• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Ski New Mexico

Skiing and Snowboarding in the Land of Enchantment

  • PLAN YOUR VACATION
    • PLAN BY SERVICE
      • ALL SERVICES
      • LODGING
      • EQUIPMENT RENTALS
      • RESTAURANT
      • ACTIVITIES
    • INSPIRATION
      • CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
      • COMPARE NM RESORTS
      • COVID-19 UPDATE
  • RESORTS & DESTINATIONS
    • Resorts
      • ANGEL FIRE RESORT
      • PAJARITO MOUNTAIN
      • RED RIVER SKI AREA
      • SANDIA PEAK
      • SIPAPU
      • SKI APACHE
      • SKI SANTA FE
      • TAOS SKI VALLEY
    • Nordic Resorts
      • ANGEL FIRE NORDIC
      • ENCHANTED FOREST
    • Destinations
      • ALBUQUERQUE
      • LOS ALAMOS
      • RED RIVER
      • SANTA FE
      • TOWN OF TAOS
      • VILLAGE OF ANGEL FIRE
      • VILLAGE OF RUIDOSO
      • VILLAGE OF TAOS SKI VALLEY
  • WEBCAMS
  • DEALS
  • STORIES
  • SNOW REPORT

Archives for January 2020

Top 7 Coolest Ski and Snowboard Photos

Jan 29, 2020 by Kelsie Stelting

These skiers and snowboarders have frozen some epic wintery moments forever! We went on a search for the best ski and snowboard photos and found incredible shots across New Mexico Ski areas. Get ready to Be Enchanted!

Photo by Jimmy McGarriston featuring  Tucker Beatty

Location: Taos Ski Valley

This skier takes on a steep slope through fresh powder at Taos Ski Valley. We love the variety in trail difficulty Taos Ski Valley provides. You can hit the blacks or double diamonds or choose from a good selection of greens and blues. Who knows, you may just work your way up to this epic challenge like Tucker Beatty!

Photo by Reed Weimer of Dallas Kiker

Location: Red River Ski Area

If you want to grow in your sport, sometimes you have to dig deep–in the snow! Red River’s location positions it perfectly for massive snowfalls, comfortable bases, and incredible opportunities to shred on skis or snowboards. Challenge yoursefl this season at Red River!

Photo by @xline_skiers, a #skibueno photo contest winner

Location: Ski Santa Fe

We love this creative shot captured for the #skibueno photo contest. Those who dare to be brave can capture awesome photos–and air–at Ski Santa Fe! For more incredible ski photos, check out the hashtag #skibueno or follow @skisantafe on Instagram!

Photo by Vint Miller courtesy of Los Alamos County

Location: Pajarito Mountain

Pajarito Mountain is a great place to take the entire family on a ski trip. With great deals, less traffic, and skilled instructors, you’ll be able to have a fun time on the slopes, no matter your age or ability.

Photo by: @borgaro11

Location: Ski Apache

We’re loving this unique angle @boragaro11 caught on the slopes! At Ski Apache, you can expect a beautiful mix of natural and manmade snow, along with some beautiful bluebird days. Clear visibility means amazing views from the mountaintops, clear goggles, and a great time at Ski Apache!

Photo by: SipapuNM

Location: Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort

Check out this micro shredder! Sipapu’s ski school is trained to help your little ones become the best skiers they can be! You’ll be amazed at the progress they make during their instruction time, and maybe even capture some awesome moves like this!

Photo by: Angel_Fire_Resort

Location: Angel Fire Resort

Gather speed like this competitive skier at Angel Fire Resort’s town races, or take it slow on a weekday at Angel Fire Resort! You’ll find plenty of options from Night Skiing, fun events, greens, blues, and even more strenuous trails!

Photo by: only_phil

Location: Sipapu Ski Area

Make the trail your own by sweeping up the trail edge and catching some air! Sipapu may be a small town, but there are be chances to have a great time!

We hope these photos inspired you to hit the slopes and get some neat shots of your own. If you have photos you’d like to share, post them on Instagram with the hashtag #skinewmexico for a chance to be featured on our Instagram account!

Filed Under: Skiing

Prepare Your Car for Your Ski Trip in 9 Simple Steps

Jan 22, 2020 by Kelsie Stelting

Preparing for a skiing or snowboarding trip is about more than packing up your bags with weather appropriate clothing and extra snacks and hitting the road with your phone’s GPS. Your car also requires a decent amount of preparation to ensure your time on the road is as safe as possible. If you’re driving from an area where you don’t encounter steep slopes, snow or ice as frequently, you’ll have additional considerations that you may not have thought of before. Use these steps to be sure that your vehicle is road-trip-ready in time for your vacation.

