4 Best Ski Resorts in New Mexico, 2023/24
New Mexico is blessed with two things skiers simply can’t get enough of; wonderfully dry powder and an abundance of bluebird days. With the Southern Rockies boasting peaks as high as 13,000 feet it’s quite possibly the most underrated ski destination in America. We’ve found the top ski resorts from across the Land of Enchantment to help you decide which is right for you.
Why Ski Taos Ski Valley
Taos is our number one for good reason. A whopping 300 inches of powder carpets the impressive 1,294 acres of skiable terrain here each year. Just over half of the runs are rated for experts with tight chutes and powder-filled bowls to explore, even the Freeride World Tour makes a stop here! Don’t worry Taos still delivers for beginners and intermediates too. The Ernie Blake Ski School is consistently ranked as one of the best in the country, plus every blue and green run is covered by snowmaking for optimal learning conditions. Little ones are taken care of too with daycare and ski programs, plus accommodation options range from ski-in/ski-out lodging at the Blake to self-catering condos scattered throughout the village.
Known for
The biggest and best ski resort in New MexicoHighlights
- Top resort for advanced skiers and boarders; more than half the terrain is rated expert
- Spectacular views from the top of Kachina Peak
- Excellent facilities for families including daycare and children’s ski programs
- Its popularity means it’s often crowded during holidays
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Nov 27 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: Apr 08 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Why Ski Taos Ski Valley
Taos is our number one for good reason. A whopping 300 inches of powder carpets the impressive 1,294 acres of skiable terrain here each year. Just over half of the runs are rated for experts with tight chutes and powder-filled bowls to explore, even the Freeride World Tour makes a stop here! Don’t worry Taos still delivers for beginners and intermediates too. The Ernie Blake Ski School is consistently ranked as one of the best in the country, plus every blue and green run is covered by snowmaking for optimal learning conditions. Little ones are taken care of too with daycare and ski programs, plus accommodation options range from ski-in/ski-out lodging at the Blake to self-catering condos scattered throughout the village.
Why Ski Angel Fire Resort
Taking our number two spot, Angel Fire brings together everything that a good ski vacation needs, including trails for all abilities, high-speed lifts, slope-side accommodation, and some fun non-ski activities too. Every weekend and during holidays they light up 50 acres of slopes and a terrain park for even more fun after dark! Where Angel Fire really excels is in its array of terrain parks to satisfy every standard of freestyler. The largest is Liberation Park, situated right at the top of the resort and coming complete with its own two-person chairlift. Unlike Ski Santa Fe and Ski Apache, there are plenty of lodging options in and around Angel Fire from condos to cabins.
Known for
The only night skiing and snowboarding in the stateHighlights
- Biggest terrain park programme in all of New Mexico
- More than half the runs are covered by snowmaking
- Lodging available right next to the slopes
- Ageing ski village isn’t the prettiest
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Dec 16 2022
- Closing Date: Mar 19 2023
Closest airports
Why Ski Angel Fire Resort
Taking our number two spot, Angel Fire brings together everything that a good ski vacation needs, including trails for all abilities, high-speed lifts, slope-side accommodation, and some fun non-ski activities too. Every weekend and during holidays they light up 50 acres of slopes and a terrain park for even more fun after dark! Where Angel Fire really excels is in its array of terrain parks to satisfy every standard of freestyler. The largest is Liberation Park, situated right at the top of the resort and coming complete with its own two-person chairlift. Unlike Ski Santa Fe and Ski Apache, there are plenty of lodging options in and around Angel Fire from condos to cabins.
3. Ski Santa Fe
Why Ski Ski Santa Fe
While there’s terrain for everyone across this compact 660 acres resort, the powder-filled glades is a true highlight for skiers and riders here at Ski Santa Fe. The base area sits at 10,350 feet, one of the highest in the country helping it receive 225 inches of snow annually. When you’re all skied out you’ll find an abundance of things to do 16 miles away in Santa Fe, which is where you’re likely to be staying seeing as there’s no accommodation at the actual ski area. From Japanese inspired spa baths to the vibrant art district along Canyon Road, Santa Fe offers a delightfully different vibe to your usual alpine ski village.
Known for
Combining reliable high-elevation skiing with fascinating local culture and historyHighlights
- Home to some of the best glade skiing in the state
- Balanced terrain makes it suitable for all levels
- Downtown Santa Fe provides ample entertainment off the mountain
- No accommodation options next to the slopes
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Nov 24 2022
- Closing Date: Apr 16 2023
Closest airports
Why Ski Ski Santa Fe
While there’s terrain for everyone across this compact 660 acres resort, the powder-filled glades is a true highlight for skiers and riders here at Ski Santa Fe. The base area sits at 10,350 feet, one of the highest in the country helping it receive 225 inches of snow annually. When you’re all skied out you’ll find an abundance of things to do 16 miles away in Santa Fe, which is where you’re likely to be staying seeing as there’s no accommodation at the actual ski area. From Japanese inspired spa baths to the vibrant art district along Canyon Road, Santa Fe offers a delightfully different vibe to your usual alpine ski village.
4. Ski Apache
Why Ski Ski Apache
There’s no better resort than Ski Apache to experience finest warm-weather powder skiing on the planet. 55 runs across 750 acres wind their way down through wide-open bowls and snow-capped trees, with the majestic 12,005 feet peak of Sierra Blanca towering above. Well served by 11 lifts, Ski Apache even has snowmakers all the way up to the resort summit and the grooming operation here rivals that of any other in the state. Another added bonus is the price of the lift pass; it’s one of the least expensive on this list. There’s no lodging available at the ski area itself but you’ll find plenty of options half an hour’s drive away in Ruidoso.
Known for
The southernmost major ski resort in the United StatesHighlights
- Expertly groomed trails are perfect for intermediate cruising
- Slow to get tracked out after a fresh dump of powder
- Affordable lift passes
- No lodging at ski area
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Nov 26 2022
- Closing Date: Mar 25 2023
Closest airports
Why Ski Ski Apache
There’s no better resort than Ski Apache to experience finest warm-weather powder skiing on the planet. 55 runs across 750 acres wind their way down through wide-open bowls and snow-capped trees, with the majestic 12,005 feet peak of Sierra Blanca towering above. Well served by 11 lifts, Ski Apache even has snowmakers all the way up to the resort summit and the grooming operation here rivals that of any other in the state. Another added bonus is the price of the lift pass; it’s one of the least expensive on this list. There’s no lodging available at the ski area itself but you’ll find plenty of options half an hour’s drive away in Ruidoso.
