Complete New Mexico Ski Resort Guide

ANGEL FIRE RESORT

With the longest green run in New Mexico (3½ miles) and the state’s only night skiing operation, Angel Fire beckons those who live to ski and ride. Then again, winter lovers also come to experience the three-lane tubing hill, indulge in complimentary s’mores on Fridays and Saturdays, and revel in the snow—often for the first time. “We operate with families and kids at the forefront of our minds,” says marketing manager Michael Hawkins. TRY THIS: The new Rakes Rider lift gives expert skiers easier access to black diamond runs like Nice Day and Hell’s Bells.

VITALS: Vertical drop: 2,077 feet / Annual snowfall: 210 inches / Skiable acres: 560 / Lifts: 8 / Terrain parks: 3

ENCHANTED FOREST CROSS COUNTRY SKI AND SNOWSHOE AREA

High in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains lies a magical forest blanketed in white. It sounds like a fairy tale, no? Slip on cross-country skis, don snowshoes, or hop on a fat bike to experience the miles of trails and epic views of the Wheeler Peak Wilderness and beyond. TRY THIS: Work off that holiday feast during the annual Luminaria Ski & Snowshoe Tour on December 25, when a short, groomed loop is set aglow with hundreds of farolitos.

VITALS: Trails: 33 kilometers of groomed trails for skiing and 18 kilometers for snowshoeing / Annual snowfall: 200 inches / Skiable acres: 600

PAJARITO MOUNTAIN SKI AREA

Navigate the same runs that J. Robert Oppenheimer and fellow Manhattan Project scientists rode in the 1940s. Their passion for fresh powder laid the groundwork for the 44 trails and six lifts on Pajarito that we still ski and ride today. TRY THIS: Experts can race down Pajarito’s double-black mogul runs dubbed the Fab Four. Then, enjoy the slow ride—and the rest—when you take one of the resort’s old-school lifts back to the top.

VITALS: Vertical drop: 1,440 feet / Annual snowfall: 137 inches / Skiable acres: 280 / Lifts: 6 / Terrain parks: 0

RED RIVER SKI & SUMMER AREA

In the late 1800s, industrious folks flocked to Red River in search of silver and gold. Today, they arrive seeking white—and 10 new snow guns will ensure there’s plenty to be found. In a ski town rated among USA Today’s best, spend the day rotating through the resort’s 64 trails and the evenings listening to live music in the easy-access downtown. TRY THIS: Catch the Torchlight Parade and Fireworks show every Saturday night throughout the season from the Grill at the Lift House’s expansive deck.

VITALS: Vertical drop: 1,600 feet / Annual snowfall: 214 inches / Skiable acres: 285 / Lifts: 7 / Terrain parks: 2

SANDIA PEAK SKI AREA

New Mexico’s relaxed, fun, and family-friendly ski culture began at Sandia in 1936. “Many of the runs follow their original cuts, giving guests the same views and mountain experience that skiers enjoyed more than 80 years ago,” says Thaniel Cebulla, Sandia Peak’s regional marketing coordinator. TRY THIS: Explore New Mexico’s rich skiing history in the cozy Sandia Peak lodge, where vintage photos and articles adorn the walls.

VITALS: Vertical drop: 1,700 feet / Annual snowfall: 117 inches / Skiable acres: 300 / Lifts: 3/ Terrain parks: 1

SIPAPU SKI & SUMMER RESORT

When the Bolander family opened the resort in 1952, their goal was to show others how fun skiing—and the culture surrounding it—can be, and make sure it was approachable enough to try. That tradition continues with lift tickets starting at $19 and a free pass for kids age 12 and under. TRY THIS: While the 47-year-old single-person surface lift to Sipapu’s beginner terrain was an icon, newbies can now enjoy an updated, two-person Lift 3.

VITALS: Vertical drop: 1,055 feet / Annual snowfall: 190 inches / Skiable acres: 215 / Lifts: 6 / Terrain parks: 4

SKI APACHE

While snow may be king at this ski area, one of the few in the U.S. under Native tribal ownership, the abundant sunshine is queen. So be sure to pack ample SPF when tackling Ski Apache’s 55 green, blue, and black runs. (Don’t miss the Apache Bowl if you’re an intermediate- or expert-level skier.) TRY THIS: Take a ride up the Sierra Blancas on New Mexico’s only gondola lift.

VITALS: Vertical drop: 1,900 feet / Annual snowfall: 180 inches / Skiable acres: 750 / Lifts: 9, including the gondola / Terrain parks: 0

SKI CLOUDCROFT

The team at family-run Ski Cloudcroft loves introducing people to the sport. Often, that process first requires introducing them to snow. “We’re regularly told by customers that friends sent them our way because we’re so family oriented,” notes Michael Adams, who manages the rental shop at his family’s ski area. TRY THIS: The ski area’s new PistenBully 100 Snow Groomer means more time on the 700-foot tubing hill.

VITALS: Vertical drop: 700 feet / Annual snowfall: 70 inches / Skiable acres: 100 / Lifts: 3 / Terrain parks: 0

SKI SANTA FE  

With 87 trails, three terrain parks, and skilled ski school instructors, Ski Santa Fe offers a “little something for everyone,” says director of marketing Eric Thompson. Plus, the upgraded Easy Street Beginner Lift offers wider chairs and more room for families to ride together. TRY THIS: Hunger emergency? Order the Patrol Special at Totemoff’s Bar & Grill for a life-saving pork tamale served in a bowl of green chile stew.

VITALS: Vertical drop: 1,725 feet / Annual snowfall: 225 inches / Skiable acres: 660 / Lifts: 7 / Terrain parks: 3

TAOS SKI VALLEY

New Mexico’s largest ski area promises an array of runs ranging from greens (try Honeysuckle) to epic double blacks off 12,481-foot Kachina Peak. But diversity isn’t just found in the terrain. “It’s truly a rare combination of world-class, big mountain skiing and a deep connection to our New Mexican culture, hospitality, and cuisine,” says CEO John Kelly. TRY THIS: Taos Ski Valley celebrates its 70th anniversary with $70 lift tickets through December 17.

VITALS: Vertical drop: 3,131 feet / Annual snowfall: 275 inches / Skiable acres: 1,294 / Lifts: 13 / Terrain parks: 2

Planning your first ski trip this season? Get ski-ready with these pre-season training tips.