1. Check your tires (including your spare).

When driving in the mountains, the condition of your tires is critical. Before going on a trip, check the tread, making sure there aren’t any slow leaks or cracks in the rubber. Use a tire pressure gauge to ensure all of the tires are equally filled to manufacturer-recommended levels. This will help with your gas mileage, as well as ensure you have as much traction as possible when you drive on steep inclines or if the road gets slick. Having a spare is essential on any trip, but especially on a trip to the mountains. There may hours between towns, or even encountering another vehicle. Have a spare ready and available, in case the tire goes flat while you’re driving. This will save a lot of headaches later on. Keep in mind some newer vehicles do not come with a spare tire, so speak with your local tire shop about having a spare or extra tire prepared for your vehicle if you do not already have one.

2. Check your breaks.

While it’s important to avoid over-braking on downhill slopes, you also need to be sure that your brake pads have plenty of life left in them. As you’re driving down the mountain, you may need to downshift and tap on your brakes every so often to keep from speeding. Another consideration is wildlife. Many animals cross the road throughout the day and during the night, and you want to be able to stop as quickly as possible to avoid an accident.

3. Check your oil.

It’s always a good rule of thumb to check your oil before a major road trip. Change or oil if it’s getting close to time, or at least top it off if needed. Driving in the mountains can put additional strain on your engine, so treat it well and extend its life by keeping the oil fresh and full.

4. Check your lights.

Visibility in the mountains, especially when it’s precipitating, is a major safety factor. Check that each of your lights is functioning, including your fog lights, which you may not need often where you live. Have a friend or family member check your brake lights while you are tapping on them, as well as your turn signals.

5. Top off your fluids.

Check your windshield wiper fluid, antifreeze, transmission fluid, and gas before beginning your trip. If you’ve mapped out your course and have determined that the gas stations are too far apart to account for detours or scenic routes, you may want to pack an extra gas can, just in case. 

6. Pack these essentials. 

In addition to the items you’ll need for your trip, you will also want to load your vehicle with each of these necessities.

  • An emergency kit including a First-aid kit, flares, jumper cables, a flashlight, a blanket, an AM/FM radio, bottled water and non-perishable snacks, and any items you may need in an emergency, like medications.
  • Your cell phone and charger
  • Some extra cash in case your card is frozen for any reason or you patronize a business that does not accept cards or checks
  • Plenty of snacks and drinking water
  • Extra blankets
  • Non-clumping kitty litter and a shovel in case you get stuck
  • Warm winter clothes you can put on if you need to go outside and change a tire or dig out of a snowbank
  • Ice scraper
  • Tire chains

7. Map your trip.

Cell coverage can be patchy in the mountains, so you’ll want to have a map of your course–or at least a state map–printed out or purchased ahead of time. If you’ve only driven the route a couple of times, or are brand new to the area, you’ll want to have a good idea of how to get to your destination in case your phone dies or you’re left without service. This is also a good idea in case a detour comes up, so you’ll have a general understanding of the area.

Bonus Tip: Check the Weather and Plan Accordingly

As always, when you’re going on a road trip, it’s important to check the weather ahead of time. You’ll want to know when and where you may encounter inclement weather. Consider a back-up plan, in case the roads are too slick to drive, or adjust what you are bringing if you think you may be snowed in longer than expected.

We hope that you enjoy the mountains this ski season, but as always, safety comes first. Use these tips to make sure the most memorable part of your trip to the mountains is the great skiing you’ll find in New Mexico and fun time spent with family.

Filed Under: Tips, Travel

Don’t Miss These Events This January

Jan 16, 2020 by Kelsie Stelting

Even though Christmas and New Years are behind us, there are still plenty of events taking place across New Mexico. This year, you can save money on lift tickets, watch–or participate in–races, try out some wine, and listen to live music! Buy your lift tickets and get your room booked now, because you won’t want to miss these activities.

Red River Ski Area

College days – Jan. 5-20

It’s not spring break yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time. Grab some friends and head to Red River for College Days. With a valid student ID or proof of enrollment, you can get discounted lift tickets and rental equipment.

Cardboard Sled Derby – Jan. 18

Grab all your extra boxes and make a sled usingcardboard, duct tape, string, twine, and paint. Race down the hill on your own, or gather a team of four people to use the sled and compete for prizes in various categories. The Cardboard Sled Derby is sure to be a fun event for people of all ages. Click here to learn how to register and rules specific to the race!

