How about skiing and riding the winter sun on the fantastic slopes in the Land of Enchantment!? New Mexico's alpine and Nordic ski areas dotted throughout the state offer the ultimate in sporting options, unbelievable food, astonishing scenery, and an unforgettable cultural experience. And, of course, exceptional skiing and riding.
The ski season in numerous New Mexico resorts varies from mid-December to early April, with the best snow conditions for winter sports lovers between February and early March. So here are some of the state's most popular ski resorts for your attention.
Taos Ski Valley
Settling itself in an intimate valley, Taos Ski Valley is deemed to be New Mexico’s largest ski resort offering world-class terrain. It is famous for Kachina Peak, which reaches 12,481 ft (3,804 m) above sea level. Annually, Taos Ski Valley receives around 305 in (775 cm) of snowfall and offers 110 trails across 1,294 ac (524 ha). Taos offers great snowboard lessons through ski school, rentals, snowboard, and ski shops, as well as several perfect dining options. vertical: 3274 ft (998 m) area: 1,294 ac (524 ha) runs: 110 (beginner: 24%, intermediate: 25%, advanced: 51%) lifts: 1 double, 4 triples, 3 quads, 1 high speed quad, 1 gondola, 4 conveyers season: late November to early April
Ski Santa Fe
Ski Santa Fe has something unique for every taste. Known as one of the oldest and highest ski areas in the United States, Ski Santa Fe resort starts at 10,350 ft (3,155 m) in the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. The resort boasts several beginner slopes, long bump runs, groomed cruisers, and even tree skiing. Everyone can find something based on their preferences. More experienced skiers have a chance to participate in out-of-bound Big Tesuque run among the old-growth pine and spruce trees, which they will never forget. Night skiing here is possible as well. vertical: 1,725 ft (404 m) area: 660 ac (270 ha) runs: 86 (beginner: 20%, intermediate: 40%, advanced: 40%) lifts: 2 doubles, 2 triples, 1 quad, 2 conveyers season: late November to early April
Ski Apache
Ski Apache is located 35 mi (56 km) from Alamogordo and represents the southernmost and the second largest ski area in the state. It is known for its exceptionally welcoming atmosphere. Ski Apache owns 750 skiable ac (300 ha) with a 1,900-ft (580-m) vertical drop and accepts over 180 in (460 cm) of snowfall annually. Ski Apache possesses a freestyle park with jumps and tubes for boarders. The resort operates a ski/snowboard shop, ski school, rental, and dining. vertical: 1,900 ft (580 m) area: 750 ac (3oo ha) runs: 55 (beginner: 20%, intermediate: 60%, advanced: 20%) lifts: 1 double, 5 triples, 2 quads, 1 gondola season: late November to early April
Angel Fire
Angel Fire Resort is located 60 mi (97 km) from Santa Fe. The mountain has a vertical drop of 2,077 ft (633 m), receives an average of 210 in (533 cm) of snow, and offers 550 ac (220 ha) with 75 groomed trails. Beginning skiers and boarders can sharpen their freestyle skills at the Lowrider Park, and more experienced riders can play on Liberation Park's rails, jumps, and fun boxes. Angel Fire also offers a lodge with a rental shop, snowboard school, and refreshments. vertical: 2,077 ft (633 m) area: 550 ac (220 ha) runs: 81 (beginner: 21%, intermediate : 56%, advanced: 23%) lifts: 3 doubles, 2 high speed quads, 2 conveyers season: mid-December to mid-March
Sandia Peak Ski Area
Situated right in Albuquerque's backyard, Sandia Peak crests at 10,378 ft (3,163 m) in elevation. Its area owns some of the state's most extended cruising terrain, a large trail system for cross-country skiing, and a snowboarding terrain park. The unbelievably scenic drive to the east side of the mountain will bring you from downtown to the ski area in about half an hour. If you have your own equipment, you can drive straight to the Sandia Mountain base at the city's eastern edge, ride the Sandia Peak Tramway, the world's longest aerial tramway at 2.7 mi (4.3 km), and ski down the mountains' eastern slope just from the summit. vertical: 1,700 ft (518 m) area: 300 ac (120 ha) runs: 35 (beginner: 23%, intermediate: 43%, advanced: 34%) lifts: 3 doubles, 1 tram, 1 conveyer season: late December to mid-March
Practical info
What is the ski season timeframe for New Mexico?
The ski season in New Mexico lasts from mid-December to early April with the best time for winter sports enthusiasts being February and early March. Ski resorts are generally open from late November to mid-March, although it is important to always check weather and snow conditions in advance for accurate information. Show more
Which is the highest ski resort in New Mexico?
Taos Ski Valley, which has a summit elevation of 12,481ft (3,804m) above sea level, is the highest ski resort in New Mexico. It has a skiing terrain of 1294ac (524ha) and receives an average snowfall of 305in (775cm) per year. Its intimate location and world-class terrain make it a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts. Show more
What makes Ski Apache a unique ski destination?
Ski Apache, which is located about 35mi (56km) away from Alamogordo, is known for its exceptionally warm atmosphere and quality rentals and dining options. With a vertical drop of 1,900ft (580m), 750 skiable acres (300ha), and an annual snowfall of over 180in (460cm), it provides skiers and snowboarders of all levels a unique skiing experience. Its freestyle park also features jumps and tubes for boarders. Show more
How far is Angel Fire Resort from Santa Fe?
Angel Fire Resort is situated around 60mi (97km) from Santa Fe, making it a popular winter sports getaway option for those living near the city. With a vertical drop of 2,077ft (633m), 550ac (220ha) of skiing terrain, 81 runs, and a yearly snowfall of approximately 210in (533cm), Angel Fire Resort is a perfect destination spot for skiers and snowboarders of varied skill levels. Show more
How can you access Sandia Peak Ski Area?
To reach Sandia Peak Ski Area, one can either drive to the Sandia Mountain base at the eastern edge of Albuquerque or ride the Sandia Peak Tramway, which is a 2.7mi (4.3km) aerial tramway and provides the longest aerial tramway journey in the world. Located in Albuquerque's backyard, Sandia Ski Area features a snowboarding terrain park and a large trail system for cross-country skiing. Show more
