Perhaps the greatest shock for out-of-state skiers and snowboarders visiting Northern New Mexico is not how excellent the skiing can be here but that it exists at all. But it does, right at Ski Santa Fe!
Ski Santa Fe targets an early start to the 2025-26 season, opening on November 29, 2025.
When you’re strolling about the Santa Fe Plaza on a sunny winter day with hardly a flake of snow in sight, it’s hard to believe that just 16 miles away, but 3,000 feet higher on the slopes of the mighty Sangre de Cristo range, snow piles up five to 10 feet in depth and a complete ski area is busy serving up delightful days in a world of white.
Ski Santa Fe: It’s the Altitude
The secret is the altitude. Topping out at a lung-burning 12,075 feet, even under the bright and almost ever-present sun, the 225 inches or so of snow that falls annually is protected from melting, and the exceptionally high treeline (at some 12,000 feet) helps reduce wind scouring.
In this setting, the families that have overseen Ski Santa Fe since its founding in the early 1950s, including the Blakes who went on to found and run world-famous Taos Ski Valley, the Pitchers, and for the past 20 years the Abruzzos, have carved out a ski area with a terrific variety of run types.
This ranges from a dedicated beginner section with its own lifts, to wide and excellently groomed intermediate cruising slopes, challenging mogul runs, some tricky, if short, chutes, and some of the best tree and glade skiing in the state through nicely spaced Engelmann spruce and Douglas fir forests.
What’s New at Ski Santa Fe
Ski Santa Fe enters the 2025–2026 season with two updates — one on the mountain and one in the kitchen. The resort is installing a new Easy Street Chair, replacing the old beginner double with a portion of the former Super Chief Quad. With wider chairs and room for families to ride together, the Easy Street Chair upgrades the flow and comfort of the resort’s primary learning area.
At Totemoff’s Bar & Grill, new specials are rolling out that add a fresh touch to the mid-mountain menu and are waiting for you when you need a moment off the snow!
Ski Santa Fe Details
Ski Santa Fe has a vertical drop of 1,725 feet spread across 660 acres. Here’s what else has to offer:
- A ski school with a wide range of group and private lesson programs.
- An excellent child care center called Chipmunk Corner that gets kids out on the snow for either play or actual skiing.
- A retail shop for essentials.
- A rental shop.
- A ski/board tuning service.
- An Adaptive Ski Program for disabled boarders or skiers.
Food at Ski Santa Fe
There are a few options for dining: in the base area a large cafeteria with hot and cold foods, and the mid-mountain Totemoff’s with full bar and a limited but good menu, try the tamales! It hosts a handful of special events annually.
Ski Santa Fe Lift Tickets
Ski Santa Fe offers a variety of lift pass options, including half-day, full-day, multi-day, and various passes. Kids ages 5 and under ski for $22, as do seniors ages 72 and up.
How to Get to Ski Santa Fe by Public Transportation
The ski area can be accessed from Santa Fe via a public transportation service called the Blue Bus. It makes stops at:
- The Fort Marcy Recreation Center
- The South Capitol Rail Runner Station
- The downtown Santa Fe station
See public transportation options.
Overnight Lodging
There are no overnight lodging accommodations at the ski area, but Santa Fe is just 30 minutes away, has a huge variety of options, plus world-class dining and museums, hundreds of one-of-a-kind shops, and other attractions.
FAQs
When is Ski Santa Fe projected to open for the 2025–2026 season?
Ski Santa Fe targets an early start to the 2025–2026 season, with a projected opening around November 27.
How long does the ski season typically last at Ski Santa Fe?
Ski Santa Fe anticipates being open from the tentative start date of November 27 through April 5 for the 2025–2026 season.
Why is the skiing so good at Ski Santa Fe?
The secret is the altitude. Topping out at 12,075 feet, the high elevation protects the annual 225 inches of snowfall from melting, even under the strong New Mexico sun.
What is the new high-speed lift at the resort?
The resort recently debuted its first high-speed lift, the Santa Fe Express. This detachable quad cuts the ride time up the mountain to just over four minutes.
How does the new lift improve the experience?
The Santa Fe Express has significantly eased lift lines, reduced bottlenecks on busy days, and made both loading and unloading smoother for skiers and snowboarders.
Are there overnight lodging accommodations at Ski Santa Fe?
No, there are no overnight lodging options directly at the ski area. The city of Santa Fe is just 30 minutes away and offers a huge variety of hotels, dining, and attractions.
What are the dining options on the mountain?
There is a large cafeteria in the base area and the mid-mountain Totemoff’s, which features a full bar and a limited but good menu (including tamales).
How can I get to Ski Santa Fe using public transportation?
The ski area is accessible from Santa Fe via a public transportation service called the Blue Bus. It makes stops at the Fort Marcy Recreation Center, the South Capitol Rail Runner Station, and the downtown Santa Fe station.
Does Ski Santa Fe offer lessons for children?
Yes, the resort has a ski school and an excellent child care center called Chipmunk Corner that gets kids out on the snow for either play or actual skiing.
When is the best time for powder skiing at Ski Santa Fe?
The best powder skiing usually falls between mid-January and mid-March, though spring skiing on corn snow can also be delightful.
Ready to Hit the Slopes? Book Your 2025–26 Ski Season Trip Now!
Ski Santa Fe is tentatively set to open for the 2025–26 season on November 27 and anticipates being open through April 5. The best powder skiing usually falls between mid-January and mid-March, but spring skiing on corn can also be delightful.
Ski Santa Fe maintains an active Facebook page and Instagram account with lots of photos and reports from staff and patrons. For further details on operations and programs, call 505-982-4429 or visit SkiSantaFe.com.
Story sponsored by SKI SANTA FE
This article was posted by Jesse Williams