Race the Face – Jan. 20

Do you enjoy snowmobiling? What about racing? Race the face is the perfect opportunity to get out your snowmobile and see just how fast it can go. Competitors have a chance to win a big payout and massive bragging rights. All others can enjoy cheering on friends and family as they compete! Learn more here.

Sipapu 

Battle at Badgers United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association real Jam – Jan. 18

Join in on the competition or battle it out yourself at Battle at Badgers USASA Rail Jam. You’ll be able to see top skiers and snowboarders compete at Sipapu in a family-friendly event. You will enjoy skiers of all ages performing amazing tricks and honing their skills on the mountain. Not sure what a USASA event looks like? Watch this video. Learn more about the event and how to register here.

Chama 

Chama Chile Ski Classic – Jan. 18-19

See who can go the fastest in classic cross-country ski races, snowshoe races, and rookie races! The entire family can join in on the fiesta with events for competitors of all levels and opportunities to have fun and watch on the sidelines. Learn how you can participate or support the racers here.

Ski Santa Fe

Ski Santa Fe Fireball Rando Vertical Race – Jan. 24

It’s a race to the top for skiers at Ski Santa Fe during the Fireball Rando Vertical Race! They will begin at the bottom and see who can reach the peak first. Following a marked trail, competitors will gain 1,700 ft. during the race, and prizes will be given to the winner! Learn more or register here.

Pajarito Mountain

Beer and Bands – Jan. 25 

What goes together like spaghetti and meatballs, the mountains and s’mores, but beer and live music? Visit Pajarito Mountian to hear live music from Escape on a Horse while trying out brews from Bathtub Row Brewing Co-Op. Spend time with friends hanging out on Pajarito’s back deck–you’re sure to have a blast at Beer and Bands.

Ski Apache

After a full day of skiing, head over to Inn of the Mountain Gods for a concert featuring Neal McCoy. You might know him from several top ten hits like “Billy’s Got His Beer Goggles On.” You’ll love hearing country music and enjoying a drink with friends. Grab your tickets here.

Taos Ski Valley

Winter Wine Festival – Jan. 30 – Feb. 2 

More than 40 wineries will be coming to Taos to let visitors sample wines, while 24 area restaurants provide amazing food. In addition, the 34th Annual Winter Wine Festival will have reserve tastings, chef luncheons, and seminars on the topic. Learn how you can enjoy this event to the fullest here.

Angel Fire Resort

Winter Carnival and the Last Shovel Race – Jan. 30 – Feb. 2 

Enjoy several days filled with fun, culminating with a shovel race where competitors ride scoop shovels down the mountain, reaching speeds of up to 70 mph. (Sound crazy? It is. You can see snippets from 2018’s race here.) The carnival will feature rides, games, popcorn, and snowcones while the races promise fun and excitement for people of all ages! See details and learn how to register here.

Are you ready to have a great time on your ski trip? Mark one or more of these events in you calendar, plan your trip, pack your bags, and head out for a great time in New Mexico!

Filed Under: Contest, Food & Drink, Happenings, Ski New Mexico News, Skiing

10 Reasons to Take Lessons During Learn to Ski Month

Jan 8, 2020 by Kelsie Stelting

January is Learn to Ski Month, and there’s never been a better time to head to the mountains in New Mexico and take a lesson! (Children 6-12 learn for only $50 a day in January!) Whether you’re new to the sport or have been practicing for years, taking a lesson by a trained instructor can help you improve and have more fun on the slopes.

We reached out to Stephen Trask, a ski instructor at Ski Santa Fe, who has taught hundreds of students the basics of skiing as well as advanced skills. When you spend the majority of your career on the slopes, working with people of all skill levels, you get an idea of what works and what doesn’t. Here are some reasons Trask says you should learn to ski this month:

It’s inexpensive!

“With beginner lesson packages costing only a little more than getting a lift ticket and rentals separately, it is great value,” Trask says.

The KOAT program in New Mexico allows children 6 to 12 years old to have lessons, rentals, and lift tickets for $50 per day at participating resorts! This is a great way to get a taste for the sport and try it out as a family. If you decide you like it, you can always go another day or even plan for a season pass in coming years.

You can learn at almost any age.

Depending on the resort and lesson availability, children can start learning to ski as young as three years old. First-time skiers may have the most to gain from lessons, as they can quickly learn the foundational skills required and continue to build upon them. If you are starting your children young, Trask says patience is key.

“Take it slow to begin with,” Trask says. “Try a half-day or even just an hour. A positive experience is key. And be aware that learning will take time at this age, there is no need to rush the process.”

Some parents may prefer to teach their children themselves, but Trask says it doesn’t need to be an either/or solution.

