Ski New Mexico

Skiing and Snowboarding in the Land of Enchantment

Archives for December 2019

Holiday Storm Totals

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New Mexico just received an epic storm cycle! We are very excited to report new terrain opening daily and excellent conditions at all 8 New Mexico Ski Areas. View our snow report for full details and live look.

Angel Fire Resort

Last 7 days storm total – 20″

Pajarito Mountain

Last 7 days storm total – 8″

Red River Ski and Summer Area

Last 7 days storm total – 13″

Sandia Peak Ski Area

Last 7 days storm total – 10″

Sipapu Ski and Summer Area

Last 7 days storm total – 16″

Ski Apache

Last 7 days storm total – 19″

Ski Santa Fe

Last 7 days storm total – 33″

Taos Ski Valley

Last 7 days storm total – 18″

Best Times to Go Skiing

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With the ski season often lasting from early November to late March or early April, there’s a decent window for you to plan your trip. In addition to planning on certain months, there may be specific days that lend themselves to a better time, depending on your personality, family, and what you’re looking for out of the trip. Keep reading to see your options and evaluate which one would be best for you.

Early Season

Pros: discounts, less crowded

Cons: fewer runs may be open

The main benefit of going during the early season is saving with early season discounts while hitting the slopes while most people haven’t even begun planning their vacations. You’ll be able to spread out, relax, and enjoy yourself without waiting on lift lines or for other snowboarders to get started down the mountain to take your turn. If you choose to take lessons, you may also be able to get into a smaller group session and have more individualized instruction from the teacher! Some ski areas may have less snow during this time and subsequently have fewer runs open, but with snowmaking technologies constantly improving and areas adding more snowmakers, this is becoming less and less of an issue.

Holidays

Pros: fun family events

Cons: more crowded

The holidays are a beautiful time to spend in the mountains. You can practically guarantee a white Christmas, especially if you spend it on the slopes! In Christmases past, New Mexico ski areas have hosted torchlight parades, skiing with Santa, cookie decorating events, and more. Equally as exciting is New Year’s Eve, where you can ring in the new year with fun activities and skiing or snowboarding! Some areas have special viewing events to watch the ball drop and more fun events. You may have difficulties traveling long distances over the holidays with stores being closed or lodging options being full. Planning ahead is a must to make a holiday ski vacation successful!

Deal Days 

Pros: deep discounts

Cons: deals may sell out, might be crowded

Several New Mexico ski areas have yearly periods when you can ski for free or at discounted rates. For example, Red River Ski Area has deal days set aside for specific times, and you can save up to fifty percent or more on lift tickets! Be sure to check out our yearly deals posts (like this one) and sign up for our snow report on the bottom of the page to get updates on available discounts. You really can’t go wrong with grabbing some extra savings, especially if you have a family or want to go multiple times during the year! You may find some package deals, like these, sell out quickly, so be sure to book your tickets early to ensure your savings!

Weekends 

Pros: More events

Cons: More crowded

Many people choose to ski over the weekend to save their PTO days and skip taking their children out of school. This is a great option, especially since many ski areas reserve events like torchlight parades or night skiing for the weekends. As with many popular times to ski, you may see larger crowds on the slopes, meaning longer wait times at the lifts and more people grabbing for rooms in the lodges. Unless you go in the early season or you can get discounts for your age, occupation, or military status, there are also typically less savings to be had on the weekends.

Weekdays

Pros: Less crowded, more discount options

Cons: Might need to take PTO, fewer events

Weekdays are an especially appealing time to go skiing for those who are going for their first time or those looking to ski on a discount. Since most people are working or in school, you’ll likely have more space and fewer skiers to navigate around. Enjoy shorter lift lines, shorter wait times at the on-mountain restaurants and bars, and more opportunities for savings. As a bonus, if you take ski or snowboard lessons during this time, you may find the group lessons are less full, leaving you more time to ask questions of the instructor and focus on your unique needs. Of course, you’ll need to take time off work or school if your schedule doesn’t leave you weekdays free, but we’re sure it will be well worth it!

Spring Break

Pros: extra events

Cons: more crowded

While you may associate spring break with beaches and beverages, it is also a popular time to hit the slopes. There are plenty of options to enjoy yourself and save, both on the mountain and off the mountain. Plus, you’ll be able to take time off without worrying about missing classes or finals and take your children without them missing important information. The atmosphere on the mountain is laidback and fun, with many young people and families traveling in groups. This is another time to plan ahead and save your lodging and tickets ahead of time to make checking in and getting on the mountain easy with the extra influx of skiers and snowboarders.

