This Ski Resort Is a Hidden Treasure in the American West — Enjoying Over 300 Days of Sunshine Each Year

Santa Fe, the oldest capital in the U.S., is famous for its vibrant history, numerous art galleries, unique architectural style, and mouthwatering New Mexican cuisine. However, many visitors may be unaware of the fantastic ski area located just 16 miles from downtown.

Located at a base elevation of 10,350 feet in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Ski Santa Fe has been a family-owned ski resort since it opened in 1949. Although it has long been a favorite among locals, it often goes unnoticed as many tourists head 100 miles north to Taos, which boasts New Mexico's largest ski resort. 

What distinguishes Ski Santa Fe from other resorts is its exceptional ability to accommodate all skill levels. The mountain features 660 acres of skiable terrain, with 20 percent designated for beginners and 40 percent each for intermediate and advanced trails. Whether you’re a seasonal beginner or have never been on skis, Ski Santa Fe is the ideal place to enhance your skills or start anew. Begin on the bunny hill and progress to a chair lift that leads to various green circle trails on the lower mountain. Advanced skiers and boarders will want to explore the upper mountain, tackling double-black runs and honing their tricks in the expert terrain park.

Ski Santa Fe remains committed to preserving its non-commercial vibe, fostering a genuine community atmosphere on the slopes. Here, everyone is welcome, offering a family-friendly environment perfect for parents and kids. With over 300 days of sunshine each year for pleasant weather shredders, plus ample snowfall and expert terrain for those seeking thrills, there’s something for everyone. Additionally, a 45-minute drive from the Santa Fe Mountains brings you to the vibrant Santa Fe Plaza, where you can enjoy local restaurants, lively après-ski bars, renowned art galleries, and charming vintage boutiques during your downtime.

Discover everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable ski trip to Santa Fe, including top hotels, restaurants, and activities off the slopes.

Best Time to Visit

Ski Santa Fe operates from late November until early April, with peak crowds during holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s, Presidents’ Day, and winter/spring break. For the best snow and maximum skiable terrain, plan your visit between mid-February and March. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, you’re likely to enjoy a perfect bluebird day at Ski Santa Fe.

Accommodation Options

Four Seasons Rancho Encantado Santa Fe: If you're looking for a touch of luxury, the Four Seasons is an excellent choice. Located just a 10-minute drive from downtown Santa Fe, this resort is nestled in the serene Sangre de Cristo foothills, creating a secluded oasis. Currently undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation, the luxury boutique resort features 65 updated casitas. Highlighted amenities include a cozy wood-burning fireplace, heated bathroom floors, and spacious outdoor balconies perfect for stargazing.

La Fonda on the Plaza: La Fonda on the Plaza is perhaps the most legendary hotel in Santa Fe, as city records reveal it occupies the site of the town's first inn, making it the oldest hotel corner in America. Featuring 186 guest rooms that showcase traditional New Mexican architecture, each room is adorned with original local artwork and understated decor. The property offers various dining options, including a lively lobby lounge and a seasonal rooftop cocktail bar. With its prime location, La Fonda is perfect for groups that include non-skiers, providing easy access to off-mountain activities.

Ten Thousand Waves Spa: Ten Thousand Waves Spa invites guests to enjoy bathing experiences inspired by Japan's onsen hot springs. While reservations for the hot tub suites are highly sought after, the property's overnight accommodations are even more exclusive, featuring only 12 guest rooms across the 20-acre estate.

Dining Options

Iconik Coffee Roasters: For top-notch coffee and a quick meal before hitting the slopes, Iconik Coffee Roasters is your go-to spot. With three locations around town, each offers a unique atmosphere and distinct food menus. Dishes range from simple classics like yogurt and granola to more decadent choices such as a croque-madame waffle.

Cowgirl BBQ: A beloved spot in the Railway District, Cowgirl BBQ captures the essence of Santa Fe. The vibrant and laid-back atmosphere mirrors the town itself, and the reasonably priced menu features regional comfort food, Tex-Mex favorites, and Cajun dishes.

Tesuque Village Market: A local favorite, this century-old eclectic cafe also serves as a general store and bakery. The all-day menu highlights traditional New Mexican dishes, including tacos, enchiladas, tamales, and frito pie “Christmas style” (topped with red and green chiles). The bar features local craft beers along with tequila and mezcal cocktails. Don’t miss the mezcal mule or a classic house margarita if you’re a tequila fan.