“It is well worth starting out with some time on snow with your child so they get used to the environment and even a little sliding around,” Trask says. “Lessons can be key to getting your child to progress. Having someone teach your child good technique from a young age will set them up for success.”

Skiing is a great workout.

While skiing is a fun way to pass the time outside, it also burns a considerable amount of calories! An hour spend downhill skiing or snowboarding could burn as many as 300 to 600 calories, as compared to 292 biking. 

As you’re skiing, you work many main muscle groups. Your quads help support you and guide the skis. As you’re bending, you use foot and calf muscles. Your core stabilizes you to prevent you from falling, and if you ski with poles, your arms get a great workout as well. Not to mention, walking to and from the lifts and lodge!

You can take it at your own pace.

Although your first instinct may be to fit as much as you can into your lesson, remember, no two people learn at the same pace. Depending on your fitness, interest, and many other factors, you may want to take your lesson at a faster or slower pace. That’s okay.

“Remember that the experience should be fun, it isn’t all about becoming as good as you can as quickly as possible,” Trask says. “Everyone learns at different speeds, and quite often the student that takes longer to learn to ski/snowboard ends up being the best.”

Your family could bond through the experience.

Traveling to New Mexico and learning to ski could be an incredible bonding experience. While there are plenty of fun off-mountain activities for the entire family, learning a new skill together can be a memory you recall for years to come and something that brings you together for trips and holidays even after the children are out of the house.

For example, this family made countless memories with a road trip, ski lessons, tubing, and the torchlight parade in Red River.

Learn stress-free from professionals.

Many people are tempted to save money by learning from a friend or significant other. Keep in mind instructors are trained to teach lessons and have plenty of practice doing so. They can help you stay safe, learn new skills, and be more patient than a loved one might.

“If you want a positive experience rather than having your significant other, shouting, ‘Just turn!’ as you are going 30mph toward a tree, take a lesson,” Trask says.

You’ll set a strong foundation to build on.

When you learn to walk, you don’t start out in the middle of the floor putting one foot in front of the other. You first learn to hold your head up, then roll over, sit up, crawl, hold yourself up, and eventually take tentative steps before you’re fully confident. Skiing is the same way. You need to learn basic skills, like how to slow down and turn at a slow pace before you’ll be ready to ride the lift and head down a complete trail. Once you have a strong foundation built, you can start working toward bigger challenges like harder trail difficulties or attempting tricks for the first time. 

“Whether it is a tiny step towards a goal or a big one, we are here to help you through the learning process,” Trask says.

You can choose a lesson type that meets your needs and preferences.

The option to choose between group and private lessons is an appealing one. If you’re one of the many adults who has a fear of failure or don’t want to move at the pace of a group, signing up for a private lesson could be the right move. You’ll also receive more individualized attention and guidance.

“Group lessons are a good idea because of value, as well as the opportunity to learn with friends and meet new people,” Trask says. “With a group lesson, try finding quieter times of the season and you can end up in a small class anyway.”

You’ll be safer.

In addition to eating and resting well before a lesson, understanding safe practices, and wearing good protective gear, it is important to be as safe as possible while skiing and snowboarding. Reading up on how to prevent common injuries beforehand can help make your time safer, as well as learning from a professional who can teach you in a controlled, safe environment.

“Instructors have an understanding of how the body and the skis/snowboard work together,” Trask says. “Taking you through the basics step by step, building on what you learn, helping to correct inefficiencies and making your experience a positive one is why instructors exist.”

Another tip, in addition to learning from a skilled professional, is to relax while practicing. Trask suggests those who are nervous focus on their breathing or sing a song in their heads to have a more enjoyable time.

It’s fun!

There’s a reason millions of people pack up and hit the slopes each year. It’s not for the car ride (although, you can see a lot of sights on the way) or to watch the funny way people walk in ski boots. It’s because skiing is a great way to have fun outdoors and spend time with friends and family.

“It’s like being a kid again,” Trask says. “Skiing is play. Plus you are in a beautiful environment and getting some great exercise!”

We hope you will join us on the slopes this January for a great time skiing and learning. As you’re planning your trip, Trask has a few tips to set you up for success.

“There is a lot to learning to ski or snowboard, some basics can really help,” Trask says. “Factor in plenty of time to get ready and organized for your day on the slopes. Be fed and hydrated, make sure you have clothing/gear for a cold-weather environment as well as sunscreen. But most importantly of all have fun!”

