We will share the best family ski resorts in New Mexico.
There are 6 New Mexico ski resorts for families that we will talk about and I will list them in order that my family ranks them.
We enjoy skiing in New Mexico and have been as a family since my kids were very small (ages 3 and 4 1/2).
We will give you some of our insight on these mountains since we have personally visited each of them. If you need tips on how to plan a ski trip or what to wear skiing please check out those blogs.
Best Family Ski Resorts in New Mexico (The land of Enchantment)
Ski Santa Fe Ski Resort
Ski Santa Fe is our top favorite out of the best family ski resorts in New Mexico list. All our family loves this mountain. We always have a fun ski trip here with great snow.
- Mountain details. It is average size with lots of runs for all the skiers. And you don’t want to miss the breathtaking views.
- Base Elevation is 10,350 ft. with a peak elevation of 12,075 ft. Ski Santa Fe has a total of 660 acres of skiable terrain.
- 5 Chairlifts and 2 conveyer lifts.
- 20% beginner, 40% Intermediate and 40% Expert.
- Great beginner slopes. We always seem to have a new beginner with us and the bunny slope and beginner slopes are really nice here for them. The beginner slope is wide and has plenty of room to learn to ski. They have a conveyor lift and an easy street chairlift for beginners. This is great for small children and beginners to learn how to get on and off a lift easily.
- Lots of good Technical Runs. There are a lot of good black runs with plenty of moguls and some steep runs also.
- The Mountain is average in size and fun. The mountain is big enough that you won’t get bored since there are plenty of runs and fun for all skiers. But not too big where you will get lost and can’t meet up with family.
- My family loves the glade runs. We have had some of our best skiing here. Tree skiing is where we just glide through the trees and fresh snow sometimes making our own path.
- My group even plays a little game of follow the leader and we follow the same path through the trees as the others. This can be fun but I’d highly suggest wearing a helmet and going where the trees are spread out enough on a blue run where it’s not steep. Also, a slow pace so you don’t hit any trees.
- This really is the best place for some fairly easy glade runs that are not on black trails.
- They offer ski lessons either private or in a group.
- Chipmunk Corner is from age 4-10 for ski lessons.
- The lift ticket prices are reasonable especially when compared to other places.
- They offer Adult, Child, Young Adult, Senior, and Military categories on ticket prices.
- Ages 0 – 5 or 72 + are only $16 a lift ticket as of writing this post.
- They also offer a beginner lift ticket pricing but can only be used on the beginner lifts.
- Family packages are something new that they are offering that includes lessons for the whole family. You might want to check into that.
- The City of Santa Fe has a lot to offer.
- Ski Santa Fe is about a 30-minute drive from Santa Fe or about 16 miles from the base.
- There are a lot of great restaurants around and plenty of shopping to be had if that’s what you like. Check out all that Santa Fe has to offer.
- Meow Wolf is fun and entertaining for the family.
- Lodging: You can find lots of different rental/lodging options fairly easily within or around Santa Fe.
- We personally like to rent houses or condos with a kitchen to cook some meals and a hot tub or indoor pool can be an added bonus. But you can find plenty of other places to stay that would be great for your family.
Taos Ski Valley
Taos Ski Valley is a large mountain resort hidden away in the southernmost subrange of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. It is located in northern New Mexico in the Carson National Forest. And has the largest area of skiable acres and the most ski lifts out of all the New Mexico ski resorts. It is known as the largest ski resort in New Mexico and has the highest ski areas too.
Taos Ski Valley is one of the best ski resorts in New Mexico. Don’t let this big ski resort fool you it is a great one for families. We have only visited this resort for winter sports but it is also a summer resort. If visiting there in the summer check out the highest peak in New Mexico named Wheeler Peak.
- Mountain details. It is a large mountain for all skill levels. Taos Ski Valley is one of the best ski resorts in New Mexico.
- It has a number of great runs and a variety of terrain, especially for those who need the extra challenge.
- Taos Ski Valley has a base elevation of 9,350 ft. with a summit elevation of 12,481 ft. which is a 3,274 vertical drop.
- The ski mountain is 24% beginner, 25% intermediate, and 51% expert.
- It has 13 total lifts and 110 trails available to ski on in 1,294 acres of skiable terrain.
