skier carving soft corduroy at Taos Ski Valley

New Mexico Ski Resorts Map & Overview

Skiing in New Mexico is unlike anywhere else in the country, and quite possibly in the world. It’s special sauce of snow that is so light and dry, it’s like angel feathers. Lack of crowds and plenty of sunshine to ski in are other assets. And when the day is done, the après ranges from fun family style outings to cuisine that’s on par with places like New York City. You have to ski it to believe it. Here’s a New Mexico ski resorts map showcasing what you’ll find in the Land of Enchantment.

New Mexico Ski Resorts Map

This interactive New Mexico ski resorts map highlights all the ski areas and resorts that exist in the state of New Mexico. Click on any of the markers to obtain more information about them. You can also download a printable version of the map by clicking on the button below:

A Great Place For Your Family To Learn

Compared to other parts of the country a New Mexico ski vacation for your family is a downright bargain. The ski resorts in New Mexico not only boast fantastic on-the-snow adventures for kids like the Moonstar Mining Camp at Red River but also provide a variety of off-the-hill activities, including snowmobiling. Whether you’re kiddo is a first-timer or you’re a pack of seasoned skiers, these resorts make it a priority to cater to families. Click below to explore the unique family-friendly offerings at each ski resort and plan your perfect winter getaway.

snowboard park at Angel Fire Ski Resort
Some teens enjoy the terrain park at Angel Fire Resort. Photo courtesy Angel Fire Resort.

Set in the beautiful Moreno Valley, it is most noted for its excellent terrain parks, night skiing, inner tubing, family-friendly accommodations, and extensive beginner and intermediate terrain. There are a few shortish runs for experts, and three hike-to powder runs when conditions allow. The Country Club grounds offer XC skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding for the kiddos. Lots of options on accommodations, including a hotel in the base, and ski in-out condos and homes.

Vertical drop: 2,077 feet, 560 acres, 210 inches annual snowfall; Angel Fire Resort website

Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Area

One of the scenic views at Enchanted Forest Cross Country and Snowshoe Area looking into the Upper Red River Valley. Photo by Daniel Gibson.

A terrific addition to the state’s downhill skiing is this XC-focused area, with a friendly vibe, inexpensive rates, a fine range of groomed trail types, some sublime views, a few overnight accommodations, and typically adequate snowfall.

Vertical drop: 240 feet, 600 acres, 20.5 miles of trails, including some dedicated snowshoe-only trails and a dog-friendly loop; Enchanted Forest XC Ski & Snowshoe Area website

Pajarito Mountain

Pajarito Ski Area on opening day of 2023-24 ski season
Image appears courtesy: Pajarito Mountain

This fun, smallish, very affordable ski area is rarely crowded, but provides excellent powder skiing in a good winter such as Daniel’s experience in March 2024, and some of the state’s most renowned bump runs. Set in the lovely Jemez Mountains near Los Alamos, dubbed “The Atomic City,” Santa Fe is just an hour away. As of 2024, Jasen Bellomy has joined as the manager of the ski area and has big plans for Pajarito.

Vertical drop: 1,440 feet, 750 acres (325 skiable), 137 inches annual snowfall; Pajarito website

snowboarder jibbing on a sunny day at Red River Ski Area
Image appears courtesy: Red River Ski Area

Red River, where “Mountain Meets Main Street,” is New Mexico’s only true ski town, and a bargain at that. Rustically “western,” it is beloved by Texas visitors for its ambiance and lots of tame terrain, punctuated by some short, very steep pitches. On a powder day, you’ll have entire runs to yourself, and can walk—or even ski— to lots of lodging.

