Head to the Best Ski Resorts in New Mexico!
There’s no shortage of excellent ski resorts in the west – all one has to do is conjure up images of Vail or Aspen in Colorado or even Park City in Utah. And while those are all great places for skiing, there are also some exceptional ski resorts in New Mexico. When it comes to skiing in New Mexico, our centrally-located Bed and Breakfast is the perfect place to stay. There are twelve amazing New Mexico ski resorts, and six of them are within 90 minutes of us!
New Mexico ski resorts may not be as legendary as Colorado, Utah, and other western states. However, the skiing in New Mexico is pretty fantastic and can still be considered somewhat of an undiscovered treasure. This low-key dynamic and smaller crowds are what makes skiing at the top ski resorts in New Mexico such a memorable experience.
The ski season in New Mexico is relatively long, lasting from mid-December through mid-March and sometimes into April. You also won’t find the long lift-lines here either, which means more time to enjoy the slopes! It’s also affordable, especially compared to some of the big-name ski resorts in the mountains west.
Skiing in New Mexico offers plenty of challenge and terrain variation, too. Some of the top New Mexico ski resorts feature 12,000 feet or higher elevations, with intense vertical drops and acres of skiable terrain. The snow here is dry and powdery, too – every skier’s dream! Add to all of this the endless blue skies, and you’ll soon see why skiing in New Mexico is considered to be some of the best skiing in the country.
Taos Ski Valley is the Best Ski Resort in New Mexico
Of all the New Mexico ski resorts within driving distance from our New Mexico Bed and Breakfast, Taos Ski Valley is arguably the best and most popular. Situated in the towering Rocky Mountains, Taos Ski Valley sits at a staggering 12,481 feet in elevation. It offers one of the biggest vertical drops of all New Mexico Ski Resorts, coming in at 3,274 feet.
The powder-covered terrain at Taos Ski Valley is unforgettably beautiful. Still, more than that, it offers a wide variety of challenges and terrain for just about every skier or snowboarder. There is a total of 110 unique trails at Taos Ski Valley and several lifts to get you there faster. Half of it is rated as advanced, with the other half equally split between intermediate and beginner-level runs.
If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the snow at New Mexico ski resorts, consider booking one of the private guided experiences at Taos Ski Valley. It’s a great way to maximize your ski vacation, especially if you’re short on time. You can also book private or group lessons.
More Great New Mexico Ski Resorts Nearby
As great as Taos Ski Valley is, it’s only one of the incredible ski resorts in New Mexico within an easy days’ drive of our Bed and Breakfast. There are five more exceptional ski resorts in New Mexico that should be at the top of your list.
Angel Fire Resort
If you’re the terrain at Taos Ski Valley is a bit too challenging for you, head on over to Angel Fire Resort, just 23 miles away. It’s another one of the top-rated New Mexico ski resorts. Its peak tops out at 8,600 feet and offers a nice mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs. You also get to enjoy beautiful views of Wheeler Peak from the top, which is the highest point in New Mexico.
The vertical drop at this ski resort in New Mexico is around 2,000 feet, and it features six lifts, three terrain parks, and night skiing – the only place in New Mexico to do so! In addition to offering great skiing, this is one of the few New Mexico ski resorts that offer other fun winter sports like snow tubing, nordic skiing, and snowshoeing.
Pajarito
On the eastern slopes of the beautiful Jemez Mountains, which we look at from our New Mexico Bed and Breakfast, you’ll find a truly hidden gem amongst New Mexico ski resorts; Pajarito Mountain Ski Area. With always-short lift lines and breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Valley, it’s hard not to love this kind of skiing in New Mexico. It’s also home to some of the best tree and bump skiing in the state.
The peak elevation at Pajarito is just over 10,000 feet, and most runs are rated for intermediate skiers. There are 44 total runs and five lifts to get you there. They even plan to start making their snow this year to ensure a long and healthy ski season.
Ski Santa Fe
Ski Santa Fe is one of the easiest New Mexico ski resorts to access, located just outside the bustling city of Santa Fe. There’s a total of 86 runs here, with 80% of it split equally between intermediate and advanced levels and the remainder for beginners. It offers a broad range of ski experiences, too, with something for everyone.
Not only is Ski Santa Fe beautiful and easy to access, but it’s also one of the more affordable New Mexico ski resorts. Walk-up tickets are just $88 a day this year, with added value for skiing midweek and/or purchasing season passes.
