2024 Opening Dates
Original article by Daniel Gibson, published at localfreshies.com
The Hopi’s Nuvak’china, the Snow Katsina, delivered a powerful winter storm to New Mexico from November 3-7. This two-stage system blanketed the state from the Mexico border to Colorado, with northern areas receiving up to four feet of snow. The early storm allowed Sandia Peak and Pajarito Mountain to open more than a month ahead of schedule, with Sipapu opening on November 15 and Ski Santa Fe on November 23.
Ski Areas Explore Pushing Up Opening Day
Pajarito Mountain - OPEN
- Pajarito Mountain received 41 inches of wet snow, creating an ideal base for the season. This heavy, wet snow will bond like cement to future snowfall, reducing the risk of slides and avalanches that can occur when the first snow falls on dry, cold ground. Two of Pajarito's six lifts are running, including the Aspen Chair to the summit, giving access to 46 of the resort’s 55 runs. While rentals and lessons weren’t available opening weekend, both will be offered as the season progresses. Food service is up and running.
- The mountain will be open Fridays-Sundays through December 22, when it transitions to daily operations. Expect an improved rental fleet and enhanced snowmaking this season.
Sandia Peak Ski - OPEN
Sandia Peak, which wasn’t scheduled to open until December 13, received nearly 3 feet of snow, marking its earliest opening in over a decade. The resort opened with only intermediate and advanced terrain accessible via Chair 3. Rentals, lessons, and food services were unavailable on opening day but will be introduced as the season progresses.
Sandia is expected to operate on weekends only until conditions allow for full access, but a warm-up could lead to closures, so it's best to check the status before heading out.
Sipapu Ski & Summer Area - Set to Open 11/15/24
- Sipapu is typically the first ski area to open in New Mexico, but this year, its lower base elevation allowed sister resorts Pajarito and Sandia Peak—part of the expanding Mountain Capital Partners family—to open first.
- Sipapu will open Friday, November 15, operating weekends until November 22, when it begins daily operations. The resort currently reports a 26-inch base. Over the summer, Sipapu enhanced its snowmaking and grooming capabilities and made upgrades to its rooms and cabins.
Ski Santa Fe - Set to Open 11/23/24
Ski Santa Fe is set to open Saturday, November 23, with hopes of offering top-to-bottom terrain, though mid-mountain will definitely be accessible. A full terrain report will be released on November 20. The resort received 27 inches of snow during the recent storm cycle and currently reports a 22-inch base.
On opening day, their new high-speed detachable quad chair will be in operation, replacing the old fixed-grip triple at the base. The new lift will cut the ride time to just four minutes and help alleviate base area congestion. All services will be available starting on day one.
Red River - Set to Open 11/27/24
- The big news this season is the replacement of the old, fixed Copper Chair with a new quad lift. While less flashy, another key update is the replacement of the haul cable on the Silver Chair.
Taos Ski Valley - Set to Open 11/28/24
Taos has received 24 inches of snow in the recent storm, bringing their total to 30 inches this late fall, setting the stage for a strong season. The resort plans to open on Thanksgiving Day, November 28.
This season, Taos returns to the Ikon Pass and introduces "Teen Weeks," designed for young skiers looking to hone their skills on the resort’s world-renowned steeps and deeps. The resort also unveiled its new master plan, which includes a proposal for a gondola connecting the main base to the Kachina Basin. Public comments on the plan are currently being accepted.
Angel Fire Resort - Planning to Open 12/13/24
- With 46 inches of snow already recorded this season and a current base of 26 inches, the resort may open earlier than planned if the snowfall continues.
The “Land of Enchantment” is on track for one of its best winters in years. Keep an eye on conditions, and make sure to check for updates as more terrain opens up across the state.
