Ski Apache Ski Resort
# 4Apres Ski in New Mexico
All ReviewsOverview
Sierra Blanca Peak, home to Ski Apache, rises more than 12,000 feet above sea level in south central New Mexico, providing stunning views of the desert lands more than 7,000 feet below, including White Sands National Monument. The resort is owned by the Mescalero Apache Tribe, as seen in the resort's staff and some decorative elements. The area also boasts the state's only (and ancient) gondola. It is 18 miles northwest of the town of Ruidoso and is easily accessed by car from Albuquerque (3 hours) or El Paso (2.5 hours).
It has a nice mix of wide beginner slopes, tough bump runs, a huge bowl and nice cruising runs, and is very popular with skiers from west Texas. There's a casino, too.
It has a nice mix of wide beginner slopes, tough bump runs, a huge bowl and nice cruising runs, and is very popular with skiers from west Texas. There's a casino, too.
No slope-side lodging; however there is a tremendous variety of accommodations 12-18 miles away in the Ruidoso area down the sometimes gnarly access road. Skiers get lower rates than summer visitors.
Terrain
Ski Apache receives over 15 feet of snow a year, with 11 lifts that service 55 runs and a vertical drop of 1,900 feet. The slopes have everything from bowls, bumps, cruisers and terrain parks. Over 750-skiable acres await.
Inside Scoop
Seven total: two cafeterias, three snack bars, two burger stands and two beverage bars. The ski rental shop and the snowboard rental shop offer top quality equipment, and the ski school instructs all abilities. Special all day kids program for 4 to 6-year-olds, Kiddie Korral. The state's oldest and largest Adaptive Ski Program, and special packages for first timers. Thirty-five percent snowmaking.
Best Time for Snow
Average Snowfall
22"
14"
9"
5"
0"
1"
Nov
18"
Dec
14"
Jan
15"
Feb
7"
Mar
0"
Apr
Terrain Overview
55
Runs in Total
2 mi
Longest Run
750 ac
Skiable Terrain
270 ac
Snow Making
Total Lifts: 11
1
Gondolas & Trams
2
Quad Chairs
5
Triple Chairs
3
Surface Lifts
Elevation
11500'
Summit
1900'
Vertical Drop
9600'
Base
Important Dates
November 26, 20232023/11/26
Projected Opening
March 24, 20242024/03/24
Projected Closing
124
Projected Days Open
133
Days Open Last Year
62
Years Open
185"
Average Snowfall
Contact Information
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