Market Steer Steakhouse: Nestled in the lobby of Hotel St. Francis, this upscale steakhouse offers exceptional service and high-quality cuisine. The kitchen, led by Chef Kathleen Crook — a former rodeo world champion — emphasizes fresh, sustainable ingredients. Begin with onion rings and Tex-Mex mussels, then indulge in a surf and turf dish that combines cowboy ribeye with seared tuna au poivre. The chef, a self-proclaimed sauce enthusiast, offers nine meat enhancements, including blue cheese butter and horseradish caramel. Try the $16 sauce flight to sample them all and choose your favorite.

Après-ski Hangouts

Totemoff Bar & Grill: Located at Ski Santa Fe, this on-mountain eatery offers a fantastic après ski scene without the need to travel to the city, which is at least 16 miles away. Here, you can enjoy New Mexican favorites like the green chile cheeseburger, alongside craft beers, cocktails, and live music on weekends.

La Fiesta Lounge at La Fonda: For guests at La Fonda, après ski is as easy as heading down to the hotel lobby, which is known as one of the hottest bars in town. With live music and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the slopes, and your cozy bed is just steps away.

Off-mountain Activities

Spa and Wellness Offerings: For those who prefer relaxation over skiing, Santa Fe boasts excellent wellness options. The Four Seasons' spa offers a variety of treatments, including a chocolate truffle body scrub and a jasmine honeysuckle facial. Spa-goers can also enjoy regional massages designed to help with altitude adjustment or partake in Indigenous purification rituals. Nearby, Ten Thousand Waves offers a Japanese-style spa experience, featuring eight bathing suites, each with a private hot tub, sauna, changing room, and shower. The smallest suites accommodate up to four people, while the largest, The Grand Bath, can host up to 18 guests, with hot tub temperatures around 105 degrees and cold plunges at about 55 degrees.

Art Galleries: You can easily spend your entire trip exploring Santa Fe's numerous art galleries, with about 250 in total. Over 50 are located along the renowned Canyon Road, the street with the highest concentration of galleries in the U.S. However, some of the city's most exciting galleries are in the emerging Railyard District. The New Mexico Museum of Art: Vladem Contemporary, which opened in September 2023, is already gaining attention with its exhibitions showcasing New Mexican artists from the '70s to the 2000s. Another notable gallery in the area is SITE Santa Fe, a spacious venue offering international and contemporary art exhibits, open to the public five days a week with free admission.

Stargazing Train Ride: Experience the breathtaking stars of Santa Fe by embarking on a nighttime train journey with Sky Railway. Your adventure kicks off with a Champagne welcome, accompanied by live jazz and stargazing from an open-air flatbed car. A professional astronomer is on hand to enhance your stargazing experience with fascinating celestial insights.

How to Ride

Tickets: Lift ticket prices for a single day range from $95 to $105, varying based on the day of the week and holidays. Ski Santa Fe operates independently, so Epic or Ikon passes won’t be accepted here. However, you can opt for one of the resort's season passes, which come in tiers from $79 (Peak Plus Pass) to $879 (Platinum Pass). For locals eager to maximize their time on the mountain, the Platinum Pass is particularly appealing due to zero blackout dates, allowing unlimited skiing throughout the season. Additionally, the “Buddy Plus+” feature lets you give a friend $25 off a single-day lift ticket, and you can use this discount once per ski day for any friend you choose, all season long.

Rentals: Prices for ski and snowboard rentals range from $20 for boots only to $48 for a complete package. Ski Santa Fe provides equipment suitable for all skill levels, from beginner Burton Learn to Ride boards that ease your first day on the slopes to high-performance Rossignol skis for navigating the trees with finesse.

Skiing and Snowboarding Info

Ski Santa Fe boasts 89 trails spread over 660 acres. The resort features seven chair lifts, including one quad, two triples, two doubles, and two conveyor lifts. Beginner trails account for 20 percent of the terrain, while intermediate and expert trails each comprise 40 percent. There are five double black diamond trails accessible from the upper mountain, alongside three terrain parks.

Ski Instruction

Ski Santa Fe provides a range of skiing and snowboarding lessons, including private sessions for a day, group classes, and family lessons. If a full day on the slopes isn't feasible, they also offer half-day lessons for participants aged 10 and older. For local children, there are season-long programs available every weekend, categorized into 'Chipmunk Corner' for ages five to ten and 'White Tornadoes' for kids aged eleven and up.