New Mexico's mountains are getting ready for another winter
— and the 2026–27 season is shaping up to bring some exciting changes to the slopes.
Following our look at what the strengthening El Niño pattern could mean for the upcoming ski season, we're taking a closer look at something we know for certain: New Mexico's ski areas are investing in the experience.
From major snowmaking and water infrastructure projects to a brand-new high-speed six-pack, upgraded lifts, improved guest facilities, new beginner-area equipment and decades-old mountain traditions getting a fresh look, resorts across the state are preparing for an exciting season ahead.
Here's a look at what's new — and what's worth watching — for winter 2026–27.
Pajarito Mountain
One of the biggest infrastructure investments in Pajarito's history
Big things are happening on the mountain at Pajarito, where a multimillion-dollar investment is transforming snowmaking, lift infrastructure and guest facilities ahead of the 2026–27 season.
At the heart of the project is a new pipeline that will deliver 27 times more water to Pajarito's snowmaking system, dramatically increasing the mountain's ability to produce snow.
The pipeline will fill Pajarito's 10-million-gallon reservoir, providing water for wildfire suppression during the summer and snowmaking during the winter. The project also brings 300% more snow guns, expanded snowmaking coverage across more trails and top-to-bottom snowmaking capabilities.
The investment doesn't stop with snowmaking. Pajarito is also completing a full overhaul of the Aspen Lift and upgrading lodge water systems to support both guest services and the broader infrastructure project.
The goal? More reliable early-season snow, more consistent coverage and a longer, more dependable season.
It's a major transformation for the little bird — and one that will continue shaping Pajarito for years to come.
Angel Fire Resort
A new six-pack, a new guest hub and a milestone worth celebrating
Angel Fire Resort is heading into its 60th anniversary season with some of its biggest improvements yet.
The headline is The Angel Express — New Mexico's first and only high-speed six-passenger chairlift. The new lift increases uphill capacity by approximately 1,800 people per hour, helping reduce wait times and getting skiers and riders back on the mountain faster.
It's also the resort's second brand-new chairlift installation in just two years, following significant investment in mountain infrastructure.
At the base, guests will find a brand-new centralized guest facility bringing together an upgraded ticket office, expanded rental shop, secure gear storage, guest services and retail under one roof. The new facility will also feature a Wintersteiger tuning center, offering professional ski and snowboard tuning and maintenance.
Angel Fire is also upgrading the way guests access the mountain. New RFID ticket and pass technology will allow for hands-free scanning and make it easier for guests to reload tickets online and head directly to the lifts.
And there's more snowmaking. The resort has added nine new automated, energy-efficient snowguns and more than a mile of new snowmaking pipe over the past two seasons, expanding coverage and helping improve early-season openings and snow quality.
Then there's the celebration.
Angel Fire Resort turns 60 in 2026, and the anniversary will be celebrated throughout the season with retro-themed ski days, special events, a homecoming banquet and commemorative merchandise celebrating six decades of mountain tradition.
Red River Ski & Summer Area
A new way for beginners to get started
Red River is making an investment in one of the most important parts of the mountain: the beginner experience.
For the 2026–27 season, Red River Ski & Summer Area is adding a new magic carpet to its beginner and teaching area, giving first-time skiers and riders an easier way to get comfortable on the snow and spend more time learning and practicing.
It's a small addition with a big impact — especially for families and anyone taking their first turns on skis or a snowboard.
Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort
More snow, more grooming and an even easier way to learn
Sipapu is heading into the 2026–27 season with improvements designed to enhance the experience from the first snowfall through the final run.
The resort has added five new snowguns, expanding snowmaking coverage and helping the mountain open runs more quickly when temperatures are right.
Grooming is getting an upgrade, too. Sipapu has added an additional snowcat, increasing grooming coverage across the mountain by 25% and helping maintain consistent conditions throughout the season.
For first-time skiers, there's also a brand-new way to give the sport a try. The Learn2Ski package bundles a four-hour lesson, equipment rental and lift ticket for just $49, giving beginners everything they need to experience skiing in one convenient package.
And for families, the Yeti Club returns for another season. The Saturday-only ski and ride camp for kids is divided into three sessions, beginning with a four-week early-season session starting November 28, followed by sessions in January and February.
More snow. More grooming. More ways to learn. Sipapu is making it easier to get on the mountain and enjoy the winter.
Taos Ski Valley
Investing in the details — on and off the mountain
At Taos Ski Valley, the 2026–27 season continues a focus on hospitality and the resort's European-inspired mountain tradition.
Some of the most important improvements are happening behind the scenes.
Taos is adding tower and fan snow guns to strengthen early-season snowmaking production, while a new satellite snow-depth mapping system will give the mountain team more precise information for grooming and snow management.
Lift 8 is also receiving a new control system, while another full summer of trail work and glading will continue to shape and improve the mountain's terrain.
Off the slopes, Taos is enhancing menus and service models at The Bavarian, 192 and Whistlestop, while expanding seasonal locker availability, buddy-ticket opportunities and Wi-Fi access.
And for skiers looking to make this winter about more than just a few days on the mountain, Taos Ski Valley's signature Ski Week program returns.
Running from December 13 through March 21, Ski Weeks offer five mornings of instruction and include Classic Ski Weeks, Women's Ski Weeks and a Race Ski Week coached by former French World Cup racer Alain Veth and Taos staff.
With returning participants, new friendships and a week spent immersed in the mountain, it's become an annual tradition for skiers from across the country.
Ski Santa Fe
New facilities and a continued commitment to access
Ski Santa Fe is continuing to build on recent investments in its mountain infrastructure, including the new quad chairlift that debuted last season.
For the 2026–27 season, one of the most notable additions is a new Adaptive Ski Program building, creating dedicated infrastructure to support adaptive skiing and riding programs at the mountain.
Ski Santa Fe is also keeping affordability in focus, with a price freeze on season passes, kids' tickets and programs for the upcoming season.
And while additional events and guest-experience announcements are still being finalized, the resort has more in the works for winter 2026–27.
Located just 16 miles from downtown Santa Fe, Ski Santa Fe continues to offer the unique combination of high-elevation skiing and easy access to one of New Mexico's most iconic cities.
Sandia Peak Ski Area
A new look is coming to the Sandia Peak Tramway
While improvements at Sandia Peak Ski Area are still being finalized, another exciting project is happening nearby.
In January 2027, the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway will undergo an upgrade to the carriages and hangers that support both tram cars.
The tram's existing A-frame hanger configuration will be replaced with a new T-frame design, giving the tram a noticeably different look. The carriages will also receive a longer wheelbase and larger-diameter wheels.
For visitors, the change will be visible from inside the tram: instead of the existing A-frame structure, riders will see a single post extending down from the carriage and branching into four attachment points on the roof of the tram car.
The upgrade is another investment in one of New Mexico's most recognizable mountain experiences — and a fun addition to the story of what's changing across Ski New Mexico for 2026–27.
A New Season, A New Reason to Visit
New Mexico has always offered something a little different on the slopes — independent mountain communities, high-elevation terrain, legendary powder, sunny winter days and a distinctly Southwestern personality.
Now, the mountains themselves are continuing to evolve.
From Pajarito's massive snowmaking and water infrastructure project to Angel Fire's new six-pack and 60th anniversary celebration, Taos' behind-the-scenes investment and Ski Santa Fe's commitment to adaptive skiing, the 2026–27 season will bring plenty of new reasons to return to the mountains.
And with El Niño expected to continue into the heart of winter, there's already plenty to look forward to.
The mountains are getting ready. Are you?