Where the high desert meets the Southern Rockies lies a magical place for a wonderful winter getaway. If you love to play in the snow but also appreciate good food and quiet comfort, then stay with us for a Santa Fe ski vacation that offers it all. After a day of fun and adventure, you’ll be surrounded by ultimate coziness which will warm your soul (and your toes). Keep scrolling to see all the ways to Ski Santa Fe and get the most out of your winter getaway at the Inn of the Turquoise Bear.
Ski Santa Fe: What You Need to Know
There are so many reasons to hit the slopes in Santa Fe, NM! Our mountains are blessed with over 300 inches of snow during the ski season between late fall and early spring. With typically sunny skies, the slopes near Santa Fe become a powdery playground for skiers and snowboarders alike. While you can’t go wrong skiing during any of the winter months, we think the best month for skiing in Santa Fe is February or early March, depending on the season.
Not a huge skier? Luckily, there are many other outdoor winter activities in Santa Fe to look into for your next getaway.
Skiing vs Après Skiing…What’s the Difference?
Have you heard of the worldwide phenomenon of “Après Skiing” coming up in your conversations but are still unsure what it means?
Après Ski is a French term meaning “after ski” or “after skiing.” Essentially, this phenomenon includes all the social activities and fun after a day on the slope. These fun activities include enjoying drinks at the resort after the chairlifts stop running, grabbing a burger and fries, or hitting the town for a beer and dancing. Some people hit the slopes just to ski, but others come for skiing and after skiing. Which one are you?
Popular Places to Ski in Santa Fe
Popular Places to Ski in Santa Fe- Ski Santa Fe — This resort is just over 30 minutes from our Inn and is located in the beautiful Santa Fe National Forest. Skiers of all levels will enjoy the top-notch runs offered, from the bunny hill to double black diamonds. Some of our favorite runs include Pine Flats, for the serenity of easy meandering with the view of trees, and any of the Thunderbird runs, for their quick and beautiful terrain. Check out their events calendar to plan your trip with their Demo Days, Winter Music Series, and more!
- This is the best place for après skiing! The lodge offers several dining and drinking options, but you are close enough to our Inn and downtown Santa Fe to hit your social festivities there.
- Psst! To make your trip up and down the mountain easy, or if you plan on having a few beers after your run, we recommend taking advantage of The Big Blue Bus — with fare-free services Monday through Sunday!
- Pajarito Mountain — Just an hour from our Inn, this is a great place to visit if you are looking to switch it up, or have the time to commute further into the New Mexican mountains. Again, skiers of all levels will find runs for them at this resort. See their trail map before you go. We particularly love their super cool and unique terrain parks! This is a very popular place for locals to go skiing.
- Sandia Peak — Also located an hour from our Inn, this is another great place close to Santa Fe but will still offer a fun and new experience. This smaller resort offers some cool runs at a relatively high elevation. See their trail map before you go. While most of their runs are blue or black, there are also a few green trails for our beginner skiers. You can also partake in après ski here by enjoying the upper tram terminal restaurant or the day lodge at the bottom.
Cozy Stays: Rest and Relax During Your Winter Retreat
After your day of shredding it on the slopes or partaking in après skiing fun, return to our comfortable Inn for delicious homemade treats or a glass of wine to enjoy by the fire. Rest by the warm fireplace in our living room or retreat to your luxurious guest room to get cozy by your own personal flame.
Relax even more with a dip into a hot bath to soothe those sore muscles. If you want to make a whole day of rejuvenating, we recommend scheduling treatments at either BODY Santa Fe or the infamous Ten Thousand Waves Spa. For even more, our Winter Wellness Guide will help you plan your personal retreat during your next visit to historic Santa Fe.
Pre & Post Ski Luxury at The Inn of the Turquoise Bear
Before you head out for your day’s adventure, you’ll need a good breakfast, and you won’t be disappointed at the Turquoise Bear. You’ll enjoy a hearty multi-course breakfast that includes fresh-baked goodies, yogurt, smoothies, and gourmet hot entrées that rotate daily. You can look forward to options like blue corn pancakes with piñion butter, artichoke & potato frittata with turkey sausage, or Dutch baby pancakes with house-made lemon curd & blueberry compote.
For the rest of your dining pleasure, you’ll have a blast discovering the foodie paradise that is Santa Fe. There are so many fabulous restaurants for you to check out, you may just have to come back!
We’ll keep the fire warm and the goodies fresh for your next Santa Fe ski vacation. Check availability now.
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