Late Season

Pros: extra savings and pond skimming events

Cons: fewer runs open, harder to plan

If the holidays are an extra busy time for you and you find yourself more available in March and April, skiing in the late season may be the perfect choice for you. As with the early season, you’ll likely find extra limited-time offers and fewer crowds. You’ll also be able to take in the great tradition of pond skimming, where people ski down the mountain and then ski over a pond of water. This is always a fun time to celebrate the season and maybe even win a few prizes. However, with the season depending on snowfall and cool temperatures, there may be fewer runs open. Ski areas may need to close earlier than anticipated or may stay open longer. Skiing during this time of year requires some flexibility in travel.  

Whenever you decide to ski in New Mexico, we are sure you’ll find great service, high quality trails, and plenty of fun, no matter your age or ability. Start planning your trip today with our packing list and get ready to have a great time!

New Mexico New Year 2020

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New Year’s Eve celebrations are taking place all over the state and at New Mexico’s premier ski areas. Make the last day of 2019 one to remember with great skiing and a fun event at one of the locations below!

Angel Fire

Ring in 2020 in Angel Fire with an NYE torchlight parade! Dress warmly and gather at the base of the mountain at 4 p.m. for hot cocoa, cookies, and a massive Coca-Cola bear giveaway. Afterward, gather at The Village Haus to watch a spectacular show of athleticism as skiers come down the mountain guided by torches and backlit by fireworks. The parade begins at 6 p.m. so be sure to arrive early and save your spot for the best views!

Red River 

In the mood for an old-fashioned NYE? Visit the Red River Community House for a family-friendly party with pizza, music, and games. Watch the ball drop at 10 p.m. so the kids won’t have to miss out. Or, enjoy skiing and sledding at Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area with which will be lit up at the base area. If you’re getting to town early, stop by the Grill House and enjoy food and drinks for an extra special torchlight paradeat Red River Ski Area Dec. 31. The parade will feature a massive firework display you won’t want to miss.

Ruidoso

The town of Ruidoso offers a multitude of activitiesfor those staying close to Ski Apache! From dancing to music of decades past and amazing cuisine, there is something there for every family. Check out all your options here, and reserve your spot at what is sure to be an amazing event!

Taos 

Round out a nice day on the slopes with Taos Ski Valley’s NYE torchlight parade. Beginning at 6 p.m., skiers will bring torches down the mountain, followed by an amazing firework show. For the first year ever, you can enjoy live music, dancing, and sparkling drinks at Tenderfoot Katie’s where the ball will drop at 9 p.m. There is also a delicious menuto make your last meal of 2019 a good one!

Albuquerque

If you’re enjoying the last of 2019 on the slopes of Sandia Peak, take a break to go back explore Albuquerque. The entire city is celebrating this year, with events taking place all over the metro. Bring the family for a party on the moonat the science museum, ring in 2020 with a performance by the Fab Four, or have a jazzy night at a local speakeasy. For a full list of events taking place in the area, click here.

This NYE is the perfect opportunity to carry on old traditions while making new ones. Wherever you celebrate, we wish you ha happy New Year and hope your future includes many trips to ski in New Mexico! 

Ski into a New Mexico Christmas in 2019

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Nothing says Christmas like white powdery flakes falling from the sky and celebrating the season with the one you love. While we can’t promise the snow, we can ensure you’ll have a fabulous time in New Mexico. If you’re one of the many people who enjoy spending the holidays on the slopes, you’ll love these Christmas events taking place at New Mexico Ski areas this year. From cookie decorating parties, s’mores with Santas, and beautiful light displays, there is sure to be something your entire family can love this holiday season.

Angel Fire Resort

Enjoy multiple days of holiday festivities at Angel Fire Resort During their 2019 Christmas Celebration. From Dec. 21 to Christmas Eve, there are family friendly events you are sure to enjoy.

Dec. 21, try out your sugar cookie decorating skills in the hotel lobby from 4 to 5 p.m. Regardless of your skills, it’s bound to taste as good or better than it looks!

Dec. 22

Meet in the hotel lobby from 4 to 5 p.m. to decorate stockings for the big day. You’ll be able to make your mark and be sure Santa knows exactly who he is delivering goodies for!

Dec. 23, continue your creativity with snowman and reindeer arts and crafts in the hotel lobby. Save them as gifts for Santa or bring them home for a lovely, homemade souvenir.  