Vertical Drop: 1,600 feet, 625 acres (325 skiable), 214 inches annual snowfall; Red River Ski Area website

Sandia Peak

Looking up the double chair at Sandia Peak Ski Area near Albuquerque New Mexico

With the fastest access to skiing of any major urban city in the nation, via the spectacular Sandia Peak Tramway, this small-scale, modestly pitched mountain is a great, quick get away, especially nice on a powder day or under the spring sun. With stupendous views from the top, its terrain calls out to intermediates and beginners but can satisfy almost all tastes. Recent winters have been a challenge to open due to low snowfall and staffing issues. But there’s hope on the horizon! After 3 years of being closed Sandia Peak Ski Area Rises Again in the 2023/24 season thanks in part to a new manager.

Vertical drop: 1,700 feet, 200 acres, 125 inches annual snowfall; Sandia Peak Tramway website

Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort

family of four at Sipapu ski area in New Mexico
Family time is precious time! Photo courtesy Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort.

Like the Little Engine That Could, Sipapu should not be judged on size alone. Despite its modest vertical drop and acreage, the ski resort, with inexpensive onsite lodging, is very popular with families and has introduced thousands of people to the sport over its long history. It is the state’s most affordable ski experience and rarely crowded.

Vertical Drop: 1,055 feet; 200 acres, 190 inches annual snowfall; Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort Website

Snowboarder leaping into snow at Ski Apache
A boarder launches under the tip of Sierra Blanca Peak at Ski Apache. Photo courtesy Ski Apache

The nation’s southernmost major ski area has surprisingly good conditions due to the fact it sits on the flanks of 11,981-foot Sierra Blanca Peak. Its southern locale also provides, arguably, the continent’s mildest ski area weather. Its 8-passenger gondola, the only one in New Mexico, helps provide the state’s greatest lift capacity. But in recent years, it has suffered from low snowfall and sporadic closures and limited available terrain. With no accommodations on site, Ruidoso at 18 miles away, serves as its base of operations.

Vertical drop: 1,900 feet, 750 acres, 180 inches annual snowfall (they report); Ski Apache Website

Ski Cloudcroft

Though included in this overview, Ski Cloudcroft in southern New Mexico has opened only periodically over the past decade due to insufficient snow. But in a good winter, it offers beginners and intermediates a fun outing.

Vertical drop: 700 feet, 74 skiable acres, 120 inches annual snowfall (they report); Ski Cloudcroft website

The Tesuque Peak Chair that would be replaced - Image appears courtesy: Ski Santa Fe

This is a remarkably good mid-sized ski area, with a great variety of terrain, including some of the state’s best tree and glade skiing, dependable snow, and tremendous views. Its summit elevation of 12,075 feet is among the highest in the continent and ensures a long season. There’s no on-site lodging, but the charming, unique world-class arts, culture, and dining town of Santa Fe is just 30 minutes from the slopes. Skiers and snowboarders that have attempted to visit Ski Santa Fe on a weekend can attest the ski area is being loved a little too much. Daniel Gibson sat down with GM Ben Abruzzo to talk about these issues, and get a snapshot of the years ahead.

Vertical drop: 1,725 feet, 660 acres, 225 inches snowfall; Ski Santa Fe Website

skier carving soft corduroy at Taos Ski Valley
Skier carving soft corduroy at Taos Ski Valley - Image appears courtesy: Taos Ski Valley

The largest and most renowned ski area in New Mexico features world-class terrain and typically excellent snow, in a laid back, unconventional, and legendary culture. Known as an experts’ Valhalla, it’s large enough to have terrain for all levels of skiers and boarders. Ski in/out accommodations, a renowned ski school, excellent children’s programs, a small ice-skating rink, and other features attract skiers from around the globe. Its hike-to terrain and lift-served Kachina Peak chair, which tops out at a lung-searing 12,450 feet in altitude, are hallmarks of this remarkable ski and summer resort. For a full run-down of all the skiing around Taos, be sure to read our article: There’s More To Taos Ski Areas Than Just Taos Ski Valley.

Vertical drop: 3,131 feet, 1,294 acres, 300 inches annual snowfall; Taos Ski Valley website