SKI NEW MEXICO

1. Taos



Taos Ski Valley is legendary for its difficult slopes, but as the sign at the base of one especially foreboding trail reads, “We have beginner slopes too.” There are more than 60 runs to choose among, not to mention the number of restaurants, shops, and lodges. About 20 miles down valley is the town of Taos, for additional fun.

Location: 19 miles northeast of Taos: US 64, NM 150, 230.

Hours: Open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Elevation: 9,200’/11,800’.

Terrain: 68 runs: 18% beginner, 28% intermediate, 54% advanced/expert. Snowmaking, 4% of area. 317″ snowfall.

Lifts/Tows: 7,000/hour lift capacity. 2 Pomas, 7 chairs.

Lift rates: adult/child: $20/$12.

Rental equipment: adult/child: $11/ $6; 1,300 pair; 600 pair in town.

Ski instruction: Ernest H. Blake, director; RMSIA certified; $30 private, $16 group; Kinderkaefig/ Junior Elite.

Lodging: for 800 skiers. Restaurants, bars. Lodging for additional 2,700 skiers in Taos; restaurants, bars.

Mailing address: Taos Ski Valley, NM 87571 (505/776-2233).



2. Sugarite



Owned and operated by the Walton family, although not the TV variety, Sugarite exudes the same personal warmth to its fans-skiers return there each year for vacationing. Nestled in Sugarite Canyon in high mesa country, Sugarite offers spectacular scenery and a wide range of skiing conditions.

Location: 12 miles north/northeast of Raton: NM 72, 526.

Hours: Open Fridays-Sundays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Elevation: 8,100’/8,900’.

Terrain: 18 runs: 28% beginner, 44% intermediate, 28% advanced. Snowmaking, 70% of area. 100″ snowfall.

Lifts/Tows: 1,200/hour lift capacity. Poma, chair.

Lift rates: adult/child: $14/$12.

Rental equipment: adult/child: $10/$8 (200 pair).

Ski instruction: John Owerko, director; RMSIA certified, $15 private, $9.50 group.

Lodging: for 1,300 skiers. Snack bar. Restaurant, bars in Ratón.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 1043, Raton, NM 87740 (505/445-5000).

3. Sipapu



A charming family-owned ski area, Sipapu lies in the Carson National Forest where its 14 trails were cleared from heavily timbered forest acreage. With a range of challenges, Sipapu appeals to the advanced, intermediate, and beginning skier alike. Miles of wide-open land also attract the cross-country enthusiast.

Location: 25 miles south of Taos: NM 68,3.

Hours: Open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Elevation: 8,200’/9,000’.

Terrain: 18 runs: 17% beginner, 55% intermediate, 28% advanced. 100″ snowfall.

Lifts/Tows: 2,700/hour lift capacity. 2 Pomas, chair.

Lift rates: adult/child: $15/$15.

Rental equipment: adult/child: $15/$15. (700 pair).

Ski instruction: Lloyd or Bruce Bolander, directors; RMSIA certified; $17.50 private, $8.75 group.

Lodging: for 150 skiers. Restaurant, snack bar. Lodging for additional 370 skiers in Tres Ritos, Camp Summer Life.

Mailing address: Route Box 29, Vadito, NM 87579 (505/587-2240).



4.Sierra Blanca



Sierra Blanca is legendary for its snowfall records in southern New Mexico, topping the charts with as much as 360 inches of snow some years. About 30 percent of the mountain is geared toward beginners, so it’s a great spot for efficient learning. A shuttle service runs from the nearby Inn of the Mountain Gods to the ski area.

Location: 16 miles northwest of Ruidoso: NM 37, 532.

Hours: Open daily, 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Elevation: 9,700’/11,400’.

Terrain: 34 runs: 29% beginner, 26% intermediate, 45% advanced. Snowmaking, 15% of area. 180″ snowfall.

Lifts/Tows: 11,400/hour lift capacity; tow, 7 chairs, gondolas.

Lift rates: adult/child: $21/$15.

Rental equipment: adult/child: $10.50/$8.50 (700 pair; 2,000 pair in town).

Ski instruction: Rick Vincent, director; RMSIA certified, $22 private, $18 group.

Lodging: for 6,700 skiers. Restaurant, bar, snack bar. Other restaurants, bars in Ruidoso.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 220, Ruidoso, NM 88345 (505/336-4356).



5. Santa Fe



Santa Fe Sid Area truly rounds out the Santa Fe experience. With the added lure of art galleries, museums, shopping, and restaurants nearby, there is never a dull moment for any member of your party. Just 16 miles from the city, shuttle buses from the Plaza provide easy transportation. The area appeals to skiers of all abilities.

Location: 16 miles northeast of Santa Fe: NM 475.

Hours: Open daily, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Elevation: 10,300712,000’.

Terrain: 32 runs: 28% beginner, 34% intermediate, 38% advanced. Snowmaking, 20% of area. 160″ snowfall.

Lifts/Tows: 5,900/hour lift capacity. 3 Pomas, 3 chairs.

Lift rates: adult/child weekends: $18/$9.

Rental equipment: adult/child: $8.50/ $8.50 (1,000 pair; 700 pair in town).

Ski instruction: Peter Pitcher, director; RMSIA certified; $28 private, $16 group.

