Tis the Season
TO SHRED THE SLOPES! By Debbie Stone
For skiers, the first real cold snap elicits behavior that results in what is known as Pavlovian conditioning. Remember the dog that salivates when the bell rings? As the temps drop, avid powder lovers rush to haul out their skis and then proceed to check the weather in the mountains with zealous fervor. And when the snowflakes begin to fall, they start chomping at the bit in earnest, prepared to hit the slopes at a moment’s notice.
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ew Mexico boasts eight downhill ski areas, covering more than 4,000 acres of picturesque, snowy terrain. The state’s ski scene often takes a backseat to that of Colorado, but to those in the know, that’s just fine. It means plenty of uncrowded and unspoiled trails, more affordable lift tickets, and a family-friendly, laid back atmosphere where après ski attire takes on new meaning. Over the years, New Mexico’s ski areas have gone through a number of changes in an effort to continue to enrich the visitor experience and hopefully attract not only locals, but also skiers from neighboring states. Taos Ski Valley, for example, has made some key improvements for the coming season, including new ski school choices, technology enhancements, additional snowmaking capabilities and expanded glading, along with the opening of the much-anticipated centerpiece of its base area renovation, The Blake at Taos Ski Valley. This new 80-room, LEED certified lodging property will offer a unique and sophisticated accommodation option that is centrally located among shops and dining establishments, while providing ski-in/ski-out access. The hotel combines traditional alpine architecture with a colorful New Mexican design aesthetic and will feature 65 king and queen
rooms, 15 one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, a spa/fitness center, and a wine and tapas bar. Over at Red River Ski, north of Taos, there’s a remodeled lift house and new Emerald Quad Chairlift. The latter will give families better access to the gentle slopes at Summit Camp. Red River Ski is known for its good mix of terrain, family-fun events and 300 plus days of sunshine. Angel Fire Resort, also on the Enchanted Circle route, has improved its snowmaking technology and hopes to open more of its mountain earlier in the season. The property’s completely renovated Liberation Terrain Park is the first of its kind in the state with dedicated chairlift access, allowing snowboarders and skiers to spend their time in the park without having to ride down to the base of the mountain each time they complete a run. Sipapu, southeast of Taos, has the honor of having the longest ski season in New Mexico, as well as offering the most affordable lift prices in the state. Last year, the resort put in its first quad chairlift, added a brand new trail, and expanded several existing courses.
Closer to home at Ski Santa Fe, La Casa Lodge underwent some improvements. The state-of-the-art facility, located at the base of the ski area, provides convenient access to lift tickets, rentals, ski school, food court and a newly enlarged retail sports shop. Northwest of Santa Fe in the Jemez Mountains, you’ll find Parajito Mountain Ski Area, one of the most unspoiled ski areas in New Mexico. New this year is an improved snowmaking system to support opening day (November 25th) and the new winter schedule, which will include Wednesday through Sunday operations. Albuquerque residents enjoy Sandia Peak, located on the northeast edge of Duke City. The longest aerial tram in the country will take you up to the ski area, where you’ll find all the amenities you’ll need, along with killer views. Construction of a proposed mountain coaster, the state’s first, is slated for a possible opening in 2018. The course would race alongside the ski area and be open year round. Ski Apache has the distinction of being the country’s southernmost ski area, as well as New Mexico’s second largest ski area. It offers excellent warm-weather powder skiing with a mix of slopes to suit beginners, as well as those seeking more of a challenge on tough bump runs. Most of the state’s ski playgrounds have deals including stay-andski packages, bargain days and other specials to help reduce costs. They also schedule a number of events ranging from live musical entertainment and torchlight parades to a variety of fun and competitive races. All welcome families and have ski schools that offer classes geared toward both children and adults. If you’ve never skied before, no worries. Take a lesson and before you know it, you’ll be shredding the slopes!