New Mexico's ski areas are in the southern Rocky Mountains at an elevation of
8,000 to 12,000 feet above sea level. If you are traveling from sea level, the
change in altitude can literally make your head spin. Adjust your pace, rest
if you are tired or not feeling well and, most importantly, drink extra water.
Pace yourself and you will adjust in a couple of days.
High altitude means less atmosphere to filter the sun and that equals faster
and more ferocious sunburns. Bring lots of sunscreen and slather it on yourself
and your kids. Mom says—don't forget your ears.
Of course it gets cold and snowy at the ski areas. That's what we want!
But temperatures vary greatly during the day as the sun rises higher
in the sky.
So bring clothes
you can layer. Lower elevations can be a different situation entirely.
There are frequent days, even in mid-winter, in Santa Fe, Taos, Ruidoso
or Albuquerque
that are sunny with the thermometer in the fifties.
You'll need a place to stash your gear and sleep while you're here. An
added bonus—rates are lower in several New Mexico cities in the
winter. Go to our list of lodgers or the ski
area website of your choice
for help booking
accommodations.
Most New Mexico ski areas offer instruction in Spanish and welcome our
neighbors from south of the border. Also, many local residents speak
at least some
Spanish.
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Altitude