Dec. 24 is full of fun activities for the entire family. Start early at 9 a.m. to ski with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. When Santa’s done skiing at 2 p.m., you can join him in the lobby to make last-minute Christmas wishes. Head out to the base area at 4 p.m. for a sweet treat of hot cocoa and cookies, then enjoy the torchlight parade and fireworks at 6 p.m. before going to bed and waiting for your Christmas deliveries!

Pajarito Mountain

If you love ugly sweater parties and discounted merch and lift tickets, Pajarito on Ugly Sweater Day is the place to be. Load up friends and family members for the event taking place Dec. 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You’ll see people with their best worst sweaters on display. The ugliest sweaters will be rewarded with discounts to Pajarito Mountain’s retail shop!

Red River Ski and Summer Area

If you’re looking for a picturesque small town to celebrate Christmas in with your loved ones, look no further than Red River, New Mexico. Between the snow covered mountain and smalltown charm, there is plenty to enjoy. In addition the resort has two family-friendly Christmas events you are sure to enjoy.

The Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade takes place Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. A time honored tradition, skiers take to the mountain, swinging flaming torches while fireworks light the skye behind them. Watch from The Lift House, where you can indulge in creamy hot chocolate, sweet cider, or an adult beverage.

Ski and Ride with Santa lets the entire family learn whether Santa prefers skis or snowboards the day after making his big deliveries! Catch him hitting the slopes at 11:30 p.m. for a fun time and maybe even catch a photo op between runs. After he makes his way down the mountain, he’ll be in the lodge, celebrating Christmas with all the little girls and boys.

Sandia Peak

If you’re skiing at Sandia Peak over the holiday season, Albuquerque offers a variety of rich Christmas traditions we think you will love. From old favorites like gingerbread house making competitions to edgy alternatives like Christmas Eve ghost tours, we think you’ll find something to enjoy. See a full list of events sorted by type, date, and more here.

Sipapu Ski and Summer Area

Join the Christmas Eve Party at Sipapu Dec. 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. This free, no reservations required event takes place at Paradise Grill inside the lodge. You’ll be able to enjoy free s’mores, posole with tortillas, and even see Santa Claus! Sipapu will have a photographer available to take photos, which you can purchase so your main focus is enjoying the evening!

Ski Apache

Explore the area around Ski Apache with a variety of Christmas activities suited to different interests and ages. Craft beer connoisseurs will enjoy the Holiday Beer and Cheer event Dec 22 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lost Hiker Brewing Company. Bring the family to watch the magic of The Nutcracker ballet performance, with various showtimes leading up to Christmas. On Christmas Eve, greet Santa as he rides into the Lincoln Historic site on a Longhorn steer, and drink hot cocoa while watching the town be adorned with luminarias.

Ski Santa Fe

The entire month of December is full of events in Santa Fe. While enjoying some of the best snow in New Mexico, take in the rich regional culture by participating in a torchlight procession at the Picuris Pueblo. Enjoy several beautiful light displays throughout the city, with millions of twinkle lights. Round off your holiday celebrations with seasonal musical performances that are sure to dazzle and delight the whole family. To learn more about events in Santa Fe, click here.

Taos Ski Valley

Did you know Santa Claus is coming to Taos this year? While in town on Dec. 21 for skiing and other fun winter activities, stop by the plaza where you’ll meet santa by the big Christmas tree! He plans to meet with children and families from 3:30 to 5 p.m., so be sure to get there and save your spot in line!

The City of Taos also has several fun Yuletide events planned the entire month of December, from a special procession at the Taos Pueblo, pop-up shops, a torchlight parade, and more! See the list to plan your trip.

We hope you enjoy this holiday season with your family and take in all the culture, joy, and festivities the area you visit has to offer. Be sure to tag your family photos and all your Santa sightings with #skinewmexico so we can join in on the fun!

World Pro Ski Tour World Championships in 2020 Held in NM

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Taos Ski Valley to Host World Pro Ski Tour World Championships in 2020

TAOS SKI VALLEY, NM, Dec. 11, 2019 – Taos Ski Valley will host the World Pro Ski Tour World Championships April 10-12, 2020. The World Championships is a stand-alone event in the World Pro Ski Tour, which travels around the United States from December through April. This prestigious, nationally televised event draws the top professional ski racers and spectators from around the world to the famed slopes of Taos. The Taos World Championships purse of more than $100,000 will be at stake, allowing athletes to compete for the largest professional dual-racing purse in the world.

The World Pro Ski Tour is the country’s foremost dual-format pro racing tour in which professional skiers race side-by-side in a single-elimination bracket. Professional skiers, Olympians and NCAA All-Americans from around the world will begin the Tour this week in Colorado. Through a series of events over the next five months, skiers will rack up points and the chance to compete at Taos in the World Pro Ski Tour World Championships.

