Ski Apache is the southernmost ski area in the continental United States, located about 3 hours north of El Paso and about 5 hours from Lubbock and Midland. It is built on the side of the formidable flanks of the 12,000 foot Sierra Blanca, the mountain home of the Apache God Ussen. The mountain towers above the surrounding desert. The resort itself is tucked away in the northwest corner of the Mescalero Apache Reservation, and has been delivering skiers to fresh powder since 1962. Today the park boasts 55 total ski runs as well as the Apache bowl and the "Boneyard" terrain park. Beginners will find some nice wide slopes as well. The park receives an annual snowfall of about 185 inches and attracts the majority of it's skiers from nearby Texas, although there are visitors from other parts of the U.S. and even Mexico as well.
Bear in mind, that Ski Apache is far away from Vail, Taos, and Alta both in distance and in the ski experience. Conditions are less reliable; the mountain gets crowded during peak times and may be less rewarding overall. All in all, it's a serious mountain smack in the middle of the desert, and close to home for many people in the Southwest.
Popular apres-ski activities are located in the nearby Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino and in the nightspots in Ruidoso.
11 lifts including 2 surface lifts, 8 chair lifts and 1 gondola.
$$$ (Expensive)55 runs - 20% beginner, 35% intermediate, 45% expert. Longest run is 12,145 feet.
Mountain Statistics: 1,900 feet vertical drop, 11,500 feet summit elevation, 750 acres, average annual accumulation 185 inches.
Located minutes away from Ruidoso, New Mexico, Ski Apache has set a goal to provide the best ski experience for all ages and abilities. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels will find the perfect variety of terrain on 55 trails served by 11 lifts, including New Mexico's only gondola. Ski Apache's huge lift capacity allows more time for skiing, so lines are rare. Top quality grooming, snowmaking and climate all enhance a visit here. High elevations between 9,600' and 11,500' provide abundant snowfall, yet sunny days are plentiful. And be sure to check out the views from the top of the gondola or Apache Bowl – they're spectacular on a clear day.