Northern N.M. ski areas offer different approaches
While Taos County residents are beginning to feel some of the first dips in nighttime temperature, the ski areas throughout the Enchanted Circle prepare for an unpredictable season ahead. We’ve broken down the different season pass prices and offerings from slopes in the Taos area.
Red River Ski Area
Red River offers seven chairlifts and 64 total runs, all on 209 acres. Located right in the heart of town, with a lift practically near the road, Red River offers steeper skiing in a unique environment.
OPENING DAY: Nov. 25, daily Dec. 11 PASSES: Available until Nov. 13. PIONEER PASS: $390. No blackout dates. Only for ages 18-30. PLATINUM PASS: Ranging from $445 (Junior) - $545 (Adult). No blackout dates. Ages 3 and under, 70 and over - $20.
COPPER PASS: Ranging from $345 (Junior) - $420 (Adult). Blackout dates: Dec. 26 - Jan. 2, March 7 - 13. WEEKENDER PASS: Ranging from $270 (Junior) - $320 (Adult). Blackout dates: Monday-Thursday, Dec. 26 - Jan. 2, March 7 - 13.
DISCOUNTS: Military & First Responder - 20% off select winter. Discount includes legal direct dependents.
Angel Fire
Angel Fire Resort is located 45 minutes east of Taos and has six lifts, and 81 total runs on 560 acres – as well as three terrain parks. Its resort contains various terrain for all types of skiers and boarders, and also offers night skiing. OPENING DAY: Dec. 10 scheduled PASSES: Available until Nov. 30. UNLIMITED WINTER SEASON PASS: Ranging from $379 (Senior) - $649 (Adult). Available until Nov. 30. No blackout days.
UNLIMITED TEACHER PASS: $109 NO BLACKOUT DAYS: $109
DISCOUNTS: Fifth-graders ski free; Military 20% discount.
Sipapu
Located 20 miles southeast of Taos, Sipapu provides a smaller mountain with runs ranging from beginner to advanced. It also has five lifts, over 40 trails and three terrain parks, all located on 215 acres.
OPENING DAY: Nov. 20 scheduled PASSES: Available until Nov. 6. POWER PASS: Ranging from $475 (Youth) - $949 (Adult). Pass includes unlimited skiing at Sipapu and the following snowsports areas: Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort, Arizona Snowbowl, Brian Head Resort, Hesperus Ski Area, Nordic Valley Ski Resort, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, Purgatory Resort and Purgatory Snowcat Adventures.
POWER PASS LOCAL: Ranging from $325 - $499. No blackout dates. SKIING AND RIDING AT SIPAPU AND PAJARITO ONLY
KIDS PASS: Kids 10 and under ski free. No blackout days.
DISCOUNTS: Military skis free except for certain blackout dates.
Taos Ski Valley
Taos Ski Valley offers a worldclass ski experience in the lower Sangre de Cristos. Located just inside of the Enchanted Circle, Taos Ski Valley offers 14 lifts, 110 runs and terrain of 1,294 acres, ranging from beginner to some of the most extreme in the Rockies. OPENING DAY: Nov. 26 scheduled PASSES: (No hard end date, determined by quantity.) These were the price of passes as of the end of the sale Monday (Oct. 26), and are no longer available. Prices will increase for the second round of season passes.* MIDWEEK PASS: $450. Monday - Thursday, excluding holidays. WEEKDAY PLUS PASS: $695. Monday - Friday, and 10 select weekend days. YOUTH EVERYDAY PASS: $625. Unlimited, ages 7-17.
UNLIMITED PASS: $1600. No blackout
dates. Includes IKON pass. DISCOUNTS: Returning passholders receive $50 off their pass. Discounts for military, seniors and first responders. Kids under 7 ski free.
Ski Santa Fe
Ski Santa Fe approached the season slightly differently than other Northern N.M. resorts, and has already sold out of their season passes - called the One Pass. Santa Fe offers 87 trails and seven lifts on 660 acres.
OPENING DAY: Nov. 26 tentative PASSES: Available until Nov. 16. PEAK PLUS CARD: $65. No blackout days. $25 off lift tickets all season.