Pajarito Ski Resort - Los Alamos, New Mexico

Address:Los Alamos, New Mexico
Tel: (505) 662-5725

Pajarito just may be New Mexico's best kept skiing secret. Thanks to its lack of crowds, riders can forget the pushing and enjoy the powder all day long. Located in the Jemez Mountains, just a fifteen minute drive west from Los Alamos, Pajarito has a stunning peak of 10,400 feet and encompasses a staggering 850 acres of various natural and manmade terrain geared towards all levels of riders. Most incredibly, the resort relies solely on Mother Nature's snow to cover the mountain throughout their entire Christmas to early April season.

Open only from Friday to Sunday and on certain holidays, visitors can traverse over forty trails, with five separate lifts whisking them to the top over and over again. Pajarito's steepest slope, at 36 degrees, is aptly named "Breathless," while beginners can warm up on "Townsight," before working their way up to such advanced runs as the "Wildcat" and the thrilling bumps of the "Fab 4".

Snowboarders are welcome to try out their latest tricks on the jibs and jumps of the "Porcupine Park". Riders should be aware that there are some restricted areas where boarders cannot go but, for the most part, Pajarito welcomes snowboarders on most of the trails providing they have a leash attached.

Basic and advanced lessons are offered in either group or private format, with everything from a learn-to ski or board package to skill honing sessions with qualified and patient instructors.

Equipment is rented out daily at varying adult and children prices. Those under 18 require a parent or guardian's signature to sign equipment out. Equipment may be rented as a package or by individual piece. Rental rates at Pajarito are relatively inexpensive, whether for a full or half day's adventure. Children under 6, and seniors over the age of 75, ski or ride for free. With a reciprocal agreement at Angel Fire Resort, riders at Pajarito can really get the most out of their money, with substantial savings available to them at both resorts.

At the end of the day, stop by the café in the day lodge which serves hot and cold sandwiches and drinks. Pajarito does not have a liquor license, so no alcohol is served on the mountain.

For lodging and après ski choices, head into Los Alamos for a choice of hotels, motels, inns, and private rentals. Visitors will also be dizzy from the choices of food, ranging from Mexican, Thai, Sushi, and Bar and Grill fare to vegetarian selections. Relax at a cantina or local pub, or just enjoy the sound of nature as you drift off to sleep after a long day on the slopes.

Come see what the locals already know and hope not too many people find out about at Pajarito, and get set for some of the best snow you've seen in awhile.

Pajarito Mountain is located on the eastern edge of the Jemez Mountains in north central New Mexico, just west of Los Alamos. It comprises around 850 acres of land, privately owned by Los Alamos Ski Club, that was developed as a ski area in the late 1950's. The mountain has great views to the east over the Rio Grande Valley towards the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and from the top, to the west over the Valle Grande. Pajarito Mountain currently has about 280 acres of cleared skiable terrain, not counting some excellent tree skiing, and has some of the best bump skiing in the state. It is rarely crowded, and is noted for its lack of lift lines. It is open to the public, selling both day tickets and season passes, and is a not-for-profit organization.