This Ski Resort Is a Hidden Gem in the American West — With More Than 300 Days of Sunshine a Year

Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in the U.S., is renowned for its rich history, plethora of art galleries, distinct architectural style, and that oh-so-delicious New Mexican cuisine. But something visitors might not be privy to is the impressive ski area only 16 miles from the heart of town.

Sitting at a base elevation of 10,350 feet in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Ski Santa Fe has remained a family-owned and operated ski resort since its opening in 1949. Though a longtime staple among locals, the mountain still manages to fly under the radar as most out-of-towners tend to flock about 100 miles north to the high desert town of Taos, which is home to the largest ski resort in New Mexico. 

Something that sets Ski Santa Fe apart from other resorts is how perfectly it caters to every skill level. Across the mountain’s 660 acres of skiable terrain, 20 percent of it is rated beginner, while intermediate and advanced trails each make up 40 percent. And whether you’re a once-a-season type of beginner or you’ve literally never stood on a pair of skis before, Ski Santa Fe is the perfect place to fine-tune your skills or develop them from scratch. Start at the bunny hill, and eventually conquer a chair lift ride to access one of the many green circle trails on the lower mountain. The most advanced skiers and boarders, though, will likely want to spend most of their time on the upper mountain darting down double-blacks and perfecting their best tricks at the expert terrain park.

Ski Santa Fe has no plans of going commercial, which helps maintain a real community feel on the mountain. And here, everyone is welcome, with its family-friendly atmosphere for parents and children, and its more than 300 days of sunshine a year for fair weather shredders, along with plenty of snowfall and expert terrain for powder hounds looking to get their adrenaline pumping. Plus, a 45-minute drive down the Santa Fe Mountains spills out into the area surrounding the Santa Fe Plaza, where nearby restaurants, buzzy après ski bars, famous art galleries, and vintage boutiques make your time off the slopes just as well spent.

Here’s everything you need to know about planning the perfect Santa Fe ski trip, including the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do off the mountain.

When to Go

Ski Santa Fe’s season runs from late November through early April, with the most crowded stretches over holidays like Christmas and New Year’s, Presidents’ Day, and winter/spring break. Visit between mid-February and March for the best snow and access to the most skiable terrain. And with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, a bluebird day at Ski Santa Fe is more likely than not.

Where to Stay

Four Season Rancho Encantado Santa Fe: Head to the Four Seasons if you're seeking one of the more luxurious accommodations in the area. The resort is only a 10-minute drive from downtown Santa Fe, but thanks to its location, which is tucked away in a secluded area of the Sangre de Cristo foothills, it truly feels like its own little world. Plus, the luxury boutique resort is currently undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation of its 65 casitas. Standout amenities include a real-wood fireplace, heated bathroom floors, and ample space to stargaze on the outdoor balcony.

La Fonda on the Plaza: La Fonda on the Plaza might be the most iconic hotel in Santa Fe, as city records indicate that it resides on the site of the town’s first inn, dubbing it the oldest hotel corner in America. The 186 guest rooms boast traditional New Mexican architecture, complemented by original local artwork and simple decor. The property has a few dining experiences, including a bustling lobby lounge and a seasonal rooftop cocktail bar. La Fonda’s central location provides easy access to off-mountain activities, making it an ideal choice for groups with non-skiers.

Ten Thousand Waves Spa: Ten Thousand Waves Spa allows guests to experience bathing environments modeled after Japan's onsen hot spring destinations. Reservations for the hot tub suites are hard to come by, but the overnight accommodations on the property are even more coveted, with just 12 guest rooms on the 20-acre property.

Where to Eat

Iconik Coffee Roasters: For high-quality coffee and a quick bite to eat before heading to the mountain, look no further than Iconik Coffee Roasters. The three locations across town each have a distinctly unique vibe with their own food menus. But, overall, dishes range from simple and classic, like a bowl of yogurt and granola, to more indulgent options like a croque-madame waffle.

Cowgirl BBQ: A favorite among locals in the city's Railway District, Cowgirl BBQ embodies everything Santa Fe is about. Much like the town, the atmosphere inside is colorful and unpretentious, which is also evident through the reasonably priced menu comprising regional comfort food, Tex-Mex classics, and Cajun cuisine.

Tesuque Village Market: Another spot frequented by locals, this century-old eclectic cafe is also a general store and bakery. The all-day menu focuses on authentic New Mexican fare, like tacos, enchiladas, tamales, and frito pie “Christmas style” (topped with red and green chiles). Local craft beers and tequila and mezcal-based cocktails steal the show over at the bar. Try a specialty option like the mezcal mule, or if you’re partial to tequila, you can never go wrong with a simple house margarita.

