SkiTown.com - US Skiing

Ski Apache - New Mexico

Ski Apache, owned and operated by the Mescalero Apache Tribe, is the southernmost major ski area in the United States and is located 16 miles northwest of Ruidoso, N.M.

Ski Apache's high elevation averages more than 15 feet of snowfall each winter.

Rising from the 4,500 foot floor of the Tularosa Basin to an elevation of 12,003 feet, Sierra Blanca Peak towers above the surrounding valleys and plains. Ski Apache rests on Sierra Blanca's northern flank.

Ski Apache provides a variety of terrain for all abilities on 55 trails covering 750 acres, including the huge open Apache Bowl.

A vertical of 1,900 feet and the largest lift capacity in New Mexico, allows more skiing and snowboarding and less standing in line.

Ski Apache Ski School gets beginners started right. A full day lift ticket is free with the purchase of a lesson for those 7 years and older. Kiddie Korral, a well known children's program for ages 4 through 6, offers all day supervision with ski instruction. Group or private lessons are available for all ages and abilities.

Skis, snowboards and all the equipment you'll need while visiting are available for rental through numerous ski shops conveniently located in town.

Ski packages are offered by a number of different ski lodging in the Ruidoso area.

To get there from Ruidoso, drive a short distance north on Hwy. 48. Turn left on Hwy. 532 for a scenic 12 mile drive to Ski Apache.

MOUNTAIN STATISTICS
Base Elevation:	9,600 ft	(2,926 m)
Summit Elevation:	11,400 ft	(3,475 m)
Vertical Drop:	1,800 ft	(549 m)
Skiable Area:	750 acres	(304 hectares)
Annual Snowfall:	185 in	(470 cm)
Longest Run:	12,145 ft	(3,702 m)
Snowmaking:	33 %
Number of Lifts:	11
Uphill Lift Capacity:	16,500 per hour
Types of Lifts:	2 Surface Lifts 1 Double Chair 5 Triple Chairs 2 Quad Chairs 1 Gondola (4 people)
Number of Trails:	55

TRAIL RATINGS
Easiest:		20%
More Difficult:		35%
Most Difficult:		45%
Experts Only:		0%
Trail ratings indicate the relative difficulty of the runs within a given ski area and are not meant to be used for comparison between ski areas.

AREA DETAILS
Alpine Skiing:	Yes
Snowboarding:	Yes
Required:	Yes
Snow Tubing:	Yes

 

FEATURED LODGING

» Hotel Ruidoso - Midtown

$139.99 - $179.99

110 Chase Street Ruidoso, NM 88345

Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs Newest Hotel. 100 percent smoke free. All rooms equipped with a 32 inch flat panel LCD TV with 4 HBO*s, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron, ironing board, pillow top mattress, clock radio with MP3 plug, free high speed wired and wireless Internet…

» Comfort Inn Midtown

$139.99 - $159.99

2709 Sudderth Dr. Ruidoso, NM 88345

This is a Platinum Award Winning Property. Located in the heart of Ruidoso's Midtown Shopping District. Walk to shops, restaurants, lounges, and galleries. Convenient to Ski Apache, Inn of the Mountain Gods casino, Billy the Kid Race Track and Casino, and Ruidoso Convention Center. 3 Stories…

» Crown Point Owners Association

$150.00 - $150.00

220 Crown Dr. Ruidoso, NM 88345

Crown Point is located atop Camelot Mountain overlooking a scenic mountain panorama. When you stay at Crown Point you will discover the top flight amenities you expect from a first-rate resort. During the summer, just a short drive away, you will find horse racing, hiking, biking, horseback…

» Best Western Ruidoso Inn

$141.99 - $207.99

97 Camelot Drive Ruidoso, NM 88355

This newer 100% non-smoking Ruidoso, New Mexico hotel offers friendly customer service and an array of amenities for guests while traveling. Located in south central New Mexico's rugged Sierra Blanca mountain range, the Best Western Ruidoso Inn offers friendly customer service and convenient…

» The Lodge at Sierra Blanca

$116.20 - $159.00

107 Sierra Blanca Drive Ruidoso, NM 88345

Located in southeastern New Mexico, The Lodge at Sierra Blanca is located in the heart of the scenic Lincoln National Forest in Ruidoso, New Mexico. The Lodge at Sierra Blanca is adjacent to the Ruidoso Convention Center and is surrounded by the Links of Sierra Blanca Golf Course, rated Number 6…

» Super 8 Motel - Ruidoso

$73.00 - $83.00

100 Cliff Drive Ruidoso, NM 88345

* Great location * Good view of Sierra Blanca Mountain * Convenient to stores and restaurants * Free local calls * Super Start Breakfast * Public indoor Spa/whirlpool * Guest Laundry * All rooms have microwaves, coffee-makers and iron and boards * Plenty of free parking * …

» Best Western Pine Springs Inn

$129.99 - $217.99

1420 W Highway 70 Ruidoso, NM 88346

Discover this pet-friendly Ruidoso, New Mexico hotel located conveniently near the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, Ski Apache and several local casinos. Nestled in the beautiful Sacramento Mountains of Central New Mexico, the Best Western Pine Springs Inn offers outstanding customer service and a…

» Executive Inn and Suites Ruidoso

$54.99 - $179.99

307 Hwy 70 Ruidoso, NM 88345

Surrounded by the cool pines of the Lincoln National Forest and the picturesque mountains of Sierra Blanca, our Ruidoso, NM hotel suites provide a cozy haven for business and leisure travelers alike. At the Executive Inn & Suites Ruidoso, affordable lodging no longer means having to cut down…

» Upper Canyon Inn and Cabins

$89.00 - $299.00

215 Main Road Ruidoso, NM 88345

Your favorite vacation destination in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Enjoy cool, clean mountain air, warm hospitality, and absolute relaxation in one of our cozy cabins, condos, or private homes, from 1 to 6 bedrooms located in the Historic Upper Canyon and surrounding areas. All of our units are centrally…

» Swiss Chalet Inn

$79.00 - $89.00

1451 Mecham Drive Ruidoso, NM 88345

The Swiss Chalet Inn is a charming swiss style hotel located in a pine-covered forest with spectacular views of 12,000 foot ski apache. The Swiss Chalet Inn is minutes away from golf, snow skiing, mountain biking, gambling, and shopping. Iron/ironing board, hairdryers, rooms with balconies on…

» Travelodge Ruidoso

$69.00 - $100.00

159 West Highway 70 Ruidoso, NM 88345

The Quaint Travelodge Ruidoso offers Product, Location and Value. Guest rooms are nicely appointed and all rooms are on ground floor. Located on Beautiful Highway 70 the hotel is conveniently located to Downtown Ruidoso, Casinos, Hubbard Museum and Ruidoso Downs Racetrack. When visiting…

» Village Lodge Suites

$99.00 - $99.00

1000 Mechem Ruidoso, NM 88345

Serene and quiet location right off the main road, centrally located to all attractions. This non-smoking lodge is located between two premier golf courses with fishing and golfing next door. Hiking is available at the national forest across the street. There is a park on the premises with 100…

» Holiday Inn Express RUIDOSO

$133.00 - $169.95

400 WEST HIGHWAY 70 Ruidoso, NM 88345

Welcome to the Holiday Inn Express Hotel Ruidoso , New Mexico. While visiting the Playground of the Southwest, whether skiing at Ski Apache, trying your luck at three nearby Casinos, or playing the odds at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack & Billy the Kid Casino, home of the worlds richest Quarterhorse…