Ski Life Santa Fe Style

By Anthony • December 12th, 2009

The snow started flying about 30 days ago, but of course Santa Fe enjoys abundant sunshine in between storms. At Ski Santa Fe, we Santa Feans hope for a ski basin of a 70" or more; alas I remember when the norm was 125" , twenty five years ago.

Since I have been skiing around Santa Fe thirty plus years, I need to remind you young bucks that 25 years ago we struggled with – big wood skis with metal edges, spring bindings, leather safety straps. Those leather boots probably weighed 10 lbs each! Skiing and standing in that gear all day while the palma lift dragged us up the hill made you feel the pain and develop very strong legs and lungs.

Thank goodness these days we have short skis and peppy boards which allow for easy turns. Thanks for the quad lifts that quickly carry us to the top. And thanks for those camelbacks and botas that keep us so hydrated and warm!

Here are my favorite ski resorts around Santa Fe. You will enjoy skiing and boarding for all skill levels:

Ski Santa Fe – 30 minute from Santa Fe. Skiing for all levels. The expert runs through the trees and out of bounds skiing down valley are special.

Ski Pajarito – 1 hr drive from Santa Fe. Excellent intermediate and superior expert mogul runs. The quality of skier here is very high and thus the expert mogul runs are a delight.

Ski Taos – 2 hr drive from Santa Fe. Excellent intermediate runs. Superior black and double black runs – watch out for that double fall line when you jump of the ridge!