Market Steer Steakhouse: Located off the lobby of Hotel St. Francis, this upscale steakhouse delivers impeccable service and high-quality food. Back in the female-led kitchen, Chef Kathleen Crook — a former rodeo world champion — has an extensive knowledge of beef and puts a deep emphasis on fresh and sustainable ingredients. Start with the onion rings and Tex-Mex mussels, and for an entree, get the best of both worlds with a surf and turf combo: the cowboy ribeye and seared tuna au poivre. The chef is a self-proclaimed sauce nerd, which rings true through the nine meat enhancements available on the menu, including a blue cheese butter and horseradish caramel. Order the $16 sauce flight; you can taste them all and pick your favorite. 

Where to Après-ski

Totemoff Bar & Grill: Given Ski Santa Fe's fairly remote location, the closest off-mountain restaurants and bars are at least 16 miles away back in the city. But visitors are lucky that they don't have to travel at all for an epic après ski experience. Totemoff Bar & Grill is an on-mountain restaurant and bar serving New Mexican classics (Get the green chile cheeseburger), craft beers, cocktails, and live music performances on the weekends.

La Fiesta Lounge at La Fonda: Guests staying at La Fonda are spoiled with the option to après ski right in their hotel lobby, which also happens to be one of the hottest bars in town. Live music and a bright and welcoming atmosphere provide the best kind of pick-me-up after a long day of shredding on the slopes, and when you're ready to cash out, your bed is only a few steps away.

Off-mountain Activities

Spa and Wellness Offerings: Those who prefer to stay off the slopes shouldn't miss the opportunity to indulge in Santa Fe's best wellness offerings. One of them is the Four Seasons' spa, which has a variety of specialized treatments, from a chocolate truffle body scrub to a jasmine honeysuckle facial. Regionally inspired bodywork is also available to spa-goers, whether it be a massage focused on helping you adjust to the high altitude or re-centering yourself through an Indigenous purification ritual. Down the road at Ten Thousand Waves, a Japanese-style spa where hot springs take center stage, eight bathing suites can be reserved, each equipped with a private hot tub, sauna, changing room, and shower. The smallest suites fit up to four people, and the largest one, The Grand Bath, can accommodate up to 18 guests. Hot tub temperatures are maintained at about 105 degrees, while cold plunges are around 55 degrees.

Art Galleries: You could easily spend your entire vacation perusing the city's art galleries. About 250 of them are in Santa Fe, and more than 50 can be found on the iconic Canyon Road, a street with the highest concentration of galleries in the country. However, some of Santa Fe's best art galleries are in the up-and-coming Railyard District. The newest addition, the New Mexico Museum of Art: Vladem Contemporary, came on the scene in September 2023, and it's already making a name for itself. Temporary exhibitions display works from the '70s through the 2000s focusing on New Mexican artists. SITE Santa Fe is another popular gallery in the neighborhood. The 18,000-square-foot space is filled with international and contemporary art exhibits open to the public five days a week with free admission.

Stargazing Train Ride: The stars in Santa Fe are next-level, so consider it a must to hop on board a nighttime train ride with Sky Railway. The adventure begins with a Champagne welcome toast, followed by live jazz music and stargazing sessions on an open-air flatbed car. There's also a professional astronomer on board to help facilitate your stargazing experience and share their celestial knowledge.

How to Ride

Tickets: Single-day lift tickets range between $95 and $105, depending on days of the week and holidays. Ski Santa Fe is still independently owned, so your Epic or Ikon pass will have no use here. However, skiers and boarders can purchase one of the resort’s season passes, available in tiers ranging from $79 (Peak Plus Pass) to $879 (Platinum Pass). For locals who want to get the most out of the mountain, the Platinum Pass might be the most attractive option, as there are zero blackout dates, and it is valid for unlimited skiing throughout the season. Another perk is the “Buddy Plus+” feature, which grants your buddy of choice $25 off a single-day lift ticket. The best part? It’s not a one or two-time thing — you can apply the discount once per ski day for any person you want throughout the entire season.

Rentals: Ski and snowboard rental prices range between $20 for boots only and $48 for the whole package. Ski Santa Fe offers rentals for every skill level, whether you need a beginner Burton Learn to Ride board to make your first day on the slopes a little less daunting or a pair of high-performance Rossignol skis to help you zip in and out of the trees more efficiently.

Skiing and Snowboarding Info

Ski Santa Fe has 89 trails across 660 acres. Its seven chair lifts include one quad, two triples, two doubles, and two conveyor lifts. Beginner trails comprise 20 percent of the terrain, while intermediate and expert terrain make up 40 percent each. There are five double black diamond trails, all of which can be accessed on the upper mountain, and three terrain parks.

Programming

Ski Santa Fe offers a variety of ski and snowboarding lessons, from single-day private lessons to group and family lessons. If you don’t have a full ski day in you, don’t worry; they also do half-day lessons for ages 10 and older. Season-long programs for local kids run every weekend, which are divided into the “Chipmunk Corner” for ages five through 10, and the “White Tornadoes” for children ages 11 and up.