7 Terrific Ski Resorts For The Best Skiing in New Mexico 2024
Are you searching for the best skiing in New Mexico?
New Mexico is one of the most gorgeous states that we have ever visited. The state has endless things to do year round including some of the best skiing.
New Mexico is known for being the home to the biggest hot air balloon festival in the world.
You can also embark on endless hiking trails and outdoor adventures throughout the state, and in the winter you can even search for the best skiing in New Mexico.
For those of you that know us, or have been following along with us on our blog, you probably have realized that skiing and snowboarding are two of our all time favorite hobbies in the world.
You can catch us skiing down the slopes of Colorado practically every weekend in the winter.
We don’t mess around when it comes to finding the best snowboarding or skiing throughout the United States or finding the best gear to use while out on the slopes.
We have spent countless hours researching skiing and snowboarding equipment, gear, and resorts from the best ski helmets with visors to the best snowboard helmet with bluetooth to even the best skiing in New Mexico!
Below you’ll find a guide to the best skiing in New Mexico. We hope this list inspires you to check out one (or multiple) incredible ski resorts throughout the famous chili state!
Trekking Price’s contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you.
The Best Skiing in New Mexico
🌟 1. Taos Ski Valley– The Overall Best Skiing in New Mexico
Taos Ski Valley has some of the best skiing in New Mexico and for several reasons!
Taos gets about 300 inches of snow each season and over 300 days of sunshines.
This combination is incredible for those looking to ski powder but on those incredible bluebird days!
Additionally, Taos is the largest ski resort with about 1,300 acres of terrain.
The terrain varies from beginner, intermediate, and expert trails making it a great place to ski for people of all skill levels.
Taos stands out among other ski resorts in New Mexico due to its massive summit elevation of nearly 12,500 feet and has some of the most intense and thrilling skiing for experts craving a challenge.
Number of Trails: 110
Number of Lifts: 14
📍 Where to Stay:
Looking for the best place to stay in Taos Ski Valley? Look no further! The Blake at Taos Ski Valley is marvelous from its incredible slope-side views, ski in/ski out access, warm and cozy decor and charm, along with its fantastic spa.
Where to Eat and Drink:
For those looking for excellent après ski food and drinks, be sure to check out The Bavarian Restaurant and Taos Ale House.
Closest Airport:
The closest airports to Taos are Taos Regional Airport, Santa Fe Regional Airport, or Albuquerque International Sunport.
2. Angel Fire Resort– Best Ski Resort in New Mexico for Families
Angel Fire Resort is the best ski resort in New Mexico for families due to the abundance of intermediate and beginner terrain.
The resort offers many events such as skiing with Santa, free hot chocolate and s’mores, plus so much more. Be sure to check out their monthly calendar to plan your next ski family vacation!
Additionally, Angel Fire Resort has several ski in/ski out accommodations available which is awesome for families that would rather stay in one place and not have to drive back and forth from the ski resort to their hotel.
Number of Trails: 81
Number of Lifts: 7
📍 Where to Stay:
You must check out Liberty Lodge for its perfect location and cozy mountain rooms.
Where to Eat and Drink:
For the best places to dine at Angel Fire Resort, make sure to check out El Jefe or The Lift Cafe.
Closest Airport:
The closest airport to Angel Fire Resort is Albuquerque International Sunport.
3. Ski Santa Fe
Ski Santa Fe is located just 20 minutes from the quaint and charming town of Santa Fe.
The Plaza in Santa Fe is full of amazing bars and restaurants, hotels, shopping, and much more.
Not only is the town of Santa Fe lively and known for its robust history but it’s an excellent area to walk around and try the local cuisine.
Be sure to check out one of the best walking tours in Santa Fe for an incredible excursion that will teach you all about the towns history, cuisine, culture, and so much more!
Having Ski Santa Fe just 20 minutes up the road is extraordinary for those looking to hit the slopes but would like to come back to a “real” town rather than a ski village.
Ski Santa Fe gets about 225 inches of snow each season and has 660 acres of terrain for skiers to enjoy!
Number of Trails: 86
Number of Lifts: 7
📍 Where to Stay:
Unfortunately, Ski Santa fe does not have any mountain accommodations. We highly recommend that you stay in the Plaza area of downtown Santa Fe. Be sure to check out the infamous La Fonda on the Plaza for beautiful rooms, an excellent location, and lively bars and restaurants.
Where to Eat and Drink:
When visiting Santa Fe you MUST check out The Pantry for breakfast, La Choza for a delicious lunch and mind blowing sangria, and The Shed for lunch or dinner.
Closest Airport:
The closest airports to Santa Ski is Santa Fe Regional Airport or Albuquerque International Sunport.
4. Red River Ski Area
One of the most unique things about Red River Ski Area is that it has been family owned for over 60 years and the town lying at the bottom of the ski area gives you a small town feel and vibe.
Red River has about 210 skiable acres and 300 days of sunshine.
This small ski resort has an abundance of blue and green slopes for beginner and intermediate skiers to enjoy making it an excellent option for families or new skiers!
