The mountains of New Mexico become a winter paradise for those who like to play in the snow. Whatever activity gets you out on the slopes—downhill skiing, snowboarding, or cross-country—the ski resorts scattered across the state are full of exhilarating opportunities that will bowl you over. Here are our favorites.
There’s a lot happening on this mountain. Skiing and snowboarding, night skiing, tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, terrain park, and a kid’s ski area makes this an outstanding family vacation spot. Beginner through advanced skiers can schuss across 90 different trails accessed by seven different lifts. Terrain parks include jumps, rails, and fun boxes. It’s a winter wonderland for the whole family.
In the hands of the Mescalero Apache Tribe for more than 50 years, this resort has some unique characteristics: the only passenger gondola in the state and a wood-spired lodge designed in 1958 by renowned architect Victory Lundy. There are also more than 50 runs and trails, 11 lifts, and more than 750 skiable acres. With an annual snowfall of 15 feet, skiers can hit the slopes for months.
This family-run resort has the longest ski season in the state, as well as good mixture on its more than 40 trails and three terrain parks for all ability levels. This resort is focused on families. It is small enough to ensure that children and parents stay connected throughout the day. There are six lifts, one quad and one triple chair lift, two platter lifts and a magic carpet just right for kids. A full-service ski shop and dining options make this a well-rounded resort.
If your winter months are dominated by skiing, the best way to enjoy this resort is by purchasing a season pass. There are seven different options for all ages. With a pass in hand, you can ski across this 600-acre snow park on any one of the 83 trails, any day. If you need a refresher, take a lesson at the Snow Sports School and you’ll be racing down the mountain in no time. There’s a full-service rental shop with state-of-the-art equipment—try something different like snowboarding or step into a pair or high performance skis for an exciting new experience.
Uncrowded slopes and groomed trails make this a great place to learn how to ski or snowboard for the entire family. There are four chair lifts that cover the close to 40 runs at this lovely resort nestled in the Cibola National Forest. One terrain park provides a fun and challenging spot to practice some trick skiing and snowboarding. A snow sports school, rental shop, skiers’ cafe and sports shop add to the convenience of spending the day here.
Right on the edge of the Jemez Mountains, close to the center of the state is this 750-acre winter playground developed by the Los Alamos Ski Club in the 1950s. About half the acreage is skiable terrain accessed by one quad, one triple, and three double chair lifts. There’s even a rope tow on the lower slopes. You won’t get bored on the more than 40 trails, some with great bump skiing, or at the terrain park. Most of the trails are intermediate, with a few beginner and expert-level trails available. No lodging at the mountain.
Rather than racing down the mountain at breakneck speed, you’ll get your thrills a little differently at this cross-country ski resort. It’s more about meandering trails through pristine meadows and backcountry skiing that takes you to stunning mountain vistas. You can pull your gear, or a child, along in a pulk (snow sled), spend the night along the way in a yurt, and even take your dog on trails specifically designed for a workout with your four-legged best friend. Non-yurt lodging is available in town.
The southern part of the state is home to this small and compact resort at an elevation that provides crisp, beautiful snow from Mother Nature. It’s open to both downhill skiing and snowboarding. Two dozen trails and three lifts keep visitors moving around the mountain. There’s also a tubing area, which requires a separate ticket, that has three lanes and a vertical drop of 70 feet for sliding fun. Whether you own your ski equipment or need to rent from the full-service rental shop, there’s something for everyone here. Lodging is in nearby Cloudcroft.
Covering more than 1,200 skiable acres, with 100 runs, 15 lifts, and one terrain park, this resort is huge. The majority of the trails are for beginner and intermediate skiers, but there are just enough difficult ones to challenge expert skiers. It’s a rugged mountain and Kachina Peak at 12,000 feet, stands sentry to amazing power, steep chutes, good bumps, edgy cornices, and unspoiled glades. Programs for adults, children, adaptive learning, camps and clinics are tailored to individual abilities. Check-in at the welcome center for tips on how to make the experience memorable. Lodging on-site available.
