When the snow starts to fall in New Mexico, skiers and snowboarders flock to the state’s many alpine resorts to hit the slopes. With dry powder and plenty of options for beginner and advanced skiers alike, New Mexico is a top destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
There are four ski areas located within a 30-mile radius of Santa Fe: Ski Santa Fe (about 15 miles northeast), Pajarito Mountain Ski Area (about 40 miles northwest), Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort (about 60 miles northeast) and Taos Ski Valley (90 miles north). Each resort features terrain for all abilities, as well as on-site amenities like restaurants, bars, shops and lessons.
Whether you are skiing, snowboarding or just looking to take in the scenery, New Mexico is home to some of the best ski resorts in the country. Here are some of our favorite spots:
Ski Santa Fe
This scenic mountain is a short drive from downtown Santa Fe and is praised for its fewer crowds and good service. A shuttle bus takes you from the main town to the mountain for a small fee, making it easy to get there and back from your hotel or apartment.
The slopes are wide and groomed, and the skiers and snowboarders here are friendly. The mountain is a little smaller than others in the area, but there’s no shortage of runs and it’s still a great place to hit the slopes with the family.
Taos Ski Valley
Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos Ski Valley is one of New Mexico’s most popular alpine ski resorts. It is a year-round ski area that receives more than 240 inches of snow in the winter and offers terrain parks, open cruisers and more.
Aside from skiing and snowboarding, Taos Ski Valley also offers other winter activities such as ice fishing, snowmobiling, and tubing. It is also a great location for families, as it has plenty of activities for children and even hosts events such as parades and fireworks shows during the winter season.
Guests can unwind after a day on the slopes at Paradise Bar and Grill, which serves a variety of drinks and snacks. A full bar is available to order from and the restaurant is also open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Visitors have plenty of lodging options at Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort, including cabins, hotel rooms and apartments. A convenient gas station and convenience store are also onsite.
Other amenities include an onsite restaurant, a bar and a full-service bar with Happy Hour specials every evening in the summer. The resort also hosts several unique events, including a February Fun Fest, complete with a huge snow castle and the Cardboard Derby.”
Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort
This family-friendly ski and summer resort has everything you need for a fun-filled vacation. The resort has a range of hotel, cabin and RV rentals and also features a golf course. Its location along the Rio Pueblo is close to local attractions such as Picuris Pueblo and SMU-in-Taos.