New Mexico Ski Resorts for Families

Love of skiing began for me at age six at Ski Santa Fe, back in the day of leather boots and wooden-edge skis! I didn’t need any encouragement to roll around in the white world, but today ski areas layout the magic carpets for their pint-sized rippers and families. Read on for all the details about the best New Mexico ski resorts for families.

Taos Ski Valley

Taos is the big kahuna in almost all things skiing in New Mexico, and this applies to its facilities and programs for ankle biters, kids, and teens. It was the first ski area to build and staff a facility specifically to care for the youngsters, and continues to refine its children’s programs.

Rio Hondo Learning Center

Its Rio Hondo Learning Center offers daycare for tykes age two months to 3 years, including lunch and snacks, and outdoor snowplay. On-snow ski and snowboarding instruction begin at age three, with programs designed for teens up to age 13. Their Shredders program runs five consecutive Saturdays or Sundays and is sure to quickly progress your young skier or snowboarder. Children even have their own ski zone with pint-sized lifts and rental equipment shop. Check-in for lessons begin at 8 a.m. On-snow pick up time is 3:15 p.m.; indoor pick up time is 3:30 p.m. The Learning Center is located a short drive from the main base area, on the west side of Strawberry Hill, on Firehouse Road. For details and reservations (highly recommended during peak periods) call 888/650-0938 or email snowsports@skitaos.com.

On the Mountain

While Taos is noted for its advanced and expert terrain, because of its sprawling size, it also has ample beginner runs suitable for younger skiers. The resort’s most basic terrain is split between two sub-areas found at the resort base, each with its own chairs and roped off slopes where the youngest and most-timid skiers and snowboarders can get their game on. For those who have mastered the pizza wedge, there are several runs descending from the summit that are suitable, including Bambi, Whitefeather, Powderhorn and Porcupine. As kids, my sisters, friends and I spent countless days on these slopes and never grew tired of the thrill of descent, the stupendous views, and the combination of easy stretches and occasional challenging pitches.

Even Backcountry Programs

For local teens, TSV offers the opportunity for youngsters to really dive deeply and safely into skiing or snowboarding. The resort runs programs designed to provide rippers with skills to safely ski all kinds of terrain and conditions through intensive, multi-weekend programs. This includes backcountry and avalanche safety training.

Skating, Snowshoeing, & Snowmobiling

In addition to skiing, Taos also offers many other activities that appeal to youngsters. One of the state’s few outdoor ice-skating rinks opened at TSV a few winters back. It’s pay to play, with skating from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. time slots. Rental skates are available.

There is no organized sledding or inner tubing operation nowadays. But if you bring your own gear, you can slip and slide after 4 p.m. on the beginner slopes of Strawberry Hill. For older youth and teenagers who might enjoy a quiet walk in a snowbound forest, several private companies lead snowshoe tours in the valley.

There’s also guided snowmobile tours to the peaks and ridges above TSV through Big Al’s Tours (575/751-6051); they vary in length and experience levels required.

For further details on TSV’s family activities and programs, call 800/776-1111 or see their web site here.

Red River

Red River is another resort that has always stressed value and service for families. It’s really New Mexico’s only ski town, with one chair lifting off just a block off Main Street. Many accommodations are within walking distance of the base area, and dinner is just a short stroll away. So, mom and dad can park the car and not deal with driving and parking. Rates are also some of the most affordable you will find anywhere in Ski Country USA. Kids, and kids of all ages, love the free torchlight parade down The Face and fireworks every Saturday night. Best viewing is from The Lift House, hot beverage in hand….

Kid’s Kamp

Kids really enjoy a set-aside sub-area at the top of the ski area called Moonstar Mining Camp. Look for runs with names including Cow Patty Lane, Purkaplies Trail and Golden Treasure, and easy rollers in the aspen forest. There’s some built features as well, like miner cabins and other old-West stuff.

Free for Kids Under 6

Lift tickets for children 5 and younger are free, but must be acquired at a sales counter or at Guest Services. The kiddo has to be present, plus an adult buying a lift ticket.

Buckaroo Day Care

The Buckaroo Day Care is located in the upper level Main Chalet. It operates from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and accepts children age 3-4. Reservations are not required but there’s a limit on attendance: Call 575-754-2223 for details. The Youth Ski & Snowboard Center (located right next to Main Chalet) provides lessons—group or private—to kids age 5-12. Its package deal includes two two-hour lessons, rentals and lift ticket. No half-day programs exist. The program sells out during peak periods, so be sure to make reservations.

