New Mexico ski enthusiasts circle the start of the season on their calendars each year, but 2014-15 promises to be a truly unforgettable season in the Land of Enchantment.
Favorable forecasts have most areas in the state slated to open Thanksgiving weekend with Sipapu opening its doors on Nov. 15. However, all eyes will be on the Taos Ski Valley this winter and the debut of one of the biggest projects in North American skiing this year — the Kachina Peak Lift.
See below the scheduled openings and highlights of the 2014-15 ski season at the rest of New Mexico’s great resorts!
Angel Fire Resort
Opens: December 12
What’s New:
The Railyard — Opening this winter, the new terrain park will feature boxes, rails, and jumps geared toward those new to skiing and boarding.
Ski Free Month — Stay at the Lodge at Angel Fire Resort Jan. 5-29 and ski for free! (Excludes Friday and Saturday nights and January 18).
Parenting Pass — This interchangeable pass allows parents to take turns coaching and skiing with their child.
Family Season Pass — A family of up to six people can purchase an unlimited ski and snowboard pass for the entire family for $1,299.
Snowplay — Enjoy a tubing hill, sledding hill, and Snowman Garden complete with snowman-making kits and snow art competitions.
Pajarito
Opens: December 20 (daily operations) Weather dependent
What’s New:
New Operator — Pajarito Mountain has joined forces with a new operator — Sipapu — and snow-making support will be extended for a great ski season!
Early Season Weekend Hours — Nov. 27-30, Dec. 6-7, and Dec. 13-14, lifts will be open from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
New Mexico Power Pass — The state’s only season pass that provides unlimited skiing and snowboarding at two New Mexico mountains (Pajarito & Sipapu), plus free lift tickets at over 20 partner ski areas in New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and throughout the country.
Don’t Miss:
Winter Lights Parade — Dec. 7
Torch Light Parade — Dec. 31
Red River Ski & Summer Area
Opens: November 26 (weekends only until December 12)
Don’t Miss:
Snow Coach Dinner Tours — Ride up the mountain in the comfort of our heated Snow Coach and enjoy a delicious dinner at the Tip Restaurant!
Sandia Ski Area
Opens: December 20 (weather permitting)
What’s New:
New Menu — The stunning High Finance Restaurant has a new menu, featuring dishes such as pan seared duck breast with green chile alfredo, to go along with a wide offering of traditional New Mexican and American fare.
Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort
NOW OPEN: November 15
The magic carpets will operate this Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the resort will be open everyday for Thanksgiving week starting Friday, November 21, through Sunday, November 30. Daily operations are scheduled to begin on Friday, December 5.
What’s new:
Kids Ski Free — Sipapu is the most family-friendly resort in the Rockies and Feb. 28 – March 6 will be a Kids Ski FREE Week! For each adult full-day, regular price lift ticket purchased, one teen or child will receive a FREE lift ticket.Just mention the KIDS SKI FREE DEAL when picking up your lift ticket.
New Mexico Power Pass — The state’s only season pass that provides unlimited skiing and snowboarding at two New Mexico mountains (Pajarito & Sipapu), plus free lift tickets at over 20 partner ski areas in New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and throughout the country.
Ski Apache
Opens: November 27
Don’t Miss:
Dummy Gulunde & Torchlight Parade — Dec. 20, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ski Santa Fe
Opens: November 27 (tentative)
Don’t Miss:
Fireball Rando Race — The second annual Santa Fe Fireball Rando is Saturday, February 7 at Ski Santa Fe. The Race division course is approximately 4,200 feet and includes multiple ascents on skins and at least one bootpack. The Recreation division course is approximately 2,100 feet and includes at least one, possible two transitions. Skis/skins/helmet/backpack will be mandatory for Race division; skis/skins/helmet for Recreation division. No nordic skis are permitted, split-boards are allowed in the Recreation division.
Taos Ski Valley
Opens: November 27 – December 12 (Thursday-Sunday only). December 13 – April 5 (open daily)
What’s New:
Kachina Peak Lift — Beginning this ski season, visitors will be able to experience the mountain’s celebrated Kachina Peak via a chairlift for the first time. Completed over the summer, the Kachina Peak Lift will summit at 12,450 feet, making it one of the highest chair lifts in North America. The lift will increase the mountain’s advanced and expert lift-serviced terrain by 50 percent.