Sipapu
There is perhaps nothing more quaint and charming than Sipapu when it comes to New Mexico ski resorts. It’s the oldest ski resort in northern New Mexico, and that alone makes it a worthwhile stop. That’s not the only reason to ski at Sipapu, though!
Sipapu Ski Resort is also home to one of the longest ski seasons in New Mexico, often extending from mid-November into April. They offer plenty of beginner and intermediate runs, along with some steep, powder-covered runs for those seeking more advanced skiing. There are 41 dedicated trails and four terrain parks in which to ski.
Sandia Peak
Sandia Peak is the furthest away of these New Mexico ski resorts, but at just 90 minutes, it’s still plenty easy to access and very much worth your time. It’s famous, of course, for the Sandia Peak Tramway, which is a beautiful ride to take in the winter whether you ski or not. From the top of the 10, 378 foot Sandia Crest, the views are breathtaking.
The wide-open blue skies make skiing here a true delight. There are 35 trails to explore, most of which are rated as intermediate.
8 More Things to do in New Mexico in the Winter
It’s not truly a winter getaway without spending at least one of these fantastic New Mexico ski resorts. However, skiing isn’t the only worthwhile thing to do in New Mexico this winter. Winter is generally a quieter season with fewer crowds in the cities, and therefore more time to enjoy the best of Taos, Santa Fe, and even Albuquerque.
From exploring the area’s top museums to skiing at the best New Mexico ski resorts, this winter is a fantastic time to visit us at our Bed and Breakfast near Santa Fe! While you’re visiting, here are a few of our favorite recommendations for things to do this winter:
- Visit the top Santa Fe museums! If you pick up a museum pass, you can get admission to several different museums for just $75, not to mention other great discounts and offers! This winter is a great time to explore these museums, as there will be far fewer visitors in town, leaving you more time to linger and enjoy.
- Similarly, it’s a great time to meander through the art galleries on Santa Fe’s Canyon Road. And, if you’re in town for Christmas Eve, don’t miss the incredible Farolito Walk.
- Warm-up and let yourself relax in the healing waters of Ojo Caliente Mineral Hot Springs. New Mexico is known for its healing waters, and it’s a great activity to pair with your ski vacations.
- With fewer crowds in town, it’s a great time to explore the top foodie destinations in northern New Mexico, including the top Santa Fe restaurants. Don’t miss your chance to sample your way through local breweries or wineries, too.
- Head into the Santa Fe National Forest for some excellent winter hiking. It’s a stunning winter wonderland, complete with dizzying peaks with dazzling near-panoramic views. Here are some of the most popular trails.
- Pecos National Historical Park is another great place to explore this winter. Snowshoe among serene woodlands of juniper, piñon, and ponderosa, and explore the many trails within this remarkable regional treasure.
- Enjoy some snowmobiling in the Carson National Forest, home to more than 50 miles of snowmobile-accessible trails. You can go on your own or take a guided tour, but either way, expect to encounter beautiful landscapes. It’s also another great place for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
- Winter is also a season filled with festivals and events worth attending, including the famed Pueblo Festival, Feast Days, the Taos Winter Wine Festival, and more.
Stay at the Best New Mexico Bed and Breakfast
Whether you’re here to hit the slopes of the best New Mexico ski resorts or whether you’d prefer to relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery found here, it won’t take you long to see why winters at our New Mexico Bed and Breakfast are memorable. Our Inn is nestled on six beautiful acres in northern New Mexico.
Spend your time admiring the awe-inspiring Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountain ranges, visit the famed Santuario de Chimayó, and otherwise enjoy a quiet and cozy respite in our guest rooms. We offer nine comfortable guest rooms, each outfitted with its own traditional New Mexican flair and the modern amenities you crave. Select rooms also offer traditional Kiva fireplaces, which are delightful after a long day on the slopes of the best New Mexico ski resorts. In the morning, we’ll fuel you up for your days’ adventure with a delicious, freshly made breakfast.
If you’re planning to ski at multiple New Mexico ski resorts, you couldn’t choose a better location than our New Mexico Bed and Breakfast. We’re situated between the cities of Taos and Santa Fe and within easy driving distance of 6 of the best ski resorts in New Mexico. Not only that, but we’re near the top attractions in northern New Mexico, meaning you can truly get a feel for this incredible place, with one convenient place to call home while you do it.
There’s a reason New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment. Isn’t it time you see it for yourself? It’s a stunning place to visit in the winter, and at the heart of your getaway is a stay in luxury at our exquisite New Mexico Bed and Breakfast. Book a room at our New Mexico Bed and Breakfast today.