Filed Under: Happenings, Skiing, Tips

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • 72 Hours Around Santa Fe
  • February is For Fun!
  • January 2023 Events Around New Mexico
  • Ski Santa Fe Upper Mountain Opens Saturday, January 7, 2023
  • SKI NEW MEXICO DEALS, DISCOUNTS AND SKI VACATION PACKAGES

Recent Comments

    Archives

    • January 2023
    • December 2022
    • March 2022
    • February 2022
    • January 2022
    • December 2021
    • November 2021
    • October 2021
    • August 2021
    • April 2021
    • March 2021
    • February 2021
    • January 2021
    • March 2020
    • February 2020
    • January 2020
    • December 2019
    • November 2019
    • October 2019
    • September 2019
    • April 2019
    • March 2019
    • February 2019
    • January 2019
    • December 2018
    • November 2018
    • October 2018
    • March 2018
    • February 2018
    • January 2018
    • December 2017
    • November 2017
    • October 2017
    • August 2017
    • March 2017
    • February 2017
    • January 2017
    • December 2016
    • November 2016
    • October 2016
    • September 2016
    • March 2016
    • February 2016
    • January 2016
    • December 2015
    • November 2015
    • September 2015
    • April 2015
    • March 2015
    • February 2015
    • January 2015
    • December 2014
    • November 2014
    • October 2014
    • September 2014

    Categories

    • Behind the Scenes
    • Contest
    • Culture
    • Food & Drink
    • Happenings
    • Sandia Peak
    • Ski New Mexico News
    • Skier Stories
    • Skiing
    • Summer Activities
    • Tips
    • Travel
    • Uncategorized
    • Weather

    Meta

    • Log in
    • Entries feed
    • Comments feed
    • WordPress.org
    Open
    We are constantly in awe of the photos taken of our beautiful state! Thanks @kevinrebholtzphotography for letting us share this beautiful picture of @skitaos! 

#SkiNewMexico #NewMexicoTRUE #nmtrue #SkiNM
    Open
    Gotta keep warm during these snowy days! Where's your favorite place to stop after a day in the snow? ❄️ ⛷️ 

📸: @saltbushandsage at Taos Ski Valley

#SkiNewMexico #NewMexicoTRUE #nmtrue #SkiNM
    Open
    Sunday vibes 😎 

📸: @adam_dantonio

#SkiNewMexico #NewMexicoTRUE #nmtrue #SkiNM
    Open
    These beautiful winter days have us feeling some type of way! ❄️ ⛷️ ☀️ 

Where are you headed this weekend?

📸: @khandybee

#SkiNewMexico #NewMexicoTRUE #nmtrue #SkiNM
    Open
    Snowmaking magic at Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort! ❄️ ✨ 

📸: @sipapunm 

#SkiNewMexico #NewMexicoTRUE #nmtrue #SkiNM #sipapu #SkiSipapu #Sipapuskiandsummerresort
    Open
    Gotta teach 'em young! How old were you when you first learned to ski or snowboard? 

📸: New Mexico True

#SkiNewMexico #NewMexicoTRUE #nmtrue #SkiNM
    Open
    The Big Rocks at @skisantafe have us jumping for joy! 😉 

📸: @skisantafe 

#SkiNewMexico #NewMexicoTRUE #nmtrue #SkiNM #skisantafe #skibueno
    Open
    Give us a front row seat to Taos Ski Valley any day! ❄️ 

📸: @catforceone 

#SkiNewMexico #NewMexicoTRUE #nmtrue #SkiNM #skitaos
    Open
    Incredible weekend on the slopes! Thank you to all the great staff keeping us safe and happy! 

The conditions are so good. Make your plans to get up to the mountain. 

📸 @austin_4aslan 

@skisantafe #skinewmexico #skinm #nmtrue #skibueno
    Open
    We love ski selfies! 📸 

Shoutout to @alikhaneats for letting us share this picture! Don't forget to tag us in your photos to be featured on our pages! 

#SkiNewMexico #NewMexicoTRUE #nmtrue #SkiNM
    Open
    So good! Bluebird and pow…the perfect combination! #skinewmexico #angelfire
    Open
    There's nothing better than driving up snow-covered mountains on your way to a day on the mountain 😍 

Where are you headed this weekend? 

📸: @leslie_lofton27 

#SkiNewMexico #NewMexicoTRUE #nmtrue #SkiNM

    Footer

    KNOW THE SNOW

    GET THE eSNOW REPORT, NEWS & DEALS!

    • ABOUT US
    • EMPLOYMENT
    • BOARD OF DIRECTORS
    • MEMBERSHIP
    • ADVERTISE WITH US
    • NM SKI HALL OF FAME
    • RESOURCES
    • WEBCAMS
    • BLOG
    • CONTACT US
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • nmtrue logo

    ©2020 Ski New Mexico Site Designed by Carristo Creative