Pajarito Mountain Ski Area Ski Resort

Pajarito Mountain, located on the eastern slope of New Mexico's Jemez Mountain Range, is open Fridays to Sundays, as well as on federal and Christmas holidays. The mountain has an impressive 10,440 foot summit elevation as well as a 1,440 vertical drop over 300 acres of skiable terrain. Pajarito sometimes serves up prodigous powder, and offers beautiful views of the Rio Grande Valley, and small crowds. Skiers and snowboarders have access to the mountain thanks to a quad lift, triple, 3 doubles and 1 rope tow. Sitting above Los Alamos in the Jemez Mountains, it was for years the private stash of scientists and their families but has been open to the general public for more than two decades. Pajarito offers rental services, retail facilities, a café dining option and a high quality snow sports school.

Where to Stay

No lodging is available at the ski area, but can be found in nearby Los Alamos or White Rock, or farther away in Santa Fe.

Plan Your Trip

Ski Lessons

Transportation

Important Dates

Projected opening date

Nov 08, 2025

Projected closing date

Mar 29, 2026

Projected Days Open

117

Days Open Last Year

Years Open

Average Snowfall

75"

Terrain

Runs in Total

Longest Run

1.1 mi

Skiable Terrain

267 ac

Snow Making

21 ac

Lifts

6

Quad Chairs

Triple Chairs

Double Chairs

Surface Lifts

Inside Scoop

Offers ski, snowboarding, and telemarking lessons daily. Equipment and demo rentals.Dining facilities include a cafeteria, a bar, and a brown bag area in the base lodge.

Reviews

Dustin

I grew up on pajarito and it is where I learned how to ski and snowboard. After teaching my self to snowboard on the steep bumpy terrain I applied to be a snowboard instructor in Taos ski valley (a resort that is world renown for it's ski and board school). In other words learn on paja and dominate the rest of the mountains. I have also been to many resorts and ski areas in new Mexico and Colorado. And I will say I always end up coming back to paja. The terrain difficulty is second only to taos ( including Colorado mountains) and if you learn to snowboard hear you can enjoy your self on any mountain. Be ready for a challenging step and exciting experience. Remember that pajarito IS NOT a resort. They do have a restaurant, but no alcohol sales except during events and no lodging on the mountain. Los Alamos is only 5 miles away however, And while you're there check out the WWII museum where the atomic bombs are on display. ( Los Alamos is where the atomic bombs were made)

All Reviews