New Mexico Ski Resorts Gear Up for Winter
Resorts are running snowmaking ahead of openings as forecasts of a strong El Niño raise hopes for more natural snow.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Skiing
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New Mexico ski resorts are preparing for a new winter season with snowmaking underway, according to Ski New Mexico. Officials hope forecasts of a strong El Niño will bring more natural snowfall after a warm, limited-snow last season.
Why it matters
Last winter's warm, dry conditions made operations difficult, and resorts are investing in snowmaking systems to reduce reliance on natural snow. The coming season's snowfall will determine how smoothly New Mexico's Southern Rockies slopes open for skiers across the state.
Some New Mexico resorts offer a $49 package including lift ticket, rental and lesson, and several ski areas held season pass prices steady. Whether the strong El Niño forecast will translate into meaningful natural snowfall this season has not yet been confirmed.
The players
Ski New Mexico
The statewide trade association that represents New Mexico's ski areas and promotes the state's ski resorts to visitors.
The details
Resorts are turning water into snow when temperatures allow, and Pajarito Mountain is building a new pipeline and a 10-million-gallon reservoir for snowmaking. Angel Fire Resort installed a six-person high-speed chairlift, while Red River and Sandia Peak added magic carpet lifts for beginners.
Timeline
Last winter season: warm, dry conditions limited operations and snowfall.
Nov. 20: Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort is scheduled to open.
Around Thanksgiving: other New Mexico resorts are expected to open.
Season Trajectory
Resorts are hoping a strong El Niño, as projected by NOAA's ENSO forecasts, will reverse the warm, dry pattern of last winter. The outcome would shift New Mexico's ski season from a difficult year toward one with more natural snow.
Skiers planning a New Mexico trip can compare the $49 all-in package and season pass pricing before booking. Checking each resort's opening date will matter, since Sipapu opens Nov. 20 while others are expected around Thanksgiving.
The takeaway
Resorts that invest in snowmaking can keep slopes open through warm, dry winters, but natural snow still determines the best seasons. Skiers should watch snow reports closely as the El Niño forecast unfolds.
What happens next
Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort is scheduled to open Nov. 20, and other New Mexico resorts are expected to open around Thanksgiving.
Further reading
For more on the state's slopes and resort openings, see Skiing coverage across New Mexico.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOAT 7.
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