Ski Season is Here!
There is plenty of snow expected for ski season this winter in Ruidoso. If you’ve spent much time in Ruidoso then you’ve probably heard the term El Niño quite a bit over the last few months. El Niño refers to a weather pattern that affects the positioning of the Pacific jet stream and typically indicates an increase in precipitation. This year it is forecasted to be one of the strongest on record and if the heavy summer rains in Ruidoso were any indication, ski buffs are in for a treat this winter: snow.
Lots and lots of snow. Ski season is here!
Never the less, many people don’t realize skiing and snowboarding aren’t the only reasons local residents and visitors alike are excited for higher-than-usual snow forecasts.
If you haven’t experienced Ski Apache, the country’s southern-most ski resort, you owe it to yourself a visit this ski season. In addition to offering a balanced, diverse collection of runs — 20% green, 50% blue, and 30% black — that accommodate every level of skier, each year more winter are activities are added to the menu.
Not to be out-done by the range of summer activities, including gondola rides, mountain biking, disc golf, and the inaugural Wind Rider Music Festival back in June, winter offers it own array of attractions.
Tubing, Anyone?
One of the few things not offered at Ski Apache is a dedicated sledding area. Well don’t fret, because Ruidoso Winter Park is located on Ski Run Road where you turn off Highway 48 en route to Ski Apache, just a few minutes north of downtown Ruidoso.
Winter Park provides family fun for all ages, including tube rentals, a family zip line, Magic Carpet conveyor sidewalks that take you to the top of the hill, and a variety of chutes to whisk you back down in exhilarating fashion. Refreshments are available, including hand-made pizzas and hot chocolate, and there are even VIP igloos for rent.
No Thanks, Point Me Toward the Slopes… It’s Ski Season!
Despite the array of exciting winter activities Ruidoso has to offer, skiing and snowboarding remain the bread and butter for many snow chasers, and with good reason.
Ski Apache boasts a vertical drop of over 1,900 feet and the terrain is equipped with 55 runs and trails, over 750 ski-able acres, and 11 lifts, including New Mexico’s only gondola. Dare devils can also test their skills at the terrain park this ski season, and the Apache Star race course is scheduled to open January 3.
In addition, Ski Apache’s popular ski school offers classes for all ages and levels this ski season, from private one-on-one lessons to full-day enrollment for kids in the Adventure Center program. Furthermore, the Ski Apache Adaptive Sports program offers both alpine ski and snowboard lessons for students with a variety of disabilities. Lessons in Spanish are also available.
And If the Weather Outside Is (Too) Frightful
Of course, for many people, Ruidoso represents the quintessential relaxing, mountain get-away. Perhaps a friendly snowball fight, or simply building a snowman in the yard, is more your speed.
Then again, if you find yourself curled up next to the fireplace sipping hot chocolate and not wanting to move a muscle, there’s nothing wrong with tucking into a good book and watching the snow flakes quietly blanket the Ponderosa pines outside your window.
No matter how you choose to enjoy the snow, Ruidoso has something for everyone.
Staff Writer – Leroy Smith
