ELKE MAY’S FACE LIGHTS up when she talks about teaching kids to ski at Angel Fire Resort.
“Kids have such a unique and special perspective on things that seem really routine to adults—even just putting on skis or getting on a chairlift,” says May, a third-generation ski instructor who was recognized by the New Mexico Ski Hall of Fame as a Best of the Best honoree in 2023. “It’s just more of an adventure for them and makes you remember how that feels.”
Learning to ski on these slopes has become a family tradition. When a lesson ends, May notes, it’s not uncommon for the parents to tell her, “I learned at the ski school too.” And once newbies graduate from the bunny hill, about 21 percent of the 80 ski and snowboard runs are rated for beginners.
But don’t worry, there’s plenty to challenge the more experienced powder chaser, including Hells Bells, a black diamond run on the backside of the mountain. The resort also boasts the state’s only night
skiing, with two lifts keeping the downhill momentum going on the illuminated lower front side of the mountain.
“It’s just fascinating to be there in the dark with minimal lighting,” says Kat Carrillo, a ski, pickleball, and tennis instructor. “There’s something different about it. It feels quieter and peaceful, even though there’s plenty of people around.”
Those who glide at a slower pace can head to the Nordic Center’s more than 12 kilometers of groomed cross-country skiing—classic and skate—sharing trails with web-footed snowshoers. The routes traverse the high-altitude golf course over terrain ranging from easy to challenging, testing seasoned adventurers while families have fun together.
The Nordic Center’s weekend sledding hill for children 12 and under offers disc and pull-sleds for more frolicking. Kids and their adults delight at the resort’s three-lane, 900-foot tubing hill for more thrilling trips down the slopes.
Roadrunner Tours’s horse-drawn sleigh rides add charm to the season. Visitors snuggle under warm blankets behind gentle draft horses through serene woods and wildlife-filled meadows, getting a singular perspective on the region’s winter beauty.
“The sleigh tour goes up into a canyon where there’s always snow, because it’s protected,” says Roadrunner Tours owner Nancy Burch. “And guess who lives there? The deer. That’s always exciting for the visitors when they come out.”
All these activities make Angel Fire a gem among winter destinations.
“We haven’t been fully discovered as a getaway,” adds May. “When I’m away from Angel Fire and talk to people about northern New Mexico, they often say, ‘Oh, I had no idea you got snow.’ But not only do we have snow, we have amazing snow!”
NIGHT SKIING & SNOWBOARDING
From December 20 through mid-March, New Mexico’s only night skiing and snowboarding location offers some 50 acres of groomed ski runs on the front side of the mountain, and rails and boxes for terrain park thrills under pristine skies filled with stars. “It’s just a real hoot to go down as the sun is setting and the stars are coming out,” says resort marketing manager Mike Hawkins, who learned to ski on the mountain. “We’ve got both very mellow green terrain for the absolute beginners, and then Exhibition, which is a blue run.” Finally, hang out with the locals at the Village Haus to warm up with a snack and drink while watching the slopes.