- My husband and kids really love this mountain and was our go-to. However, the price of lift tickets has greatly increased causing us to deter from it sometimes.
- This mountain is great for those experienced skiers wanting a good challenge. My husband especially loves the ridge to ski on. Some hiking is involved to get to some really great expert runs but I’m told it’s well worth it.
- They have a big terrain park. This is a plus to some who like to do stunts and have that bigger rush.
- Good beginner hills.
- The bunny slope (beginner run to learn on) is small but shouldn’t be too hard. The next beginner run after that has more of a slope and can help get that beginner more speed to really work on moving side to side. However, the biggest problem you might encounter is when you are ready to go to the top of the mountain and do the green runs. Those runs, on any mountain, are generally mixed with all skier types and some get moving quite fast around you. Those green runs aren’t as wide as you might want. If you are afraid of heights and are skiing near the edge it can be quite scary. So make sure your beginner is ready before going up to the top of the mountain.
- Lift ticket prices are on the higher side. Probably the most expensive in New Mexico.
- Our family really loves this mountain and was our go-to. However, the price of lift tickets has greatly increased causing us to deter from it sometimes. The biggest tip I can give you is to buy tickets in advance online for the best prices.
- Ages 6 and under and 80+ is free can get a free lift ticket.
- Adaptive lessons are available at this ski resort.
- Children’s center is offered for ages 2 months – 3 years old.
- Group and private lessons are available. They have a great ski school for ages 3 and up.
- Great ski patrol/medics
- Unfortunately we ended up needing assistance on the mountain and they arrived quickly to help my son. The doctor and all the staff in the Mogul Medical urgent care there at the ski resort were great in tending to my son with a broken arm.
- Wonderful city to visit. Lots of shopping, good food, and fine dining if you are after that. There are many activities to do there in Taos. You can find many other family fun things to do around the city.
- If you stay in the city check out the bus or shuttle services that are provided.
- There are many options for lodging rentals in and around Taos. The Blake hotel is the new lodging at the ski resort which offers hotel rooms, suites, and penthouses and guests have access to the fitness center.
Sipapu Ski Resort
Sipapu is a very small family-friendly ski resort great for a family ski vacation. It is known for having the longest ski season out of all the New Mexico ski areas so it is an excellent choice if you need to go earlier or later than other ski resorts are open. But, be aware that not many trails will be open unless there is a lot of snow on those early or late dates.
This could have easily been a #1 best family ski resorts in New Mexico for my family when my kids were really little. However, my kids aren’t little anymore so understand as your family grows you may change favorites.
- Small mountain that has fun runs and is great for families.
- It can be very nice for families as you can’t get separated as easily. If wanted you could easily split up to do different runs and meet back up at the base area easily. They sometimes offer fun activities for families so be sure to check their website.
- Mountain Details
- Sipapu offers 41 runs with 6 lifts including the conveyer lift for beginners.
- The mountain has 215 skiable acres with 20% beginner, 40% Intermediate, 25% Advanced, and 15% Expert.
- The mountain base is at 8,200 ft. and the peak elevation is 9,255 ft.
- Lift tickets are affordable. One of the best parts about this place is that the lift tickets are easily affordable and cheaper than the other resorts listed. Grab your tickets online early for the cheapest possible price. And to top it off kids 12 and under ski free with a power kids pass.
- Not overcrowded. It can be fun to stay and ski in a small area that’s not too busy and crowded. You won’t wait in lift lines long so you can get a lot of skiing in.
- Accommodations next to the ski resort. They offer lodging right there at the ski resort with easy access from hotel rooms to small cabins.
- Staying at the resort is nice and you can just walk to and from your lodging to the lift. You can easily go back and have lunch at your lodging if you want.
- They have small suites and lodging there among the newer cabins which are nice. I wouldn’t recommend the hotel there as the rooms really need some improvement. There is also a large house that can be rented if you have a large group.
- Book well in advance as they can book up fast and lodging is limited to that small area. If you want you can always stay in Taos and drive to ski at Sipapu but you will have about a 40-minute drive.
- Out of the hustle and bustle of busy towns and resorts. To some, it would be a downfall knowing you aren’t in or right next to a big city, to others you might like it and prefer the solitude. Taos is really only about 40 minutes away so not too far from a bigger city.
