Ski Apache

Area Profile

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.

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Lodging Profile

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.

Services Profile

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.

Area Recreation Profile

The region offers great hiking, mountain biking and camping, as wellas fishing, birding and other activities, though the resort itself is closed.

Snowboarding Profile

All 55 trails are open to snowboarders, including Apache Bowl, where "the fingers" in good snow years turn into a series of natural halfpipes. "Boneyard" terrain park. Snowboard shop offers rentals as well as repairs and service.

Ski Apache Contact Information

Ski Apache

Hwy. 532

Ruidoso, NM 88355  

Phone: (505) 464-3600

info@skiapache.com

Ski Apache Web site