Best Ski Resorts in New Mexico

Advisor - Magali Preston
Curated By

Magali Preston

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  • USA

  • New Mexico

  • Taos

  • Active Travel

  • Domestic Travel

  • Family Travel

  • Group Travel

  • Road Trip Travel

  • Ski

  • Multi-Destination

  • Winter

Empty ski lift up mountain in Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico on a gloomy day.
Curator’s statement

The big 3, in the state of New Mexico - Taos Ski Valley, Red River Ski Area, and Angel Fire Ski Resort, are all within a 1 hour drive of each other with each offering a unique experience for beginners, experts and everyone in-between. They usually open mid December and shut down for the season mid March (after Spring Break). The best thing about visiting the New Mexico slopes, is that these 3 locations are all within a close proximity to each other, allowing you to ski all 3 mountains.

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Where to stay Taos Ski Valley, Red River Ski Area and Angel Fire Ski Resort

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El Monte Sagrado

This oasis near the lovely Taos features an award-winning restaurant plus a world-class, eco-friendly spa.

The Blake at Taos Ski Valley

An 80-room sustainable retreat with the best access to the numerous outdoor activities available in the surrounding Taos Ski Valley.

Best Western Rivers Edge

A cozy, ski-in/out stay in the gorgeous Carson National Forest.

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Things to do in Taos Ski Valley, Red River Ski Area and Angel Fire Ski Resort

Snowy mountains with pine trees in New Mexico on a clear day.

Taos Ski Valley

Taos Ski Valley is considered to be the most challenging of the 3 with over 50% of its runs on the difficult scale.

It'll be cold, snowing and may be windy. During the winter season in Taos, you can hit the slopes, snowshoe one of the many trails and go ice skating.

Afterwards, you can soak in nearby hot springs, visit the Pueblo of Taos, spend an afternoon in the only original and intact church in the area (San Fransisco de Asisi). Oh, and you can't miss checking out the Earthships and Rio Grande Gorge Bridge!

Taos also offers shopping, has amazing restaurants and interesting museums.

Red River Ski Area

Red River Ski Area is smack in the center of town, making it extremely convenient and even walkable from one end of the main street to the other. This is my idea of a picturesque winter wonderland, which is great for skiers of all levels (beginner to expert).

If you are not a skier, this is the place to be. There's no need to drive to shop, eat and people watch because everything is conveniently located on 1 street.

Red River has not one but two ski areas, offering skiing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snow tubing, sledding, all things snow! This is the place to be if you are into outdoor activities.

Angel Fire Resort

Angel Fire is a very small, quaint and cozy town, its mountain is great for families with small children and beginners.

Here, you will find reasonably priced private lesson instructors. It's my personal favorite and a huge plus to this mountain is that it offers night skiing!!

Also, don't miss the chance to ski with Santa. He's usually on the mountain everyday between December 22-25.

Go snowshoeing and watch the torchlight parade. Have you heard of Nordic skiing? This is the place to learn!

Plus, you can go tubing, which is fun for the whole family, but get your tickets early as they sell out quickly.

And of course, my favorite....ski at night, open from 4pm-8pm.

Places to eat & drink in Taos Ski Valley, Red River Ski Area and Angel Fire Ski Resort

Breakfast waffles, bananas, strawberries and blueberries on a wooden table with runner.

Taos Ski Valley

Michael's Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery: Best breakfast I've ever had, the pine cones are a must.

De La Tierra Restaurant: Located at El Monte Sagrado, this restaurant offers cutting edge regional and seasonal American dishes from our Executive Chef Cristina Martinez. Then, enjoy a cocktail or two at The Anaconda Bar.

Lambert's of Taos: Intimate, upscale setting for contemporary American fare with a lounge & a tree-shaded patio.

Red River Ski Area

Shotgun Willie's: Best BBQ in town and the chicken fried steak is a must.

Red River Brewing Company & Distillery: Great beer, food, and spirits, we all love the cheese curds!

Texas Reds Steakhouse: Being one of the best in town, arrive early, it gets busy quickly!

Angel Fire Ski Resort

The Bakery & Cafe (where I am currently writing up this guide): Try their Banana Muffin, it is absolutely delicious!

In Angel Fire, there are 2 pizza places, hands down for the Pizza Stop.

On the mountain, stop at El Jefe for the green chili nachos or burger and a margarita!

Need to Know

Advisor - Magali Preston

Travel Advisor

Magali Preston

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