“Taos Ski Valley is thrilled to welcome the world’s best skiers to the mountain this spring,” said David Norden, CEO of Taos Ski Valley. “We’ve always had the terrain to host a major event like this, and now through years of careful investment we have the infrastructure, lodging, and facilities to roll out the red carpet to this world-famous group of Olympic medalists and professionals. This event will be spectacular for the participants and spectators, and also for the Taos community, which will have an opportunity to highlight its culture, spirit and hospitality to the world.”

“We’re taking important steps forward in developing a robust outdoor recreation economy and boosting New Mexico’s tourism industry,” Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “Taos Ski Valley is demonstrating how businesses can serve local communities. I am so proud of this selection and eager to watch Taos Ski Valley represent our great state on a national stage.”

To accommodate the event, Taos will extend the ski season until April 12, 2020. Season pass holders can continue to ski the mountain through April 12. The event is open to the public and spectators are encouraged to attend to watch the athletes compete.

“We are excited to hold the first World Pro Ski Tour World Championships since the 1990’s at Taos Ski Valley, which is one of the premier ski areas on the planet,” said Jon Franklin, CEO of the World Pro Ski Tour. “Spectators and viewers at home can look forward to seeing two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Ted Ligety, other Olympians and World Champion medalists at this event.”

As a part of the resurgence and revitalization that the World Pro Ski Tour has undergone in 2019, a World Championships event will be put back on the schedule for the first time since the 1990’s. Historic rivalries have played out at the historic Pro Tour World Championships, including the battle between Triple-Olympic gold medalist Jean-Claude Killy and U.S. Ski Team rebel, Spider Sabich. The Tour and World Championships will be featured on national television including primetime on CBS Sports Network as well as on OutsideTV and live streamed on FloSports.

To learn more about the World Pro Ski Tour, please visit www.worldproskitour.com

Courtesy image. Pro Ski Tour World Championship event at Beaver Creek in a prior year. The 2020 championship will be held at Taos Ski Valley in April.

Don’t Miss These New Mexico Skiing Deals

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Going on a trip to the mountains for some fresh air and great skiing or snowboarding can be a great way to decompress, spend quality time with family, or make good memories with friends. However, full-price lift tickets and rentals can get pricey, especially if you want to go more than once or twice a year. 

Don’t let the price tag you’re picturing in your mind keep you from planning a vacation to New Mexico’s slopes this year. Traveling early in the season can save you some serious cash while letting you hit the powder before most people get started!

Red River Ski and Summer Area

Visiting Red River Ski and Summer Area during Deal Daze is a great way to save on a trip to the southern Rocky Mountains. Deal Daze are Dec. 6-8 and 13-15, 2019. During those days, full-day lift tickets start at $45, and half-day tickets start at $34, which could be nearly $30 in savings! 

Angel Fire Resort

Angel Fire Resort is offering discounted lodging to celebrate the early season. The Season Opener Lodging Special starts Dec. 12, 2019, and ends Dec. 15, 2019, with room prices starting as low as $99 a night. To learn more about the offer and deals you can get on season passes, visit the website. Book online or call 800-633-7463.

Taos

Power Weekends and Snowsports Weeks at Taos offer an intensive opportunity for skiers to improve their skills, learn more about skiing and snowboarding, and meet new friends. These become available December 13 and occur regularly throughout the season. There are different packages available depending on your interests and level. For example, beginners can learn quickly with the First Experience Snowsports Week. Click here to learn more about Power Weekends and Snowsports Weeks at Taos.

Ski Santa Fe

A Snow Sports Passport at Ski Santa Fe is your ticket to savings all season long. Starting this season, every person who completes a lesson package at the Ski Santa Fe Snow Sports School will receive $25 off of an all-day lift ticket, $25 off of any lesson or package, and $15 off any ski and snowboard rental package. The sooner you go, the sooner you can save.

So what will it be? A road trip to Red River for some Deal Daze fun? A stay in Angel Fire with family? A week-long excursion at Taos? Or improving your skills at Ski Santa Fe? Any option you choose, you’ll be saving money while enjoying winter sports. What could be better?

Pajarito Mountain and Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort

Parents with children are going to love this deal: every child 10 years and young receives a FREE season pass at Pajarito Mountain and Sipapu Ski & Summer resort! This pass is also good at several other areas and applies every day of the season. See more deals from Pajarito here and Sipapu here.

Sandia Peak and Ski Santa Fe

Grab a Peak Plus card for a $25 discount on lift tickets. You can also purchase a Six Pack of Fun punch card to save on six lift tickets you can use any day during the season! 