Angel Fire Ski Resort
Angel Fire Resort is a fairly big ski area with a front and back side to ski. It is a great place for families. This resort was a top best family ski resorts in New Mexico for us when my kids were little. We had so many great memories here until we had a couple of bad icy ski trips that moved us away from this resort.
- Mountain Details:
- Base elevation is 8,600 ft. with a summit elevation of 10,677 ft. which makes this mountain drop in vertical feet the second steepest after Taos.
- There are 81 total runs with 5 lifts and 2 conveyers for beginners.
- Angel Fire has 614 skiable acres. 21% beginner, 56% intermediate, and 23% advanced terrain.
- It is a fun mountain especially the runs on the back side.
- It can be fun but only if there is enough snow.
- I say that because we have gone there many times before and loved it and we’ve gone there and hated it because it was just ice and not many runs open.
- The back side of the mountain is the best. Usually, the most fresh snow is back there and the trails are nicer and not as busy. For lunch, I’d recommend the backside restaurant as it’s not as busy. My tip though is to pack your lunch.
- It can be fun but only if there is enough snow.
- Good bunny slope and area for beginners.
- Kids’ ski lessons start at age 3 and up here.
- This is where we taught our kids and many others to ski.
- It has a small area to learn how to ski before going up the mountain. It really is a great area to learn and practice. Once your beginner has really caught on you can easily go to the top. The green runs back down the mountain are pretty good for beginners and anyone who just likes to cruise.
- Great ski patrol response – Unfortunately we had to get help for my daughter there when she had a hard time on the ice. She ended up falling doing a summersalt with her snowboard hitting her helmet. Thankfully she was wearing a helmet and this is where I beg you to please make sure your family is safe and wear one. Ski patrol was fast to respond and at the clinic, they made the call that we needed to rush her to the hospital in Taos. She ended up with a bad concussion and small scrapes and cuts but it would’ve been so much worse if she wasn’t wearing that helmet. The big dent in the helmet was evidence of that.
- Please don’t read this as a warning not to go ski since it’s so dangerous. All sports are dangerous but with the correct protection devices, you can help keep your kids safer.
- Outdoor Activities like tubing and night skiing are offered here.
- They have a tubing hill for those who want to tube at an additional cost. When our kids were little they would ski a day or two and then tube on another day.
- Night Skiing is offered on some weekend nights. That is an additional cost but may be fun and worth it for some but make sure you check their website for costs and times available.
- Extra tip
- There is a sledding hill for little ones at the Nordic Center outside of the country club. This can be great for families with little ones as the parents can sled with them. You can bring your own sled or use the ones they have. It does cost to do this so make sure that you check into the prices and if you need to make a reservation. They offer an adult hour on Saturdays.
- Lodging can be found there around the resort which makes it nice to walk to and from the lifts to your lodging. That is an added bonus for families and a good value to the whole experience. There can be other places to stay there in Angel Fire or around Eagles Nest and in between. If trying to budget your money look in Eagles Nest or near there for maybe a cheaper deal.
Ski Apache
Ski Apache is a ski resort in southern New Mexico. It is a family-friendly resort in Alto New Mexico about 10 minutes from the town of Ruidoso that offers a great experience at the mountain resort and fun for the family outside of Ski Apache Resort. Ski Apache contains the southernmost ski areas in New Mexico.
The Mescalero Apache Tribe owns and operates Ski Apache Ski Resort and the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino.
This is a fun family mountain to ski on. But the times we went and skied there it was so over packed that it seemed to take away some of the fun. It is the southernmost ski area in New Mexico so they do get a lot of visitors from all around there since the other resorts are up north. Most of the other ski resorts in New Mexico are up north only being an hour or so away from each other. So it allows for visitors to disperse between all of those making it a little less crowded.
- Mountain details
- This ski town of the southwest offers 55 runs on 750 acres of skiable terrain.
- 3 fun terrain parks are offered here.
- There are 11 lifts including an 8-passenger gondola that goes to the top of the mountain.
- The base elevation is 9,600 ft. with a top elevation of 11,400 ft.
- This mountain offers 20% green, 50% Blue, and 30% black ski runs.
