Family Traditions on the Mountain and Why the Holidays Feel More Magical at Ski Apache

There’s something extraordinary about spending the holidays surrounded by snow-draped mountains, crisp air, and the company of loved ones gliding down the slopes. That’s exactly the magic of ski holidays—where adventure meets togetherness. Each year Ski Apache transforms into a winter wonderland that captures the very essence of the season and serves as a destination for annual family traditions full of holiday magic. Whether you’re gathering in Alto, New Mexico for Thanksgiving or celebrating Christmas on the mountain, Ski Apache is the perfect setting to start new family traditions that you’ll cherish year after year.

The Allure of Ski Holidays

A ski holiday is far more than just a winter getaway. It’s a fun mix of outdoor adventure, skill, and relaxation. Your days are spent in motion, challenging yourself by carving down runs, mastering a new technique, and exploring acres of terrain. Then, in the evenings as the lifts close, the fun tradition of aprés-ski begins. Time is spent relaxing by a fire with family and friends, sipping a hot beverage among holiday decorations, or enjoying a meal after a day on the mountain. These are the moments that give ski holidays their unmistakable charm.

Ski Apache: The Heart of New Mexico’s Winter Wonderland

Since our opening in 1961, Ski Apache has been a winter retreat for families looking to celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas together in the Sierra Blanca Mountains. Our ski resort is the home of the Sierra Blanca Peak, the highest mountain in southern New Mexico, looming at an impressive 12,000 feet with a 1,900-foot vertical drop. Set against this stunning background and paired with an average annual snowfall of more than 15 feet makes Ski Apache a must-visit destination for avid skiers, snowboarders, and sightseers.

Every winter season, the mountain comes alive with the holiday spirit. Families return year after year to carve new trails and spend valuable time together. Ski Apache is an invitation to slow down and connect not only with the great outdoors, but with your loved ones.

Making Holiday Magic at Ski Apache

A little planning can go a long way in making your vacation at Ski Apache smooth and full of memorable moments. Here are a few things to keep in mind so your family has a festive and fun-filled ski holiday.

Book Early: If you’re visiting during the holiday season, it’s worth it to book as early as possible. This includes plane tickets if you’re flying, hotel reservations at nearby resorts like Inn of the Mountain Gods, and lift tickets.
Reserve Lessons Ahead of Time: Are you or your kids new to skiing or snowboarding? Or maybe, you’re an avid skier and want to level up your skills. Our private lessons and group lessons are fun to do with the whole family and will give you the confidence you need to glide down the slopes. For more information or to book snowboard or ski lessons, call 575-464-3695.
Plan for Après-Ski Fun: Start a holiday après-ski tradition that your family will treasure by making time at the end of the day to relax and celebrate a successful day on the slopes. The Spirit Bar is the perfect place to unwind with dinner and a specialty holiday drink. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the snowy slopes, you can warm up in the lounge and soak up the cozy atmosphere with friends and family.
Explore the Area: Don’t limit your trip just to the mountain! There are so many fun and festive things to do in the surrounding cities. Get in the holiday spirit by planning an evening to see the Path of Lights display or the annual Christmas tree lighting at Inn of the Mountain Gods.
Capture the Moment: Don’t forget to snap photos of friends and family during vacation, so you’ll have something to look back at. Bringing a GoPro is also a great way to record your runs, capture the mountain scenery, and relive those moments long after the trip ends.
Savor the Scenery: Take a break from the slopes and gather the whole family for a gondola ride to the top of the Sierra Blancas. In the wintertime, the mountains are absolutely stunning with snow-covered peaks surrounded by the desert below.

Building Family Traditions and New Memories on the Slopes

There’s nothing quite like building cherished family memories on vacation, and Ski Apache is the perfect setting for creating those lasting memories. If your family is looking for a ski resort to turn winter trips into annual traditions, Ski Apache has all of the mountain adventure you need.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Carve out a new family skiing tradition at Ski Apache! Ski Apache has 55 trails across 750 skiable acres with terrain for beginner, intermediate, and expert levels. We also have three terrain parks for freestyle skiing and snowboarding that feature rails, jumps, and boxes. Before making your way to the ski resort, be sure to check out our live webcams for real-time snow conditions, and to see which lifts and trails are open. Families can purchase lift tickets online or in person, and children under 12 can ski for free (with the exception of a few select dates). If you don’t have your own ski or snowboarding gear, don’t worry. Snowboard and ski rentals, along with all necessary safety equipment are available on site.

Gondola Rides

View the magic of winter from 11,500 feet in the air! The Ski Apache gondola is a fun ride that takes you from the base of the mountain all the way to the peak. It’s the perfect way to take in the beauty of the season, and snap a few family photos while you’re at it, surrounded by the beauty of the Sierra Blanca Mountains and the desert below. Each cabin holds eight people so there’s plenty of room for family and friends. Gondola tickets can be purchased online or in person and discounts are available for children, seniors, and military members.

Spend Your Next Family Holiday at Ski Apache

Make visiting Ski Apache for the holidays your newest family tradition! Whether you’re riding the gondola, sliding down the slopes, or dining at one of our restaurants, every moment at Ski Apache offers families the chance to connect and create special moments together. Start planning your next ski holiday at Ski Apache and make this winter one your family will always remember.