Skiing in the Southern States: Explore Top New Mexico Ski Resorts

New Mexico resorts feature world-class facilities and enviable ski runs and terrains designed for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

New Mexico is a land of distinctive chili-based cuisines, dramatic landscapes and adobe buildings. In addition, it has a culturally thriving art scene to charm its visitors with.

Back in the 16^th century, it used to be a Spanish colony. Thereafter, it was claimed by conquistadores and was later turned into a Mexican colony.

Nevertheless, New Mexico remained home to a majority of Spanish-speaking populations, along with many Native American communities. The state had plenty of historical places and rich cultural heritage. Consequently, it has become an ultimate source of earning for locals.

New Mexico Resorts: Hubs for Skiing Adventure and Fun

With rich cultural heritage and sparsely inhabited land, New Mexico tends to offer a perfect holiday trip. It is a great vacation destination for those seeking to discover one of the world’s last truly undiscovered and untamed regions.

Certainly, there is just something amazing about this place. Travelers, tourists, vacationers, skiers, and winter and summer sports enthusiasts from all over the world can attest to this fact.

New Mexico ski resorts may not hit your mind when planning your skiing trip. This is due to the fact that the state is situated in the Southwestern region of the US. Hence, it generally receives less snowfall as compared to the Alps and Northern regions of America.

But little you may know is that this state offers one of the best skiing experience in the whole world. In fact, you can partake in after-skiing sight-seeing activities, world-class regional Mexican food, and nightlife events and festivities.

Families who have been living in the region for centuries are mostly the owners and operators of New Mexico ski resorts. As a result, they already know how to create a perfect ski-friendly environment for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

New Mexico: Your Next Destination

In recent years, New Mexico has seen an increased tourist influx, which bears testimony to the fact that people on vacations who previously have been planning their skiing and adventure trips and tours to European, Japanese, Asian ski resorts are now turning their focus towards New Mexico ski resorts for a fun-filled adventure.

The best thing about New Mexico ski resorts is that they all provide a laid-back and intimate ambiance. This will allow you to get relaxed, and feel the snow like you never did before.

Here are some of the finest ski resorts in New Mexico offering true value to both first-time and existing customers:

1. Red River Ski and Snowboard Area

This ski resort is owned and operated by the Judycki family in the north of New Mexico. It has a skiable area of 290 acres. This resort may seem pretty small. Nevertheless, it has something to offer to everybody even to the smallest member of the family or group.

It has a friendly service staff and offers delectable food at affordable rates to its customers at The Ski Tip Restaurant. The main chalet cafeteria, which is near the ski school terrain, offers plenty of seating for large groups. It serves breakfasts, burgers, lunch specials, salads, and more.

Red River Ski is one of those New Mexico ski resorts that have a lot of nearby attractions. These include the Red River Community House, the Go Kart City, and the Red River Gallery of Fine Art. There are also the Crazy Mountain Sports and the Red River Off-Roading, to mention a few.

As far as the specs or features of the resort is concerned, it has base and summit elevation of 8750 and 10350 feet, respectively. Also, it has terrains for beginner, intermediate and advance-level skiers and receives an annual snowfall of 200 inches during the course of the winter season. This generally lasts from November till late March.

During the snowfall, the deep powder tends to attract a lot of local and international visitors, which ultimately turns your skiing experience into an absolute adventure.

2. Taos Ski Valley

It is one of the best New Mexico ski resorts that give an impression of a European-style village with shops, attractions, and restaurants in nearby places.

Located in the Alpine region, the Blake family owns and operates this resort. It has a skiable area of 1300 acres. Unarguably, it is a family-friendly ski resort that offers a lot of beginner level runs for kids. There is also something for other family members who are not that good at skiing or snowboarding.

This resort offers some of the finest terrains in North America due to its big bumps, steep chute, cornices, bone dry powder shots and glades.

Taos Ski Valley has a summit elevation of 11,820 feet and a base elevation of 9207 feet. It has 12 lifts and receives an annual snowfall of 300 inches.

The longest ski run is situated at 30,360 elevations and has terrains for all levels. Taos Resort is not your typical ski destination. It surely is worth your visit. Why? Because it is a historic ski area and features legendary terrains stretched across mountains, meadows and forests.

3. Ski Sante Fe

Santa Fe is known for having rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty and some of the finest traditional cuisines and fine arts. Owed and operated by the Abruzzo family, this ski resort is situated in the Sagre De Cristo Mountains. To be precise, it is some 15-16 miles away from Sante Fe.

Ski Sante Fe ranks among the world’s top holiday destinations because it never fails to attract local and foreign visitors. It has a total skiable area of 660 acres and a lot of terrains and ski runs for all levels -- beginner, intermediate and professional skiers.