We love that Red River has several options when it comes to accommodations within walking distance of the slopes and chairlifts.
This is excellent for those that wish for slope-side accommodations after a long day on the mountain!
Number of Trails: 64
Number of Lifts: 7
📍 Where to Stay:
We recommend that you stay near the slopes at one of their many lodging partners such as Three Bears Lodge and Alpine Lodge.
Where to Eat and Drink:
For some of the best places to eat and drink in Red River, you must check out T Bucks Red River, Red River Brewing Company, and Shotgun Willie’s.
Closest Airport:
The closest airports to Red River Ski Area are Taos Regional Airport, Santa Fe Regional Airport, or Albuquerque International Sunport.
5. Ski Apache– Best for Beginners
Ski Apache is one of the best ski resorts in New Mexico for beginners.
Ski Apache has 750 skiable acres of terrain and 80% of that terrain is designed for intermediate and beginner skiers to enjoy!
This ski resort is one of the most southern ski resorts in the United States and is a great option for those looking to drive to New Mexico to ski from the Texas area.
Number of Trails: 55
Number of Lifts: 11
📍 Where to Stay:
Unfortunately, Ski Apache does not have any mountain accommodations. However, be sure to check out the accommodations in nearby Ruidoso. Be sure to check out the Ruidoso River Resort for the best accommodations near Ski Apache.
Where to Eat and Drink:
For the best places to eat and drink at Ski Apache make sure to check out Eagle Cafe, The Daily Grind, and The Plaza Grill.
Closest Airport:
The closest airports to Ski Apache are Sierra Blanca Regional Airport, Carrizozo Municipal Airport, or Albuquerque International Airport.
6. Pajarito
Pajarito Mountain Ski Area stands out for several reasons but one of the biggest points is due to the fact that children 12 and under ski for free! For families going on a ski trip, this is a huge money saver!
Pajarito is known for its close proximity to Los Alamos and its exceptional views of the Rio Grande Valley.
This ski area has 750 acres of terrain and some of the greatest mogul and tree skiing in the state.
Number of Trails: 44
Number of Lifts: 5
📍 Where to Stay:
Unfortunately, Pajarito does not have any mountain accommodations. However, be sure to check out places to stay in the nearby Los Alamos area. We recommend that you stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Los Alamos.
Where to Eat and Drink:
For eating and drinking, be sure to visit the Pajarito Mountain Cafe for some of the best drinks and food on the mountain!
Closest Airport:
The closest airports to Pajarito Ski Area are Los Alamos Airport, Santa Fe Regional Airport, or Albuquerque International Sunport.
7. Sipapu Ski
Sipapu Ski Resort prides itself on being one of the least expensive ski resorts in the state of New Mexico.
Additionally, they are known for being a very family friendly resort including an excellent ski school and children 12 and under get to ski for free!
This ski resort has 215 skiable acres of terrain and offers an abundance of terrain for all levels of skiers.
Another feature that stands out for Sipapu Ski Resort is the fact that they have 4 different terrain parks for those advanced skiers to have a little extra fun tasting out some new skills.
Number of Trails: 41
Number of Lifts: 6
📍 Where to Stay:
Sipapu has many mountain-side accommodations to pick from including hotel rooms, duplexes, lodge suites, and more.
Where to Eat and Drink:
The best place to eat and drink is at Sipapu’s Paradise Grill and Riverside Cafe.
Closest Airport:
The closest airports to Sipapu Ski are Taos Regional Airport, Santa Fe Regional Airport, or Albuquerque International Sunport.
FAQs About The Best Skiing in New Mexico:
Is Taos or Santa Fe better for skiing?
We believe that Taos is better for skiing in New Mexico due to its 1,300 acres of terrain, over 300 days of sunshine, and incredible mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert terrain.
Is Angel Fire or Taos better?
This depends on what you are going for! For families looking for fun events and beginner terrain, Angel Fire is the pick for you. However, for those looking for the biggest ski resort in New Mexico as well as advanced terrain, Taos is the best for you!
Is skiing good in New Mexico?
Skiing in New Mexico is awesome due to snow accumulation, fewer crowds than states like Colorado or Utah, and New Mexico is known for its abundance of sunshine year round which makes for great bluebird skiing.
When is the best time to ski in New Mexico?
The best time to ski in New Mexico is from mid-Decemebr to mid-March during the peak winter season.
Where is the best snow in New Mexico?
We believe the best snow is found in Taos as they receive an annual snowfall of about 300 inches.
⭐️ Overall: What is the best skiing in New Mexico?
The best skiing in New Mexico can be found at several resorts depending on what kind of vibe and trails you are looking for.
Overall, we recommend skiing at Taos due to its incredible snow accumulation, its large skiable acres, mountain-side lodging, and restaurants.
We hope this article helps you plan your next ski trip in New Mexico!
For similar posts be sure to check out 7 of the Best Goggles for Night Skiing and Top 9 Best Ski Wax Irons. Happy Skiing!
