New Mexico is known for its great weather, amazing culture, great food and SKIING. To that end take a minute to learn about the various ski areas in the Land of Enchantment.
SKI SANTA FE MOUNTAIN STATS & HISTORY
With a base elevation of 10,350 ft, Ski Santa Fe is the launching point for a ski experience your family will never forget. Located only 16 miles from the heart of Santa Fe, a city rich in culture, fine arts and exceptional cuisine, this is one of the country’s most diverse and unique ski destinations.
OPEN DATES 11.26.15 — 4.3.16 (tentative)
16 MILES FROM SANTA FE
79 TRAILS (20% easy 40% intermediate 40% expert)
36 RUNS GROOMED DAILY
SNOWMAKING ON OVER 50% OF THE MOUNTAIN
225 INCHES AVERAGE SNOWFALL
400 YEAR OLD CITY PLAZA
660 ACRES OF STUNNING TERRAIN
1725 VERTICAL FT OF SKIING
TAOS SKI VALLEY
A quaint, laid back resort located in the Southern Rockies of Northern New Mexico, Taos has something for everyone from great green and blue trails to world renowned expert terrain. Mixed with the beauty of the desert Southwest and ambiance of old Europe, Taos is a unique destination for and winter sports enthusiast.
Some ski resorts are manufactured for the masses. This is not one of them.
Taos Ski Valley is a rugged, authentic mountain, pioneered by people who put skiing first and all else second.
Kachina Peak stands high above the Sangre de Cristo mountain range at 12,481 feet. From here, skiers and boarders survey some of the finest terrain in North America – bone dry powder shots, steep chutes, big bumps, cornices, and glades- it is all here. If heart-stopping terrain is not your thing, you will find miles of well-manicured slopes and gradual groomers to carve up all season long. This mecca of snow sports shows every level of skier and boarder a great time.
Thanks to Mother Nature’s genius and some coveted stashes, there’s always more to explore than your legs will allow.
Red River Ski and Summer Area
Silverado. Goldrush. Lucky Strike. You’ll find a gold mine of great runs in this old mining town turned “Ski Town of the Southwest.” At Red River Ski & Summer Area the attitude is laid back, the people are friendly, and with an average of 18 feet of snow each year and plenty of sun, conditions are great. With our mixed terrain, ski-through replica of a mining camp, and terrain parks, our mountain keeps skiers and boarders of all abilities entertained and challenged.
With a blanket of sparkling snow and blue skies overhead, Red River is a winter wonderland. Bundle up, grab your gear-or rent it here-and get ready for cool outdoor adventures. Red River Ski & Summer Area, located right in the center of town, is a short walk from most lodges.
Just learning, or want to polish your skills? The professional coaches in our highly-respected ski and snowboard school offer youth, teen and adult classes for skiers and snowboarders at all levels.
SIPAPU
Home to the longest ski season in New Mexico, Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort offers a natural mountain terrain, perfect for all ability levels. From green and blue groomed cruisers to the steeps and powder stashes found above Lift 1, this mountain has something for everyone.
What’s more is that you can access it all without waiting in a lift line nearly all season long.
Sipapu’s philosophy is to be the most family-friendly resort in the Rockies, and guests have been bringing their children and grandchildren to our mountain since 1952. Our resort is small enough so that kids won’t get lost, and our laid-back style is perfect for families looking to simply enjoy a family vacation they can afford.
Our mountain features ongoing, free events. For additional information, check out our calendar of events.
Sipapu also provides the perfect place to learn to ski, snowboard and more. If it’s your first time on the slopes, come to Sipapu and get your first three lessons for FREE!
Pajarito Mountain
Pajarito Mountain is located on the eastern edge of the Jemez Mountains in north central New Mexico, 5 miles west of Los Alamos. It comprises around 750 acres of land, privately owned by Los Alamos Ski Club, that was developed as a ski area in the late 1950’s. The mountain has great views to the east over the Rio Grande Valley towards the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and from the top, to the west over the Valle Grande. More history »
Pajarito Mountain currently has about 300 acres of cleared skiable terrain, not counting some excellent tree skiing, and has some of the best bump skiing in the state. It is rarely crowded, and is noted for its lack of lift lines. It is open to the public, selling both day tickets and season passes, and is a not-for-profit organization. There is no lodging at the mountain, but there are several hotels and other lodging options available in Los Alamos and Santa Fe.
This article was posted by Jesse Williams