Getting Tubed

The ski area offers tubing with a magic carpet lift on the slope just to the side of the Main Chalet daily at 4:30 p.m., plus 5:30 p.m. and 6:30, if the former sessions sell out. Participants must be 42 inches tall. A limited number of tickets are sold, beginning at 7:30 a.m. daily. Jan. 8-Feb. 13, it will not be offered on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Let’s Go ‘Sleddin’

Red River is one of New Mexico centers of snowmobile culture, along with Chama and Ruidoso. Businesses offer guided tours ranging from 2 hours to daylong outings for solo or duo riders, operational instruction, and rental clothing and helmets. Options include Bobcat Pass Wilderness Adventures. Operating atop scenic Bobcat Pass on NM 38, kids 3-5 ride for free. Red River Sled Shed is the town’s oldest such operation with 2.5 and 3.5-hour guided tour options. Red River Offroad provides guided snowcat tours through snowbound aspen meadows and past abandoned gold mines and miner shacks, plus a bit of sledding.

For additional details, call 575/754-2223, or visit here.

Angel Fire

Angel Fire has carved out a reputation as one of the best New Mexico ski resorts for families. In fact, in 2023 it was awarded a certification for Best Family Resort by On the Snow. The resort’s childcare program runs from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily for kids ages six week to 11 years. The program includes a nutritious lunch, snacks and—for those capable—at least one hour spent skiing in a separate safe zone for kids with a magic carpet lift. Older children are provided instructions there, or on more challenging terrain elsewhere on the mountain. The Children’s Ski & Snowboard Center is located just above the Chile Express Chair. Reservations are essential for holidays.

Mountain Perfect for Beginners/Intermediates

Due to its high percentage of beginner and intermediate slopes, much of Angel Fire can be skied or boarded by novices. There is even one run, Headin’ Home, that descends from the summit easily navigated by the younger set.

State’s Best Terrain Parks

Something that Angel Fire does particularly well that appeals often to younger skiers and boarders is its terrain parks. The advanced complex, Liberation Park, is located atop the mountain and includes progressive lines with jumps, rails and boxes, plus its own short lift, Chair 3. It attracts serious athletes from around the region and hosts some significant annual competitions. Night Rider Park is on Exhibition at the bottom of the mountain, and so accessible to riders during night-skiing evenings (see below). Sweet Street is a roller and banked turn course, and Tank 9 for beginners is found along the bottom of Headin’ Home.

Get it on at Night!

And, an activity that usually appeals particularly to the youngsters—who still have the energy after a day on the slopes!—is the night skiing available at Angel Fire. It is the only night skiing offered in the state, which spans about 50 acres and includes a terrain park. It operates on Friday and Saturday nights from 4-8 p.m., some Sunday nights, and all holiday nights.

Lift-Served Tubing & Sledding Hill

Besides skiing, AFR also has a terrific inner tubing operation, run daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the base hill. It has a dedicated lift to get you up the slopes, and two safety lanes to get you down in one piece! The fee is $35 per one-hour block. You must be at least 43 inches tall to partake.

Sledding is not allowed at the ski area, but it is encouraged at the Angel Fire Country Club, a short drive from the base area. It is restricted to children ages 5-11, with adults allowed from 3-4 p.m. It operates daily through Jan. 7, then Fridays-Sundays to the end of the season. Angel Fire Resort runs a free shuttle between the Angel Fire Lodge and the Country Club, providing convenient access from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To arrange rides, call 575/377-6401. A sledding pass costs $12 per person per hour.

Snowmobiling & Sleigh Rides

There are several companies providing snowmobiling trips in the area, including Eagle Nest Marina (575/377-6941) and Bobcat Pass Adventures (575/754-2769). They offer trips of 2-3 hours, or longer, plus rental clothing and boots. One-day advance registration is suggested. Kids are encouraged to ride with parents but one must be a minimum age of 16 with a valid license to operate the snowmobiles. Nancy Burch’s Roadrunner Tours offer horse-drawn sleigh rides. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner add-ons can also be arranged.

The resort offers a wide range of discount ski rentals, lessons, lift tickets and lodging packages for families. Accommodations range from the slopeside Angel Fire Lodge to condos, cabins, houses, and for campers the deluxe Angel Fire RV Resort. For details on Angel Fire Resort as a whole, call 888/633-7463 or visit their web site here.

Ski Santa Fe

Chipmunk Corner is kid central at Ski Santa Fe. My own two groms attended it, while daddy skied, which provided them with a fun introduction on and in the snow. However, daycare is no longer offered. Lift tickets, ski lessons, and rentals are provided for kids ages 5-10 (snowboarder lessons begin at age 6). Lessons must be arranged online in advance. Kids must be potty-trained. Their ski slope, isolated from any other skiers, includes a “magic carpet” surface lift. Full and half-day packages are available. In general, ski and snowboard lessons are offered to anyone over age 10, at all ability levels.

A Family Mountain

With 60 percent of its terrain ranged as beginner or intermediate, this is a great ski area for families just getting into the sport, but also has enough excellent expert runs to make everyone’s day. Once graduated from the dedicated beginner runs and lifts at the base, be sure to steer the kiddos into Adventure Land Glade. Here you’ll find a ski-through wooden cabin, whoop-de-doos, and other features.

