Ski New Mexico

Skiing and Snowboarding in the Land of Enchantment

Archives for January 2019

Brewski 2019

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A trip to a New Mexico ski area isn’t complete without taking in the local culture. New Mexico is famous for its cuisine, picturesque views, and even the growing craft brewery and winery scene. This year, you can try out local wines and brews at Brewski events across the state.

Taos Winter Wine Festival – Jan. 31 – Feb. 3

Every wine lover will relish this four-day event in Taos. More than 40 national wineries are set to partner with the area’s best restaurants for special tastings, food pairings, seminars and dinners. Enjoy the Grand Tasting at the Taos Valley Ski Resort with samplings from the restaurants and wineries.

February Fun Fest at Sipapu – Feb. 16

Take part in a mountain-wide scavenger hunt in search of Santa Fe Brewing cans filled with prizes! In addition to the games, February Fun Fest features a massive snow castle and craft beers by Santa Fe Brewing to try out.

Skiesta Pajarito – March 16

Get ready to party at Pajarito’s 70th annual Skiesta, complete with beer from six craft breweries, a costume contest, themed skiing events, and music by the band, Escape on a Horse. As a bonus, there will be free transportation to Pajarito Mountain from Sullivan Field in Los Alamos, provided by Atomic Transit! Learn more about the event and transportation here.

Ski Santa Fe Brewski – March 23

Enjoy craft beer from seven local breweries at Ski Santa Fe’s Brewski event, March 23 while listening to music provided by Soul Foundation. Tickets go on sale Feb. 1, so be sure to visit Ski Santa Fe Ticket Window 1 or call 505-954-3680 to reserve your tickets.

Save the dates in your planner and make it a great weekend with friends, families, or on a solo adventure. Don’t miss this opportunity to taste the best craft brews in New Mexico.

8 Reasons to Ski New Mexico

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There are plenty of great reasons to Ski in New Mexico. Whether you’re a regular or visiting the Land of Enchantment for the first time, here are eight reasons you should make New Mexico the next destination for your winter vacation.

Great Locations

A good vacation is all about the location. New Mexico is a top pick for travelers coming from Texas or Oklahoma, as it’s a quick, easy drive on I-40. There are also options in the southern Rockies, with a scenic drive through rural landscapes for those driving from Colorado. Plus, with the addition of TaosAir, visitors can fly into the enchanted circle, nonstop from Dallas and Austin.

Slopes for Beginners and Experts

One thing our ski areas pride themselves on is being friendly to skiers of all levels. From highly trained instructors to awesome black runs and terrain parks, there is something for everyone. This makes New Mexico especially appealing for large groups or families with kiddos new to the sport.

Family Friendly

Speaking of family friendly, our resorts also offer childcare and lessons for children! Oftentimes there is also an area for tubing or ziplining right on site so everyone can have a fun time, without spending all day in the lodge.

Fun Events

The vacation fun can continue off the slopes as New Mexico ski areas offer several events throughout the season. Some of our favorites include torchlight parades, Mardi Gras celebrations, pond skimming and more!

Inclusive Programs

We recently highlighted our adaptive sports programs in New Mexico, which allow people with disabilities to fully enjoy winter sports. Visiting New Mexico for your vacation and working with Adaptive Sports Program New Mexico or Not Forgotten Outreach, means guests with special needs have a great time too.

Super Savings

New Mexico isn’t only a great destination for winter sports, it’s affordable as well. Between booking packages, visiting on deal days, and discounts for children or service members, there’s sure to be a great deal at each destination. View our deals section for more information

Hometown Feel

Visiting a New Mexico ski area can feel like going home. Many of the ski areas are in small communities with residents who are happy to help tourists make the most of their vacations. Next time you go, look out for all the friendly faces that makes the experience one to remember.

Constantly Improving

Each year, the experience gets better and better. Whether it’s widening paths, updating snowmaking equipment, or adding new lifts, New Mexico ski areas find ways to improve the experience for visitors. (To learn more about updates made this year, you can read more here.)

Use the resources on our site to plan your next visit. When you do, be sure to let us know your top reasons to Ski New Mexico!

📷:@photographymbennett

KOAT Learn to Ski 2019

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More than 7,000 children have benefited from the KOAT Kids Learn to Ski & Snowboard program, which is now entering its sixth year. For $50 per day, children ages 6 to 12 receive a lesson, a ski lift ticket and all equipment rentals. It’s an affordable way for children to learn a winter sport. This program is for first-time beginners. The program starts on Jan. 1, 2019, and runs through Jan. 31, 2019.

Reservations are required and are being taken from Jan. 2, 2019, through Jan. 31, 2019. Those wanting to make a reservation must contact the desired resort directly.

Participating resorts:

Angel Fire Resort: 1-844-218-4107

Pajarito Mountain: 505-662-5725

Red River Ski Area: 575-754-2223, ext. 602

Sandia Peak Ski Area: 505-242-9052

Sipapu Ski Resort: 800-587-2240

Ski Apache: 575-464-3643

Ski Santa Fe: 505-992-5084

Taos Ski Valley: 575-776-2291

How to Simplify Your Ski Trip

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There’s a reason why people say they need a day or two to unwind from vacation. Going on a trip with (or without) family can be a stressful experience. Luckily, modern technology and careful planning can simplify your vacation and make it more enjoyable for everyone involved! Here are our top 10 tips to simplify and enjoy your time on the mountain.

