Surprise! New Mexico has some great skiing, whether you're on the lookout for downhill or cross country. Find a family friendly spot at Pajarito or dip your toe into world class skiing in Taos. Put on your gloves and pack the car; it's time to hit the slopes and have some winter fun.
Not all ski areas are open daily. Please check websites for more information.
1. Angel Fire Resort
10 Miller Lane
Angel Fire, NM 87710
(575) 377-6401
Angel Fire is in the Moreno Valley, about a three hour drive from Albuquerque. The resort is a family friendly destination, with a kid zone, inner tubing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling and more. There are lessons and equipment rental as needed. Base elevation is 8,600 feet and peak elevation is 10,677 feet. Vertical drop is 2,077 feet. There are 74 trails, 26% beginner, 50% intermediate and 24% expert. There are seven lifts. Angel Fire also has a Nordic center which offers cross country skiing. Fifth graders ski free at Angel Fire all season long. They now keep their zipline open in winter.
Open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Night Skiing from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Opening date for 2012 is slated for December 14.
2. Apache
(575) 464-3600
Apache is a family friendly ski area in the Ruidoso area. There are lots of restaurants, hotels, entertainment and fun activities in addition to skiing. If you want to ski but don't like the cold, Apache is the place to go, as its temperatures are higher than other New Mexico destinations.
Base elevation is 9,600 feet and peak elevation is 11,500 feet. Apache boasts 55 trails, from beginner through expert, and an 1,800 foot vertical drop. There are fourteen lifts and 55 runs. There are plenty of ski instructors, with an emphasis on beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders.
Open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The mountain opens for the season on December 7 (tentative). All lifts and gondolas will be open by by Christmas along with the two terrain parks.
3. Chama Area Cross Country Skiing
Carson National Forest Cross Country Trails
The high and gentle terrain of the mesas near Chama make for great cross country skiing. In the Carson National Forest, there are groomed trails and marked tracks for skiing. Bring your own equipment, or rent locally.
The Chama Chile Valley Ski Classic happens every year over Martin Luther King Day weekend. The 2013 Chile Classic runs from January 19 - 21.
4. Enchanted Forest Cross Country Skiing
P .O. Box 521
Red River, New Mexico, 87558
(575) 754-2374
Enchanted Forest offers a full service cross country skiing area, with over 30k (19 miles) of groomed trails. Trails are available for all levels of skiers. Snowshoeing, yurt rentals, equipment rental, a day lodge and ski patrol are available. There are even trails to enjoy with your dog. Offers day tours, moonlight tours and videotaping, as well as lessons. Base elevation is 9,800 feet, and peak elevation is 10,300 feet. There are trail fees.
Open 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. For 2012-2013 season, check the website for opening day.
5. Pajarito Mountain
397 Camp May Road
Los Alamos, NM 87544
(505) 662 5725
Pajarito is on the eastern edge of the Jemez Mountains near Los Alamos. Just a two hour drive from Albuqueruqe, this family friendly ski area has 40 trails on 300 skiable acres. There are five chairlifts. In addition to downhill skiing, Pajarito has bump runs and glade skiing. Base elevation is 9,200 feet and peak elevation is at 10,440 feet. There are ski lessons and equipment rental.
Open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Season usually runs December through March; opening day depends on snow.
6. Red River Ski Area
P.O. Box 900
Red River, NM 87558
(575) 754-2223
Red River has become a year round destination, with shops, restaurants and plenty of recreation. This family friendly ski area has plenty of hotels and condos, equipment rental and lots of snow. Base elevation is 8,750 feet and peak elevation is 10,350 feet. Annual snowfall is 190 inches. There are 38 runs, from beginner to expert. Vertical drop is 1,600 feet.
Open 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
For 2012-2013, the ski area opens for Thanksgiving week, November 21 - 25. Enjoy skiing and snowboarding. They're open Thanksgiving day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Don't miss the frozen turkey race on November 22 (Thanksgiving), where participants ride a frozen turkey down the slope. Open November 21 = 25, November 30 - December 2, December 7 - 9 is snow tubing. November 23 - 27, December 2 - 4 and 9 - 11, then open daily December 14 - March 24.
7. Sandia Peak
(505) 856-6419
Where else in New Mexico can you opt not to drive to the ski area, but choose to take the tram? The tram is 15 minutes from a winter wonderland, or by car from Albuquerque, it's a quick 30 minute drive. Base elevation at Sandia is 8,678 feet, and peak elevation is 10,378 feet. Vertical drop is 1,700 feet. There are five lifts and 30 runs, 35% beginner, 55% intermediate, and 10% expert. Sandia has a ski school, terrain park, shop, restaurant and ski patrol. Adaptive skiing is an option as well. Cross country trails are available.
Open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The 2012-2013 season: December 15 is the tentative opening, depending on snow weather. The area remains open through March (end date TBD). Wednesdays - Sundays and holidays. Open daily December 15 (or opening date) through January 1 (dependent on snow). 2012 has not been a snowy one for the Sandia Peak area so far, so keep your fingers crossed.
8. Santa Fe
2209 Brothers Road, Suite 220
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 982-4429
Base elevation at Santa Fe is 10,350 feet, and peak elevation is 12,075. Vertical drop is 1,725 feet. Seventy three trails offer 20% beginner, 40% intermediate and 40% expert runs. There is a freestyle terrain park, the "Bone Yard." With bump runs, powder, a children's complex with daycare and an adaptive ski program, there's something for everyone. Telemarking is also available.
Open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The 2012-2013 season begins December 15, with closing date tentatively set for April.
9. Sipapu Ski Resort
Sipapu Ski Lodge
Route Box 29, Vadito, NM 87579
(575) 587-2240
Sipapu offers downhill and cross country skiing. Snowboarding is big, and there is a Terrain Park. Nineteen runs offer beginner, intermediate and advanced options. Base elevation is 8,200 feet, rising to peak elevation at 9,100 feet.
Open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
For 2012 - 2013: Lifts begin turning on Saturday, November 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the resort will be daily on Thanksgiving week until Sunday, November 25. Weekend operations resume on December 1-2, and daily operations are scheduled to begin on Friday, December 7. As of December 7, Sipapu is open every day.
10. Taos Ski Valley
P.O. Box 90
Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525
(575) 776-2291
Taos is a top skiing destination, known for its great runs and high slopes. Base elevation is 9,207 feet and peak elevation is 11,819 feet. There are 71 runs, from expert to beginner, and 10 lifts.
Open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
2012 - 2013 season: Open Thursday - Sunday with daily lift service. The season begins December 13; number of lifts open depends on snowfall. Check the boards to see what terrains are open.
11. Valles Caldera National Preserve
(505) 216-2690
The peaceful rolling terrain of the Valles Caldera offers cross country skiers over 37 miles of trails, ranging from easy to difficult. Some skiers make their own trails on the powder. Ski rental equipment is available, but on a limited basis. Moonlight skiing is available. The Coyote Trail is free of charge during daylight hours; other trails have trail fees.
Open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
2012 - 2013 season begins December (tentative). Call 1-866-382-5537 for updates.
Two free days will be offered for the 2012 - 2013 season, December 15 and January 12. Snowshoeing will also be free those days from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