Snowplay & Free Shuttles to Town

While there’s really no other activity options at the ski area for kids besides skiing or boarding, as tubing on the runs is not allowed, there is a dedicated snowplay area about halfway to town in Hyde State Park. There are also a wide range of off-snow activities in town, from the fantastic, kid (and adult!) friendly Meow Wolf experience to the Santa Fe Children’s Museum, art classes, and horseback riding and bike rentals. A cool feature at Ski Santa Fe is the fact it is accessed by a free shuttle from Santa Fe. So, you can put teens on the Blue Bus (Rt. 255) and have your own min-vacay in town while they exhaust themselves on the slopes! For additional details, call 505/982-4429 or visit here.

Sipapu

Sipapu is the most affordable of all New Mexico ski areas, with stay two nights and get two nights free at its on-site accommodations. These range from basic motel rooms to a lodge sleeping 16 people. In addition, kids 12 and under can ski here for free—no strings attached!—with a Kids Power Pass. Intimate and old-school, it’s the kind of place where you can let the kids run free. There always seems to be packs of kids dashing around the main base lodge having a blast.

Perfect Terrain For The Kids

While there are a few, short steep pitches here, most of the diminutive ski area features beginner and intermediate terrain, so parents can let their charges take off in the morning and not have to worry about them getting in over their heads or lost. There is no formal daycare program here. But, one can book a private baby sitter here, or in the Taos area in general, from Taos Nannies.

Rent in Advance

Rentals of skis or snowboards (plus helmets and other gear) MUST be arranged in advance online. Ski School begins with kids ages 3-5 on a private-only basis. Group lessons begin at age 6, with morning ($61) and afternoon ($53) sessions.

4 Terrain Parks

The Magic Carpet Beginner’s Area is set aside for novices only, with its own lift and gentle terrain. Older kids will enjoy Sipapu’s four distinct terrain parks, including the only organic terrain parks in the state, Playground and Flight School, built entirely from resources found on the mountain. The advanced park, Don Diego, includes a 20-foot A-frame box with a dragon tongue (including two urban takeoffs and a straight mount), and a 38-foot tabletop gap jump. It often does not open until January or February. Pedro’s Park is designed for beginner and intermediate riders.

Other Attractions

There is a small Game Room in the Main Lodge. Tubing and sledding are not allowed on the resort slopes but can be done safely nearby, as can snowshoeing and cross country skiing. For further details call 575/587-2240 or visit here.

Ski Apache

New Mexico’s southernmost resort, near Ruidoso, is yet another family-centric ski area especially popular with its many first-time Texas visitors. Full day services at its daycare center costs $140 (includes lunch) or $150 for lunch and rental equipment. Reservations are suggested: 575/464-3643. There is also a program called Adventure Center for children ages 4-11, including all-day or half-day ski instruction, lunch, and lift ticket. For details call 575/464-3643. Children younger than 5 years old receive free lift tickets. Private lessons begin at age five, and group lessons at age 7.

Skip the long lines at the ski area and get your tickets in advance in town at the Inn of the Mountain Gods (see below) or at their shop at 1129 Mechem Drive. For details on Ski Apache, call 575/464-3600, visit here or better yet read our in-depth article about the ski area – All to Know About the Southern Most Resort in the US Ski Apache.

Snow Play Option

Near town, the Ruidoso Winter Park snow play area (north edge of town at the bottom of Ski Run Road off NM 48) is a great, safe place to go tubing, with giant tubes holding up to six adults. Some courses include twists, bumps, jumps and bobsled-like curves. A snowmaking system ensures good conditions most of the winter, and there’s a special area for the very young. Multiple magic carpet lift transports you uphill, rentals on site (including clothing), a snack bar with excellent pizza, and free marshmallow roasting at the campfire. It is open until 8 or 9 p.m. on select nights.

Lux Stay at Inn of Mt. Gods

The Mescalero Tribe, owners of the ski area, also own and operate the luxurious Inn of the Mountain Gods. It is near Ruidoso, some 45 minutes from the ski area, and has tons of activities for kids and adults. Did I mention its adjoining casino? The resort offers a pay-per-ride shuttle service to the ski area. This is a nice amenity, considering the 3,000-plus vertical climb from town to the ski area.

Pajarito

This smallish ski area above the town of Los Alamos is another tiny, old-timey area with incredibly modest prices, from lift tix to cafeteria food. Skiers younger than 12 ski here entirely free on the Kids Power Pass. And, adult tickets go for as low as $29! First-timers age 13 and up can score a free lesson with the purchase of a lift ticket and rental gear. Local kids ages 7-12 can enjoy Camp Bluebird, with lessons and instruction over four consecutive weekends. There are no daycare facilities for toddlers. For details call 505/662-5725 or visit here.