Winter Sports

As snow season begins, skiers and snowboarders can’t help but turn their thoughts to those powdery slopes, looking forward to that downhill thrill. Yet, with recent COVID-related mandates limiting some business operations, many winter sports enthusiasts wonder whether their favorite ski resort will be impacted and what options they can look forward to this season.

Add to that the worries of restrictions on group gatherings, especially during the holidays, and world events raising stress levels, and it’s more important than ever to exercise and safely engage in some healthful, restorative recreation. There’s nothing like physical exertion and sunshine to buoy mental health and reinstate a positive perspective. As it turns out, outdoor sports are actually an ideal way to recreate in these complicated times. Even in winter, Northern New Mexico enjoys sunny skies on most days– a perfect excuse to bundle up and get outside. Masks of one sort or another (think balaclavas and goggles) and gloves have long been key elements of winter weather wear, as is a little elbow room, making skiing and snowboarding inherently protected and socially distanced activities.

The good news is, while ski resorts may operate a little differently, they are poised and excited to bring stellar experiences to local snow worshipers. For starters, explains Ski Santa Fe Operations Manager Tommy Long, local ski resorts sat down with Ski New Mexico to collaborate on guidelines. “We were able to band together with the state and develop our own set of CSPs (Covid Safe Practices),” says Long. “It was a great team effort, done in cooperation.” Those practices outline operating capacities, cleaning guidelines, contact-free ticket sales, and dining services, as well as employee wellness checks. Their goal was to exceed state mandated health and safety guidelines, so guests could hit the slopes with a solid sense of security.

Uphill lift capacities will be limited to 25% and ticket and season pass sales will transact almost exclusively online. While some resorts may sell some types of tickets in person, Taos is running a tighter ship. “Buying a pass is the best way to get on the mountain,” says Taos Ski Valley CEO David Norden. “We’re selling everything in advance, online only. No tickets sold at the window.” In addition, Taos Ski Valley is taking full advantage of the open-air dining concept by providing dozens of outdoor heaters, tents, and umbrellas for pre- and post-run meals.

Plan in advance, advises Long, as limited tickets will sell out. “Not everybody will get to ski every day that they want to,” says Long. But that limited capacity will eliminate lines and crowding, making for a very pure and undeniably fun experience. “The people who are here to ski will have an epic ski day,” Long enthuses. Norden agrees, saying,

“Same mountain, same terrain, same lift, same snow, same activities– but no crowds, no waiting in lines. If you’re a skier or a snowboarder, this will probably be your best season ever.”

After a busy summer season, Angel Fire Resort Director of Marketing Greg Ralph anticipates an eager winter crowd. People have demonstrated an intense desire to get outdoors all year. “We operated all summer. We ran a chairlift to haul sightseers and mountain bikers to the top of the mountain, and had food service open, a golf course, and fishing and boating. So, we’re coming off a successful summer where we learned a lot. Golfing rounds reached record numbers, outdoor activities were all up, even while lodging was down,” he says. “We know, even in a pandemic, it will snow, and winter will be back. The winter-loving crowd will probably go out in droves.”

Reed Weimer, marketing manager for Red River Ski and Summer Area, concurs. “There’s a reason bicycle sales have gone through the roof. It’s pretty obvious people are looking more towards outdoor activities,” he says. Holiday snowboarders and skiers should definitely plan well ahead, as there are a set number of dates, such as Christmas, New Year, and some other significant calendar dates, for which tickets must be purchased in advance, over 30 dates in all. While planning in advance might take some spontaneity out of the season, the less crowded, assuredly safer experience will make it all worthwhile. “Personally, I think it’s important to be able to enjoy your favorite activities, especially out in fresh air,” says Weimer. “You can get away from people and do something you like. It’s an escape.”

Slope enthusiasts can expect gear rentals to operate much the same as usual but should check each resort’s website for details on passes and lift tickets, as well as for classes or competitions which may be limited or unavailable this year. The resorts mentioned here, as well as Pajarito Mountain, Sipapu, Ski Apache, and Sandia Peak, and other non-resort ski destinations all have links on the Ski New Mexico website for easy access to their operating details.

This winter, downhill snow sports will be some of the safest and most fulfilling ways to exercise and unwind, with slopes serving as prime venues for taking in some juniper-scented air and vitamin D. “New Mexicans can get out and enjoy what’s right in their own backyard,” says Norden. “And appreciate the winter for all that it can be.”

Due to shifting regulations related to COVID-19 in New Mexico, please check with your resort about safety regulations and potential operating modifications.