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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
An essential part of your ski holiday, Ski Insurance will provide
cover for medical expenses and ski injuries including air ambulance
from the slopes if needed. Click
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SKI NEW MEXICO
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) |
