Skiing Adventures Near Santa Fe: Top Resorts to Explore
Discover the Ski Resorts Near Santa Fe
Santa Fe, New Mexico, is SO MUCH MORE than amazing food, culture & art. It's also a GREAT place to SKI! Thanks to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which I like to claim as my personal protectors, the area gives skiers a decent variety of slopes and trails to explore. Whether you're a beginner or advanced, there's something for everyone.
In January- we had the rare pleasure of staying at Casa Tierra and acting like tourists! :) Our daughters, who are 11 & 12, are definitely beginner skiers, but they love it and want to learn. So my husband took them to ski at Sipapu and they had a fantastic time! Overall, they said the staff was super friendly, the slopes were fun & kind to beginners and the whole day was VERY affordable... like UNDER $200 for 3 people to rent skiis +lift ticket. And it's only an hour & fifteen away from Casa Tierra! Winner WINNER!
In addition to Sipapu there's Ski Santa Fe, Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire Resort, Red River Ski & Summer Area, Pajarito Mountain Ski and Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski. See below for an overview of the various options while staying in Santa Fe!
Ski Santa Fe: A Local Favorite
Just 16 miles from downtown Santa Fe, Ski Santa Fe is a local favorite. This resort boasts a base elevation of 10,350 feet, making it one of the highest ski areas in the United States. With a vertical drop of 1,725 feet and 86 trails, it's perfect for skiers of all levels. The resort also offers a terrain park for those looking to hone their skills on jumps and rails.
After a day on the slopes, unwind at the mid-mountain lodge, which offers stunning views and a cozy atmosphere. Enjoy hot beverages and snacks while you warm up by the fire.
Ski Santa Fe: https://skisantafe.com
Taos Ski Valley: A World-Class Destination
A bit further afield, about two hours from Santa Fe, lies Taos Ski Valley. Known for its challenging terrain, Taos is ideal for advanced skiers seeking thrills. The resort features over 1,200 skiable acres with steep chutes and mogul fields. However, there are also beginner and intermediate runs to cater to all skill levels.
The resort has recently undergone renovations to improve facilities and provide a more comfortable experience. It's not just about skiing; visitors can also enjoy snowboarding, snowshoeing, and après-ski activities in the charming village.
Taos Ski Valley: https://www.skitaos.com
Angel Fire Resort: Family-Friendly Fun
If you're planning a family trip, Angel Fire Resort is an excellent choice. Located about 90 miles from Santa Fe, this resort offers a wide range of activities for all ages. The 560-acre ski area features 80 runs, with options for beginners and advanced skiers alike.
Angel Fire is renowned for its night skiing experiences, allowing visitors to hit the slopes under the starry New Mexico sky. Additionally, families can enjoy tubing, sledding, and snowmobiling adventures.
Angel Fire Resort: https://www.angelfireresort.com
Red River Ski
The town of Red River is directly at the base of the mountain, offering convenient ski-in/ski-out access. This place has LOTS of small-town charm and is known for being family-friendly, which we LOVE! The resort has an old-school vibe, with friendly locals, a Western theme, and après-ski spots like Red River Brewing.
It's about 2 hours and 15 minutes from downtown Santa Fe. It offers 64 different runs and a vertical drop of 1,600 feet. Of the runs about 32% are beginner, 38% intermediate, and 30% advanced.
Red River Ski Area: https://www.redriverskiarea.com
Enchanted Forest Cross-Country Ski
This is New Mexico’s premier Nordic skiing area, with scenic trails through pine forests and meadows. AND they offer dog-friendly snowshoe and ski trails, so your furry friends can join!!
Located roughly 2 hours & 20 minutes from Santa Fe - this place offers 33 km of groomed cross-country ski trails, and 18 km snowshoe trails.
Insider Tips: Bring layers!!The elevation can make temperatures change quickly, so dress in layers.
Enchanted Forest XC: https://www.enchantedforestxc.com
Sipapu
Just an hour and 15 minutes from Casa Tierra - Sipapu is PERFECT for a laid back, affordable, beginner-friendly day of skiing. It offers one of the longest ski seasons in New Mexico, with ski school, tubing and beginner friendly slopes.
There are 44 runs and of those 20% are beginner, 40% are intermediate and 40% are advanced. (Kids under 12 and seniors over 75 ski free). The Riverside Café at the base lodge serves comfort food, including burgers, burritos, and pizza.
TIP: Try the "Thumper" trail! It offers a fun ride that's over a mile long.
Sipapu Ski Resort: https://www.sipapu.ski
COST SAVING TIP!
If you need to stock up on any skiing or snow gear - there is an AMAZING store called Sierra that is close to downtown Santa Fe. It offers top brands of outdoor gear for adults and kids at discounted prices. We were able to get our girls new gloves and bibs for HALF of what we normally would have paid. Sierra: 542 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501.
Embrace the Snowy Splendor
Where ever you go - you really can't go wrong! Skiing in New Mexico promises incredible, natural beauty and unforgettable experiences. We invite you to use Casa Tierra as your home ski base! Whether you choose to explore the high-altitude challenges of Taos or enjoy family fun at Angel Fire, these resorts offer something special for every winter sports enthusiast.
So pack your gear and get ready to make some snowy memories in New Mexico’s enchanting winter wonderland.
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