Reveling in clear blue skies and moderate temperatures, Ruidoso is home to one of the finest ski areas in New Mexico. Ski Apache is located in the southernmost part of the Rocky Mountains and boasts some of the best powder around.

Ski Apache is located on the north ridge of 12,003? Sierra Blanca Peak, overlooking the mountain community of Ruidoso. The 360° view of our mountain summit is breathtakingly beautiful. With an annual snowfall of 180 inches, Ski Apache is blessed with some of the best warm-weather powder skiing in the United States. There is no reason to freeze while you ski!

Owned and operated by the Mescalero Apache Tribe, Ski Apache has been in continuous operation since 1961. The versatile ski and snowboard area has grown from a small area with only three t-bars into the second largest recreational ski area in the state.

Ski Apache?s two high-capacity quads, five triples, one double chair and New Mexico?s only 4-passenger gondola give it the highest hourly lift capacity in the state (16,500+/hour).

Over the years, Ski Apache has been blessed with spectacular snow conditions. Wonderful natural snow along with a high-tech snow-making system assure the best chance of a complete Thanksgiving through early April season. A grooming crew with state-of-the-art equipment and the knowledge to use it, make the 55 trails and open bowl skiing a memorable experience.

The 1,900? vertical drop at Ski Apache offers skiers and snowboarders some of the finest skiing in the lower Rocky Mountains.

Fantastic skiing, spectacular vistas?Ski Apache has runs for all abilities.

Ski Apache is open 7 days a week and welcomes cash, traveler's checks, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover Card in payment for lift tickets, ski school, and rentals.

A variety of ski and snowboard rental shops are located in Ruidoso. Many of them also offer clothing and accessories for skiing and snowboarding.

Ski Apache Facts & Figures

SKI SEASON: Thanksgiving thru early April depending on weather conditions. (tentative opening date - Nov. 24, 2007)
LIFTS OPEN: 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION: 6 miles north of Ruidoso on Hwy. 48 Turn Left on Ski Run Road. 12 Miles to Ski Apache
PEAK ELEVATION: 12,003'
SKIING SUMMIT: 11,500'
BASE ELEVATION: 9,600'
VERTICAL DROP: 1,900'
AVERAGE ANNUAL SNOWFALL: Over 15' (180?)
NUMBER OF RUNS: 55 trails, including Apache Bowl, plus tree and glade skiing, The Boneyard Terrain Park
BREAKDOWN OF RUNS: Advanced 45%, Intermediate 35%, Novice 20%
SNOWMAKING: lower 1/3 of mountain, including the Elk Ridge complex of trails with 1,000 feet of vertical.
LIFTS: Largest lift capacity in New Mexico
16,500 skiers per hour uphill capacity
2 high-capacity quads
2 surface lifts
5 triple chairs & 1 double chair
New Mexico's only 4-passenger gondola
TRANSPORTATION: For transportation to Ski Apache, contact Ski Apache Express, 1009 Mechem, Mountain Top Plaza at 575-257-6069 or 888-527-1017 or Lincoln County Tours
LIFT TICKET INFO: Lifts Open Daily from 8:45 am to 4:00 pm.  Half day tickets start at 1:00 pm. CHILD lift tickets available for children 12 years old and under. PEAK DAY PRICING: more...
PSIA SKI SCHOOL:
Skiing & Snowboarding
Qualified, experienced instructors.
All levels of instruction
Group or private instruction in English or Spanish
Adult: 19 and over
Teen: 13-18 years;
Children: 7-12 years
Kiddie Korral: 4-6 years Reservations OK
FACILITIES: Full-service ski rental shop, snowboard shop, sport shop, 2 cafeterias, 2 bars, 3 snack bars, 2 on-hill burger grills, and two large day lodges.
24 HOUR SNOW REPORT: 575-257-9001
INFORMATION: 575-464-3600