Remember when you could pack up for a day on the slopes without taking shifts to watch the kids or hoping the babysitter wouldn’t fall through? We know you love your kids, and Ski New Mexico does too. That’s why ski areas across the state have created top-notch childcare programs. Here’s a list of resorts that offer childcare and lessons so the whole family can enjoy a trip to the mountains.

Ski Santa Fe

At Ski Santa Fe, there is a special area just for children! At Chipmunk Corner, they can learn to ski or ride in a secluded space away from the hustle and bustle of the main slopes. Snow Play is a special service where children can play indoor and outdoor games for a full or half day under staff care. In addition to Snow Play and Chipmunk Corner, Ski Santa Fe also has a nursery and daycare where children ages 3 months to three years can stay in a safe, nurturing environment while you shred the powder!

Taos Ski Valley

With children’s lessons, Snowsport Weeks, and childcare, Taos has plenty of options to meet your family’s needs. All you have to do is call in advance and reserve your children’s spots! There are multiple packages to choose from, from half-day care to four-week sessions. Plus, Strawberry Hill has been renovated this year and is even better for your young ones.

“Our staff worked very hard over the summer to take the existing terrain and completely reshape it to be even more conducive to beginner skiers and snowboarders,” said Dash Hegeman, Taos Ski Valley marketing manager. “There are now essentially five different sections of Strawberry Hill that will allow for a smooth learning progression as new skiers and riders move from section to section as the increase their comfort level and skillset.”

With the addition of a pulse gondola, it is easy to drop your children off and start your day skiing!

“Our new pedestrian gondola gives parents easy access to and from the Resort Plaza and the Children’s Center,” Hegeman said. “The days of needing to walk kids along the bottom of Strawberry Hill to get to the Children’s Center are over, and the ride time on the gondola is less than a minute.”

Angel Fire Resort

Angel Fire Resort is known for its sublime children’s ski programs. The small class sizes, nutritious (and tasty) lunch, and ample practice time give children a great, safe environment to learn skiing or snowboarding. For added peace of mind, children using the lifts will be equipped with a locator which also captures images to allow for better learning! Children six weeks to three years old can play with other children and do other fun activities at Snow Bear Camp.

Pajarito Mountain

“Pajarito is committed to the younger people entering our sport,” said Tommy Long, Pajarito Mountain snowmaking manager. “We have school groups that come up and we offer them a discounted multi week program so they can learn to ski and snowboard. Some of the schools have even rolled this in to their P.E. curriculum.”

The magic carpet at Pajarito, new this year, makes learning so much fun for your children! Pajarito offers ski lessons to children six and older, and snowboarding lessons to children eight and older. With great discount programs, a friendly staff, and beautiful scenery, a trip to Pajarito Mountain is a win for the whole family!

So you might not be able to leave at a moment’s notice, and your car might have a few more Cheerios wedged between the cushions, but this is so much better! Now you can bring the whole family to a New Mexico ski area and enjoy your time learning and playing together