Its summit and base elevation is 12.053 and 10,353 feet, respectively. This resort opens its doors to customers from mid-December to early April. It receives an abundance of snowfall during the winter season.

As far as the nearby hotel accommodation and attractions are concerned, the resort offers an extensive range of local food, tours and activities. For accommodation, there are the Drury Plaza Hotel, Las Palomas, and Pecos River Cliff House, among many others. Enjoy the state's unique cuisine in any of these places and you are on your way to a perfect vacation.

The most famous activities that tourists like to experience are the Rio Grande race coursing, the Sante Fe puzzling adventure, and the Sante Fe Railyard Arts and District Food Tour, to name a few. Certainly, Sante Fe is worthy of your choice if you are looking for a great holiday adventure!

4. Sandia Peak

Located in the Cibola National Forest, Sandia Peak is a New Mexico ski resort that offers an exceptional environment for novice skiers and boarders.

It is a perfect budget-friendly hotspot for families with little kids. With its value-packages for all ages, it provides an ideal laid-back experience for the whole family.

This area has nearly 30 trails, and is serviced by seven chairlifts. It has a small skiable area of 200 acres and a summit and base elevation of 10378 and 8678 feet, respectively. This ski resort or mountain peak opens up in mid-December and closes in mid-March.

There really is something amazing about New Mexico ski resorts. Sandia Peak drives tourists, winter and summer sports enthusiasts visiting Cibola National Forest from all over the region. Most noteworthy, it has the world’s longest aerial tram ride that takes passengers 2.7 miles to the 10,000-foot peak of the Sandia Mountains.

Top activities in and around the area include the Albuquerque Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight, the Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise, and the Breaking Bad Tour. Visitors can also check out the Sandia Crest House Gift Shop, the Elena Gallegos Park, and more.

When it boils down to food and restaurants, don’t forget to stop by at Sandiago's for a perfect meal. The restaurant is conveniently located at the base of the Sandia Tramway.

5. Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area

Unarguably, the Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area takes after its name. It offers an enchanting full service cross-country area for visitors to enjoy. You can find exquisite terrains and 30 of the most epic ski runs for all levels. The resort also offers a full rental shop, ski patrol, PSIA XC ski lessons, a snack bar, convenient lodging and more.

Located just 3 miles east of Red River near Carson National forest, the enchanted forest cross country area opens up in mid-December and closes in mid-April.

It has stunning mountain vistas and attractive nearby places. It also offers an extensive range of summer and winter sports activities. Experience snowshoeing, trailing, a night sky adventure and monthly moonlight hikes. Or opt to enjoy mountain biking, hiking, and other similar sports adventures.

If you are looking for an absolute adventure in the mountains, coupled with fun after skiing activities, then this place can be your ideal hotspot.

This resort is one of those New Mexico ski resorts that provide unlimited sporting options. It offers unbelievable food, stunning scenery, never-to-be-forgotten cultural experience, and last but not the least, exceptional skiing and riding activities.

6. Pajarito Mountain Ski Area

Located in the north central region of New Mexico’s Jamez Mountains on the northern edge of Pajirito Mountains, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area covers an area of 850 acres on a privately owned land.

A typical season at Pajarito runs from Christmas to early April. However, it may add a couple of more weeks to the season, depending on the snow conditions.

This resort is one of those New Mexico ski resorts that hold a number of world-class sports activities in winters as well as in summers. Mountain biking is one of the most prominent sports activities out here.

The resort has a summit and base elevation of 10440 and 9000 feet, respectively. It has a skiable area of 750 acres. It has a total of 44 ski runs, out of which 20% are beginner level ski runs, 50% intermediate level and 30 advanced/expert level. Plus, it has a total of five lifts, including a Quad chair, a Triple chair, three Double chairs and one Magic Carpet.

Pajarito Mountain Tourist Attractions

As far as attraction and activities are concerned, Pajarito Resort is one of those New Mexico ski Resorts that have many historic sites and places to visit. These include the Bradbury Science Museum, the Bandellier National Monument, and the Los Alamos Nature Center.

In addition, there are the Float Los Alamos, Ashley Pond Park, Fuller Lodge Art Center, and the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. You can also check out the Famous Pajarito Brewpub and Grill, Prime Passages and more.

The food served in nearby hotels at Pajarito Mountain Ski Area is just out of the world. You can visit Bob’s Bodacious BBQ, Café Sushi, and Cottonwoods on the Greens as per your taste and likings. Or you could simply enjoy a few bites at Pajarito Mountain Cafe.

Disclaimer: For lift passes and prices, it is highly recommendable to visit the official sites of the aforementioned New Mexico ski resorts prior to planning your trip. Moreover, the season dates mentioned in the article may also shift, depending on the snow conditions.