- There is a parking fee so be aware of that added cost.
- Ski lessons are provided for ages 5 and up. If you want to find lessons for young children under the age of 5 check out Taos or Angel Fire where kids aged 3 and up can get lessons.
- Adaptive Skiing lessons are taught here.
- Other Family fun things to do around Ski Apache.
- Families can find other fun things to do like check out Ruidoso Winter Park. Tubing is offered here with magic carpet lifts to get you back to the top easily. Check out the pricing so you can get all the details.
- There is also an igloo package where you and your family can experience a day in a private igloo.
- Lodging – lodging can be found not too far away from the ski resort.
- Inn of the Mountain Gods resort may be a perfect place for your family or check out many other places to stay or rent in Ruidoso.
Red River Ski Area
Last on our list of best family ski resorts in New Mexico.
This is a small ski area next to the town of Red River. It is along the enchanted circle in New Mexico. This is a small town and area so it can be great for families.
This resort isn’t high on our list as you can see. Our family just didn’t enjoy it as much as the other resorts. It doesn’t mean your family won’t like it as everyone is different in their needs and wants.
- Mountain details
- The base elevation is 8,750 ft. and the top elevation is 10,350 ft.
- There are 209 skiable acres with 7 lifts.
- Red River ski area has 64 trails. 31% beginner, 31% intermediate, and 38% advanced.
- Tickets – Seniors 70 and up are free as well as children 5 and under with a paying adult.
- Winter tubing is available so check out their website for more information.
- 3 terrain parks can keep those adventure thrillers happy but all in all, it is a small mountain.
- Lodging can be found right next to the ski resort and within the city of red river. It is all centrally located very close to the ski resort.
- If you like beer check out the Red River Brewing Company.
Sandia Peak Ski Area and Pajarito Mountain Ski Area are not on my best family ski resorts in New Mexico list since I have never been there.
I wanted to mention that Sandia Peak Ski Area and Pajarito Mountain Ski Area are 2 others that might be worth checking out but we never have. Pajarito Mountain Ski Area is located in Los Alamos. Sandia Peak Ski Area is located northeast of the city of Albuquerque and about 40 minutes away from the Albuquerque International Sunport.
They are among the small ones and we haven’t wanted to ski in those areas so I really can’t tell you if they are good for families or not.
My family does not do cross-country skiing but I do know that it is available near some of these New Mexico resorts.
When planning your ski vacations just be aware that the skiing conditions each winter season are out of your control.
There is no way to know how much snow each resort will get each ski season. And This can play a factor on which are the best family ski resorts in New Mexico to you and your family.
If you are able to book a ski resort after knowing the resort has a great base of snow and looks great for your trip then you are all set. But if not you are in the same boat as most of us.
Booking ahead can save you money and ensure you have a place to stay. But you never know what the skiing conditions will be like till you get there.
My family and I have skied on wonderful powder and in miserable conditions of ice. Some mountains just always get more snow than others. And at other times one resort may get all the luck with snow that season.
I suggest you look at the forecast, the base of snow the resort has and prior years history on the top 6 best family ski resorts in New Mexico list if you can. And Then make your decision.
FYI: Some resorts have ski cams so you can see what it’s like at that moment.
There are lots of fun ski resorts out there. It really depends on what they offer and what you want so make the best decision for your family.
We have fun with our family in small and large ski resorts. At some of the smaller mountains, we have fun taking our time and enjoying the slow pace. Sometimes it’s nice for a break and to conquer the small mountain regardless of age or skill. Other great memories are at the really big resorts skiing hard and challenging ourselves with more skiable acres.
If your family needs a bigger challenge then go for a resort full of extremely challenging runs. If you have small kids go to a mountain that caters to families especially with small ones.
Hopefully, after reading the list of our best family ski resorts in New Mexico you will be able to make the right choice for your family.
Skiing with family is such a wonderful experience and one that my family will always cherish and reminisce on.
As I said before we plan a family ski vacation every year and we always look forward to it.
Moreover, if you have a hard time affording a family ski trip then look into the cheaper places to go and rent a place further from the ski resort if necessary. Don’t miss my other blogs to help you out with ski tips to save money and what you should wear.
Have a great family ski vacation and stay safe!