Ski Apache

Get a special Stay and Ski package deal for a two-night stay at Ski Apache, including lift tickets for two and more! Packages can include a Superior Room at the Inn of the Mountain Gods, breakfast at Gathering of Nations Buffet, credits for lunch and dinner, transportation to the slopes, lift tickets, and rentals! Enjoy the deal Friday and Saturday or Saturday and Sunday Nov. 29, 2019, through March 2, 2020. Learn more about the packages here.

If you’re ready to start saving, the time is now. There is already snow on the mountains (check our snow reports here), and people eager to get you set up with rentals, lift tickets, childcare and great lodging. Wherever you go, there is a deal and an adventure waiting for you.

How to Prevent Common Ski Injuries

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Taking an active vacation is a great way to stay healthy and create memories. Unfortunately, any sport comes with risks, including skiing. Even the top athletes in the sport experience at worst career-ending and at best inconvenient injuries that can set back progress and take the joy out of skiing, at least for a little while. Whether you’re a season pass holder or only head to the mountains a couple of times a year with family, use these tips to make sure your time on the slopes is both fun and safe!

Train These Muscle Groups

Knee injuries are some of the most commonly talked about ski injuries. These can include tears to the ligaments or tissues in the knee, such as the meniscus, ACL, LCL, MCL, or PCL.  Often happening while bending, twisting, or turning, these can be both painful and ultimately costly if extensive physical therapy or surgery is required. On the bright side, these types of injuries can be prevented by knowing your limits by avoiding excessive fatigue (see our point below) and training the appropriate muscle groups.

Strengthening glutes and hamstrings is particularly important in providing additional stability to the knee joint. Flexibility in these muscles is also important so you can withstand falls and twists more easily. Adding in core work can help with your stability as well, making these falls less likely.

Strengthen This Part of Your Body

Have you ever heard of–or experienced yourself–achilles ruptures, tibial fractures, or ankle injuries? They can be painful and long-lasting, especially ankle sprains, without much hope for a full, pain-free recovery. The best course of action with these types of injuries is to prevent them! 

The first step you can take is to check your binding settings. Make sure they are set right for you. Once you’re sure they’re set appropriately, check them again. This is one of the simplest ways you can prevent lower leg injuries! The next step you need to take is strengthening your lower leg, including your calves, ankles, and feet!

Drop Your Poles

Skiers who fall with their thumbs out, often suffer an ailment called skiers thumb. This is when the ligament in your thumb, which are important for your gripping action, is injured. Sometimes this can result in temporary pain, long lasting arthritis, or something that needs to be surgically repaired. The easiest way to prevent this injury is by dropping your poles in the fall. This will help keep you from falling with your thumbs out. Other ways you can prevent upper extremity injuries is by improving core strength to prevent falls and practicing falling techniques because let’s face it, falling is a part of the sport!

Practice Falling

Because falling is inevitable when you’re challenging yourself and working with mother nature, practicing falling at slower speeds and leveler inclines is a great strategy to prevent injuries. Some of the ways you can make your spills safer include relaxing, not digging in your edges, aiming your feet downhill, and not putting your arm out to break the fall.

Wear Protective Gear

Many risks you take while skiing are simply associated with being outdoors. Use our packing list to make sure you’ve covered all your bases when prepping for your trip. As a general rule, you need to make sure you have – or can get access to – these items:

  • Helmet
  • Waterproof clothing
  • Waterproof gloves
  • Multiple layers of moisture-wicking clothing
  • Sunscreen
  • Chapstick
  • UV protected goggles or sunglasses
  • Microfiber lens wipe
  • Hand and toe warmers

Some skiers might also opt to wear additional protective gear, such as back pads, supportive knee or wrist braces, and padded shorts.

Know Your Limits

Ultimately, many ski injuries can be prevented by knowing your limits. If you know you’re typically wiped after only a few hours of skiing, try saving money on a half-day lift ticket or build in a long midday break. Avoid taking the more challenging trails until you’ve mastered the blues and greens. If you’re just a beginner, try starting out without the ski poles so you don’t have them in the way as you fall and find your footing.

Our goal is to keep you skiing for as long as possible by staying injury-free. (Plus, you’ll be able to look forward to the free lift tickets for super seniors as one way you can save by skiing in New Mexico!) Be sure to keep leveling up in your ski practice by using the tips above, taking lessons from trained instructors, and following blogs like ours that will keep you updated with the latest news. If you do, you are bound to learn, grow, and enjoy skiing even more!