Book ahead of time

Uncomplicating your vacation starts before you ever leave the house. Instead of winging it when you arrive at your destination, book your lift tickets, lessons, childcare, rentals, and other services ahead of time. This will save you so much time waiting in line and making decisions while you could be enjoying your time on the slopes.

Get your rentals delivered

Many vendors, like Sitzmark Sports and Lodge in Red River, are now delivering ski rentals. This can be especially helpful for families, so do you don’t have to load up the entire group, just to pick up skis and snowboards. Look into options before your trip and see what is available!

Try out demos

Save the hassle of packing your skis and boards and driving them all the way from home. Instead, try out the latest demo gear right on the mountain. You might just find a something new you can’t live without!

Plan for food delivery

Grocery pickup and delivery has been a life-changer. Skip the trip to the grocery store or restaurant after a long day, and have the items you need delivered. Bonus, this could save you the necessity of getting a rental car or hauling groceries on public transit if you’re in a more urban area.

Pack snacks

Want to avoid a toddler meltdown, or (let’s face it) a hangry fight on the mountain? Put some of that food you just had delivered into a zip lock bag and bring it with you! Don’t worry, if you forget, New Mexico resorts have great dining options nearby.

Take the shuttle

If you’ve flown in on Taos Air or just want to leave the car at the hotel, take the local shuttle to the lifts. This can save the headache of using a rental vehicle or taking to the roads after a snowstorm. Plus, local transit is usually set up to accommodate skis and boards much better than your vehicle!

Make meetups easier

Use the technology you have to simplify meetups. Set alarms and share location pins to make finding each other and staying in touch simpler. (Remember to keep your tech close to your body so it stays warm enough and to have it in a waterproof case.)

Use on-site childcare

Many New Mexico ski areas have a childcare center with trained staff to watch your littles. Spend some time just the two of you, knowing your children are well taken care of.

Take lessons

Enrolling in lessons, even if you’re more experienced, can be a great way to improve your time. Not only will you see improvement, you’ll generally have quicker access to the lifts! Putting your children in ski school is a great way to make sure they’re taken care of while you and your partner enjoy the slopes, child-free.

Stay at the lodge

One of the best things you can do to spend more time skiing and less time driving is to stay right on site. Oftentimes, you can save on your trip by booking a package with rentals, lessons, and lift tickets before you go!

 

We can’t wait to see you on your next trip to New Mexico. What are your best tips for simplifying your ski trip? Comment below and let us know!

Adaptive Sports in New Mexico

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Spending time of the mountain means different things to different people. Some seek the mountains for recreation, fresh air, time with family, and more. Fortunately, organizations like Adaptive Sports Program, Not Forgotten Outreach and the Fifth Annual Military Winterfest have made the ski season more inclusive for people of all abilities.

Adaptive Sport Program New Mexico

Adaptive Sports Program New Mexico has been offering therapeutic recreational activities to children and adults with disabilities for more than 30 years. Snowboarding, skiing, and rock climbing are just some of the adaptive sports provided. Through innovative sports equipment and skilled training, their team give people with disabilities the chance to experience New Mexico in an entirely new way. If you or someone you know would enjoy these services, click here to learn more about the program and potential scholarships.

Not Forgotten Outreach

Not Forgotten Outreach serves specifically the military community. A major focus of the organization is to provide veterans and their families with therapeutic recreational activities. Through a VA Adaptive Sports Grant, the organization can provide scholarships for skiers and snowboarders who have intellectual or physical disabilities. The scholarships cover everything from meals to rentals and lessons.

EVENTS

Be sure to mark your calendars for events upcoming with both organizations. Adaptive Sports Program has training days January 3-6. To learn more about becoming a volunteer ski or snowboard instructor with Adaptive Sports Program, click here or email jcline@aspnm.org. Not Forgotten Outreach is also in search of trained instructors. For more information on becoming an adaptive sports instructor for the VA Adaptive Sports Grant, email hux@notforgottenoutreach.org.

Not Forgotten Outreach is set to celebrate the sixth annual Not Forgotten Outreach Appreciation Week, Jan. 22-29 at Taos Ski Valley. Past and present military members and their families can enjoy discounted lift tickets and childcare along with free rentals. Learn more about the events and services offered during the appreciation week here.

The following month, celebrate the Fifth Annual Military Winterfest from Feb. 21-24 at Angel Fire Resort. In addition to adaptive sports, there will be live music great sports, and deep discounts for past and present military members. The event raises awareness and funds for the National Veterans Wellness and Healing Center of Angel Fire, which provides treatment for military individuals and families that suffer from PTSD.

Don’t forget to give

Both Adaptive Sports Program and Not Forgotten Outreach are non-profit organizations which rely on generous donors and the work of volunteers to continue offering services. Considering giving back to the local community by making a tax-deductible donation to either organization.