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# 6Beginner Terrain in New Mexico
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Overview

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.

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.

Plan Your Trip

Best Time for Snow

Average Snowfall

26"
16"
11"
6"
0"
4"
Nov
21"
Dec
15"
Jan
16"
Feb
7"
Mar
Apr

Total Lifts: 11

Gondolas & Trams
1
Quad Chairs
2
Triple Chairs
5
Surface Lifts
3

Elevation

Base
9600'
Summit
11500'
Vertical Drop
1900'

Important Dates

November 22, 20242024/11/22
Projected Opening
March 30, 20252025/03/30
Projected Closing
124
Projected Days Open
133
Days Open Last Year
63
Years Open
185"
Average Snowfall
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