Skiing and Snowboarding in New Mexico 2026

New Mexico offers some impressive ski resorts, each with its unique charm. Taos Ski Valley is renowned for its challenging terrain, with steep slopes perfect for advanced skiers and snowboarders, but it also offers beginner-friendly areas. Angel Fire Resort is great for families, offering gentle runs, night skiing, and a renowned terrain park. Ski Santa Fe is easily accessible from the city, boasting diverse trails and stunning mountain views. Red River Ski Area combines a small-town vibe with varied terrain, while Sipapu Ski Resort is known for its affordability and laid-back atmosphere, ideal for beginners and families.

Ski Season

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. Winter weather in the mountains brings cold, crisp air with average temperatures ranging from 20°F to 40°F. Snowfall can be plentiful, especially in higher elevations like Taos Ski Valley, creating excellent powder conditions. Sunny skies are common, offering clear days for skiing and snowboarding amidst breathtaking mountain scenery.

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 pass: Daily lift tickets at Taos start at $115 rentals: start at $55

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 pass: Daily lift tickets start at $102 rentals: start at $51

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 ski pass: Daily lift tickets start at $80 rentals: start at $49.99

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 ski pass: Daily lift tickets start at $120 rentals: start at $55

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 ski pass: Daily lift tickets start at $29 rentals: snowboards and skis start at $45

Red River Ski Area

Red River Ski Area is a family-friendly resort, known for its small-town charm and varied terrain. Perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, Red River offers gentle slopes for beginners and exciting runs for more experienced riders. Its welcoming atmosphere and cozy village make it an ideal spot for families and groups.

vertical: 1,600 feet (487 m) area: 209 acres (100 ha) runs: 67 (beginner: 32%, intermediate: 38%, advanced: 30%) lifts: 7 season: late December to mid-Marchski pass: ski pass: $85 per day rentals: start at $40