Developing new skills or honing existing ones is an important part of child development. In fact, novel experiences are shown to increase happiness and learning. Learning to ski or snowboard in a youth program is one way children can have a new experience, have fun, and develop a healthy skill they can carry with them, even into adulthood. Check out some of these youth programs across New Mexico your children are sure to love.
Sipapu
Yeti Club
Children ages 5-12 will enjoy Yeti Club Children’s Ski School at Sipapu. They will be taught by professional instructors in the safest way possible. They work to make the program fun for children so the experience feels less like a chore and more like a game! Learn more here.
Camp Bigfoot
Let your children ages 5-12 spend four Saturdays at Camp Bigfoot, giving them a complete, fun, introduction to skiing and snowboarding. The program is on Saturdays, Jan 25 – Feb 15, and ends with a giant bash called the February Fun Fest. Can’t commit to Saturdays? Try out the Pre-Spring Break Session, March 2-5. Learn more here.
FREE Kids Season Passes
Sipapu wants every child to experience the joy of skiing and snowboarding, so every child 10 or under can receive a free season pass! They can use this pass at Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, Purgatory Resort, Snowbowl, Nordic Valley, Hesperus, and Spider Mountain during the 19/20 winter season. It costs nothing to you, and you can enjoy it for the rest of the year! Fifth graders also ski free at Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area and Hesperus. Learn more here.
Pajarito
Camp Bluebird
Children can learn and develop skills in a low pressure environment at Camp Bluebird on Pajarito Mountain. In four sessions, they’ll be introduced to snow sliding and skill development, all while having an enjoyable time with trained instructors and peers. For less than $200, your children ages 5-12 will get four full-day classes lasting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. with an hour lunch break at noon. These classes take place on Saturdays from Jan. 25 to Feb. 15. Learn more here.
FREE Kids Season Passes
As with Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort, children 10 years and young, as well as fifth graders can get a free season pass at Pajarito Mountain! That means no paying for lift tickets any time you want them to practice their skills! The 10 and under season pass can be used at Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, Purgatory Resort, Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort, Snowbowl, Nordic Valley, Hesperus, and Spider Mountain for the rest of 2020. The fifth-grader pass can be used at Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort, and Hesperus. Learn more here.
Ski Apache
Adaptive Sports
Everyone should be able to enjoy snowsports. That’s why a continuum of services for individuals with disabilities is offered at Ski Apache. Through this program students of any age with a permanent disability can enjoy winter sports with alpine and snowboarding disciplines. With the help of trained instructors using specialized equipment, it is sure to be a fun and safe time!
Taos Ski Valley
Winter Ski Program
Children in pre-k, all the way to seniors in high school can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and alpine sports at Taos Ski Valley. Programs at Taos give children and teens the opportunity to enjoy winter sports. For those with disabilities or financial challenges, the TWIST and LIFT programs. So far, more than 950 local school children are participating. Now is the time for you to join! Learn more about lessons and programs here.
Sandia Peak Ski
Youth Program
Children across New Mexico and the Albuquerque metro have enjoyed the Children’s Program at the Sandia Peak Snow Sports School. Children 4 through 12 can partake in group ski lessons, and children 8 through 12 can learn snowboarding in a protected teaching area. There is a separate lift, a warming hut where they can warm up, and even bathrooms especially for program students. Learn more here.
Ski Santa Fe
Youth Programs
Ski Santa Fe makes an effort to invest in local youth as well as visitors, with multiple learning options, from single private lessons to six-week programs. Fifteen local schools as well as Rez Riders participate in ski and snowboard activities to help children take part in an active, enjoyable experience. Learn more here.
Adaptive Ski Program
Children of many ages and abilities can participate in snowsports at Ski Santa Fe. Adaptive Ski and snowboard lessons are available for children five and olders. They can participate in half-day, full-day, or multi-day lessons that run from January to March. At Ski Santa Fe, lesson fees include lift tickets, and you can schedule a lesson at any time during the season! Learn more about adaptive sports in NEw Mexico here.
Are you ready to hit the slopes with your children? New Mexico ski areas offer a variety of fun activities for the family sure to make your trip to the mountains an enjoyable and memorable one for everyone involved!
