skiable acres and a vertical drop of 1,600 feet. The area receives an impressive annual snowfall of 214 inches, ensuring ample powder for skiers and snowboarders alike.

Red River Ski Area caters to all skill levels, with most of its terrain suitable for beginners and intermediates. However, advanced skiers and boarders can still find challenging runs and surprisingly good conditions on certain days. The resort features 63 trails served by 7 lifts, providing a diverse range of options for all abilities. The toughest run, Catskinner, offers a thrilling experience for experts seeking a test of their skills.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Red River Ski Area offers a variety of other winter activities. Tubing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and OHV tours are available for those seeking adventure off the slopes. The resort also provides a ski and snowboard school, equipment rentals, and a range of family-friendly deals, making it an ideal destination for those new to winter sports. Summer activities include hiking, fishing, rafting, camping, biking, horse riding, and more, making Red River a year-round outdoor destination.

When it comes to dining and entertainment, Red River Ski Area delivers a classic western experience. The Bull O' The Woods Saloon, a longstanding tradition since 1939, offers a full kitchen, a wide selection of beverages, and entertainment options like pool and shuffleboard. For dancing and live music, The Motherlode Saloon is the go-to spot in town. T'Bucks, a family-owned restaurant, serves comfort food and donuts, while Anchovies Pizzeria satisfies cravings for gourmet pizzas and fresh salads.

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Ski Apache: the southernmost ski area in the US

Ski Apache, located in the Sacramento Mountains near the town of Ruidoso, New Mexico, is the southernmost ski area in the United States. The resort is owned and operated by the Mescalero Apache tribe and is situated on their reservation. With a base elevation of 9,600 feet and a summit elevation of 11,500 feet, Ski Apache offers 750 skiable acres across 55 trails, including a mix of wide beginner slopes, tough bump runs, and a large bowl.

The area receives an average annual snowfall of 180 inches, with some years experiencing large snowstorms that dump over two feet of snow. Ski Apache also has snowmaking capabilities, with the ability to make snow on 33% of the mountain, ensuring enjoyable conditions throughout the season. The resort typically operates from mid-December through mid-March, depending on snow conditions.

Ski Apache provides a unique ski experience, combining stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape with a variety of terrain to suit all skill levels. The resort offers 11 lifts, including New Mexico's only eight-passenger gondola, which provides access to the summit and expert runs. The area is particularly popular with skiers from Texas, and the nearby town of Ruidoso offers accommodation, dining, and entertainment options to complement your ski trip.

With its southern location, Ski Apache provides a novel ski experience in the Chihuahua Desert of south-central New Mexico. The resort offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural significance, and enjoyable skiing and snowboarding conditions, making it a unique destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

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Ski Santa Fe: one of the highest ski areas in the country

Ski Santa Fe is a medium-sized ski resort located 16 miles from Santa Fe, New Mexico. With a base elevation of 10,350 feet, Ski Santa Fe is one of the highest ski areas in the country, rising to over 12,075 feet. The resort offers 6 ski lifts, including 4 chair lifts and 2 surface lifts, and 67 trails across 660 acres of terrain. The vertical descent is an impressive 503 metres (1650 feet).

The resort caters to all skill levels, with a wonderful range of terrain for beginners, intermediate, and advanced skiers and snowboarders. For beginners, there are isolated slopes, while more experienced skiers can enjoy the out-of-bounds Big Tesuque run, which offers a powder hound's delight. Ski Santa Fe also offers lessons for those new to skiing and snowboarding, with Chipmunk Corner providing ski lessons and rentals for kids, as well as daycare for infants.

The lodge, La Casa Lodge, is located at the base of the ski area and offers breakfast and lunch with a food court-style setup, ensuring options for everyone. Totemoff’s Bar & Grill, located mid-mountain, is perfect for a midday break, with signature warm cocktails, hot chocolate, and locally crafted beers. The historic town of Santa Fe, known for its museums, shops, and historical buildings, offers a diverse cultural experience with exceptional cuisine and fine arts.

With its high elevation, Ski Santa Fe provides a unique and memorable ski experience, making it a great choice for families and enthusiasts alike.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, New Mexico is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. It offers diverse terrain, ranging from wide-open slopes to challenging steeps, catering to all skill levels.

Some of the top-rated ski resorts in New Mexico include:

- Taos Ski Valley: The biggest ski area in the state with 1,294 skiable acres and a mix of steep and difficult terrain, as well as beginner and intermediate trails.

- Angel Fire Resort: A traditional western ski resort with a family-friendly atmosphere, offering a range of terrain for all skill levels and the state's only night skiing.

- Red River: A classic throwback ski experience in a fun, western town with skiing on both sides of the mountain and 63 trails served by 7 lifts.

It is important to follow state and local health guidelines, plan ahead, and stay home if you feel sick. Many ski areas in New Mexico require guests to wear masks when entering, leaving, or moving through facilities.

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