Ski areas open with limitations
Ski areas around the Enchanted Circle began opening this past week, with Red River Ski Area lifts operating Friday through Sunday (Dec. 4 - 6) for those with an early season itch; the resort plans to open fully on Dec. 11. Taos Ski Valley opened to passholders Wednesday (Dec. 9), and will be open to the general public Dec. 11. Sipapu opens today (Dec. 10) and Angel Fire Resort will open Friday (Dec. 11).
After the resorts got their employee COVID testing procedures approved by the state, they began to make announcements on social media. Red River Ski Area was quick to announce their next day opening on Facebook Thursday night (Dec. 3). The ski area opened with two lifts and seven runs, and was operating with just restrooms open as amenities. The ski area’s management said in a statement they “will provide an update next week on our plans for lessons, rentals and food and beverage.”
Taos Ski Valley followed shortly after, and announced Saturday (Dec. 5) they will open Dec. 9 to people who have already bought season passes, and Dec. 11 to the general public. “We look forward to seeing you out on the slopes enjoying turns in our fresh mountain air,” TSV said in a statement.
Sipapu said Tuesday (Dec. 7) it will be opening Thursday (Dec. 10). “Given the challenges we are all facing with COVID-19, we are very glad to be able to open our slopes to the public,” said John Paul Bradley, Sipapu’s general manager. “We know that everyone is itching to get outside and experi
ence the joy of skiing and snowboarding.”
Angel Fire’s start date has been set at Dec. 11 for months, so they remained unaffected by the governor’s two week “reset.”
All of the resorts are cautioning skiers and riders to heed state health protocols by maintaining six feet of social distance and always wearing masks. Due to
COVID, and Taos’ current “red level,” ski areas are currently opening at 25 percent of uphill lift capacity.
Skiers and riders can expect a lot of changes this year, such as limited indoor access, including no indoor dining until Taos moves to the “yellow level.” Lift lines will be socially distanced and all attendees are required to stick with their groups. It’s safe to say things will be entirely different for winter snow sports enthusiasts this year.
Here is what to expect at each ski area:
Taos Ski Valley
LIFTS: 1, 2, Rueggli, Pioneer RUNS: 9
SNOW BASE: 24 inches AMENITIES: Bathrooms, lodging, food to go
Red River
LIFTS: Gold lift, Platinum lift, Little Blue carpet, Rug Rat carpet
RUNS: 7 plus terrain park
SNOW BASE: 24 inches AMENITIES: Bathrooms, lodging, food to go
Sipapu
LIFTS: 1, 2, 5, Ski School carpet
A skier boards the first chair at Red River Ski Area, Friday (Dec. 4).
RUNS: 8
SNOW BASE: 18 inches AMENITIES: Bathrooms, lodging, food to go
Angel Fire
LIFTS: 3 lifts, 2 carpets
RUNS: 5
SNOW BASE: 17 inches AMENITIES: Bathrooms, lodging, food to go