Lodging: for4,900 skiers. Restaurant, bar, snack bar. Other restaurants, bars in Santa Fe.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 2287, Santa Fe, NM 87504 (505/982-4429.)



6. SandíaPeak



The view from Sandía Peak is so spectacular, the area is packed even in summer-with hang gliders from all over the country. To get a better look, take the tramway; at 2.7 miles, it’s the longest in the world. With about 80 percent of its runs geared for intermediate skiers, Sandía has proven a top spot for telemarkers in New Mexico.

Location: 15 miles northeast of Albuquerque: 1-40, NM 14, 44 or tram.

Hours: Open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Elevation: 8,600710,400’.

Terrain: 25 runs: 10% beginner, intermediate, 10% advanced. 130″ snowfall.

Lifts/Tows: 3,400/hour lift capacity. 3 Pomas, 3 chairs, tram.

Lift rates: adult/child: $16.50/$11.

Rental equipment: adult/child: $8/$8 (600 pair; 1,500 pair in town).

Ski instruction: Tom Long, director; RMSIA certified; $19 private; $14 group.

Lodging: for 19,300 skiers. Restaurant, bar, snack bar. Other restaurants, bars in Albuquerque.

Mailing address: No. 10 Tramway Loop NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122 505/296-9585).



7. Río Costilla



Sheltered in the Costilla Valley north of the Carson National Forest’s Latir Peak Wilderness, Rio Costilla is the newest of New Mexico’s ski resorts. The area has a wide range of terrain, but especially appeals to intermediate skiers, with almost half of the slopes geared toward that ability level.

Location: 44 miles north of Red River: NM 38,3,196.

Hours: Open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Elevation: 9,500711,400’.

Terrain: 40 runs: 28% beginner, 40% intermediate, 32% advanced. 200″ snowfall.

Lifts/Tows: 5,400/hour lift capacity; tow, 3 chair lifts.

Lift rates: adult/child: $12/$6.

Rental equipment: adult/child: $10/$6 (450 pair).

Ski instruction: Ron Pockrandt and Paul Lacomb, directors; RMSIA certified; $12 private; $6 group; babysitting available.

Lodging: for 3,600 skiers in Red River. Snack bar at area. Restaurants in Red River.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 67, Costilla, NM 87524 (505/586-0570).



8. RedRiver



Sheltered in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Red River is an ideal ski area for families or groups with varied skill levels. Beginners can practice on gentle slopes, while advanced skiers enjoy the NASTAR races and torchlight parades.

Location: Red River.

Hours: Open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Elevation: 8,800710,300’.

Terrain: 39 runs: 36% beginner, 38% intermediate, 26% advanced. Snowmaking, 75% of area. 165″ snowfall.

Lifts/Tows: 6,200/hour lift capacity. 2 tows, 4 chairs.

Lift rates: adult/child: $18/$10.

Rental equipment: adult/child: $9/$6.50 (1,000 pair; 2,000 pair in town).

Ski instruction: Ed Hampton, director; RMSIA certified; $18 private, $10 group; KinderSki.

Lodging: for 3,600 skiers. Restaurants, bars, in Red River.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 303, Red River, NM 87558 (505/754-2223).



9. Cloudcroft



A variety of terrain, from gentle slopes to moguls and bumps, gives Cloudcroft a reputation for ideal family skiing. Trails and wide-open spaces for cross-country skiing are also available. The area’s mountain setting in the charming village of Cloudcroft is a welcome respite for vacationers.

Location: 2 1/2 miles east of Cloudcroft: US 82.

Hours: Open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Elevation: 8,60079,400’.

Terrain: 25 runs: 36% beginner, 44% intermediate, 20% advanced. Snowmaking, 60% of area. 90″ snowfall.

Lifts/Tows: 2,800/hour lift capacity; 1 chair, 2 tows, 2 T-bars.

Lift rates: adult/child: $15/$10.

Rental equipment: adult/child: $10/$10 (400 pair).

Ski instruction: RMSIA certified; $18 private, $10 group.

Lodging: for 725 skiers. Snack bar.

Restaurants, bars in Cloudcroft.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 53, Cloudcroft, NM 88317 (505/682-2333).



10. Angel Fire



With 20 miles of cross-country trails and 28 miles of downhill runs, Angel Fire attracts both Nordic fans and Alpiners alike. Bordering the eastern Moreno Valley, the area is only a three-hour drive from Albuquerque. By day, Angel Fire caters to beginners and intermediates; by night, the resort is known for its night life.



Location: 12 miles south of Eagle Nest: US 64, NM 38.

Hours: Open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Elevation: 8,500710,700’.

Terrain: 47 runs: 35% beginner, 47% intermediate, 18% advanced. Snowmaking: 15% of area. 120″ snowfall.

Lifts/Tows: 8,000/hour lift capacity.

Lift rates: adult/child: $19/$11 (600 pair).

Rental equipment: adult/child: $10/$8 (600 pair).

Ski instruction: Bill Geise, director; RMSIA certified; $25 private, $10 group; KinderSki.

Lodging: for 3,400 skiers. Bars, restaurants. Lodging for additional 284 skiers at Eagle Nest; restaurants.

Mailing address: Drawer B, Angel Fire, NM 87710 (505/377-2301).