The first serious winter storm has rolled through New Mexico, laying down some significant snowfall throughout the Sangre de Cristo ski areas!

Santa Fe picked up 13 inches and has announced it will open on a limited basis on Dec. 8. The Superchief Quad will be functioning to mid-mountain, providing access to a few intermediate and novice runs. A few more feet will be needed before the resort's new summit chair will turn for the first time. Ready for operation last year, it never fired up due to the lowest snowfall in a century.

Taos Ski Valley picked up a dozen inches, taking its total to 24 at mid-mountain. More runs are expected to open within a few days, but as of right now, only the beginner slopes at the base are open. Tickets are only $25 until Dec. 15.

The brunt of the storm hit just north of New Mexico--aaaaaaaah! Wolf Creek received a fat 36 inches and has a mid-mountain base now of 55 inches, keeping in line with its rep as the snowiest locale in the southern Rockies....Its new Raven chair is expected to undergo testing on Dec. 3 and if all goes well, open shortly thereafter.