Skiing in New Mexico

The magic of the New Mexico desert has captured many hearts.  Artists and writers go there for the colourful inspiration and otherworldliness of the place.   The State is worth a visit just to be in places like Taos or Santa Fe and experience the atmosphere, not to mention the many attractions such as the many Indian pueblos, including Taos Pueblo and other native treasures.   

In the Southern Rocky Mountains north of Albuquerque and up past Santa Fe are eight very different ski areas and resorts.   The most popular way to get there is via Albuquerque’s international airport.  From there you can either rent a car or shuttle bus to your area of choice and most of the ski areas to have lodging either at the base or close by.  They range from the well known such as Taos to small and friendly ski areas.  We have to mention that boarders are welcome in all but the Taos ski area.   Some areas offer cross-country, tubing, snowmobiling and other fun activities. 

The Sandi Peak Ski Area in the Cibola National Forest just outside Albuqueque has the world’s longest aerial tramway to the top of Sandia Peak.  You can enjoy some good long cruising runs on its 30 trails.  It has four chairlifts, surface lift and children’s lift. 

Other ski areas in the state include Enchanted Forest for Nordic, Red River, Sipapu, Ski Apache and Pajarito Mountain.

Web site:  www.skinewmexico.co

Ski Insurance

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SKI NEW MEXICO

• Angel Fire
• Santa Fe
• Taos

Angel Fire Resort

Located 150 miles from Albuquerque, Angel Fire takes its name beautifully from the light that shines on the mountain peaks at sunrise and sunset.   Boarders are welcome and it also offers two freestyle parks with a monster half pipe.   There is glade skiing on over approx. 14 acres, a tubing hill and a Nordic centre.  Classical music fans will have heard of Angel Fire for its world class Music Festival held every summer. 
Web site:  www.angelfireresort.com.

Angel Fire Mountain Information
Base elevation:              10,677 feet
Vertical drop:                 2,077 feet
Lifts:                             5+ (2 H/S quads, 3 double, plus 2 Sunkid Wondercarpets)
Runs:                            70 trails
Skier levels:                   26% beginner, 50% intermediate, 24% advanced
Annual avg. snowfall:      210 inches

Santa Fe

Located 75 miles from Albuquerque and just minutes from the lovely historic city of Santa Fe, Ski Santa Fe offers a skiing experience amongst spectacular scenery.  The area is open to skiers and boarders.  Web site:  www.skisantafe.com

Santa Fe Mountain Information
Base elevation:              10,350 feet
Summit elevation:          12,075 feet
Vertical drop:                 1,725 feet
Skiable acreage:            660 acres
Annual avg. snowfall       225 inches
Trails:                           67
Skier levels:                   20% beginner, 40% intermediate, 40% advanced
Longest trail:                 3 miles
Lifts:                             7 (1 quad, 2 triples, 2 doubles, 2 surface)

Taos

A 148 mile drive from Albuquerque, Taos is probably the most well known and notable area for skiers in New Mexico.   Once you’ve experienced the south-western ambience you’ll want to return.   As well as the winter sports opportunities, Taos has a lovely plaza area and plenty of art galleries and shops.  One previous famous resident of note was Georgia O’Keefe.  The slopes tend to be less crowded than many of the glitzier resorts and have something for all levels of skier – except for boarders (sorry!).  However, there is a terrain park with a hip, quarter pipe and rails.  With over 300 inches of snowfall during the winter and approx. 300 days of sun – Taos really is hard to beat. 
Website:   www.skitaos.org.

Taos Mountain Information
Base elevation:              9,207 feet
Elevation highest lift:      11,819 feet
Vertical drop:                 2,612+ feet
Avg annual snowfall        300+ inches
Total acreage                 1,294 acres
Trails:                           110
Skier Levels:                  24% beginner, 25% intermediate, 51% expert
Lifts:                             12 (4 quad, 1 triple, 5 double, 2 surface)