Ski Apache, owned by the Mescalero Apache Tribe, is a premier skiing and snowboarding destination located in southern New Mexico. Known for its mild winter temperatures and abundant blue-bird skiing, Ski Apache offers a unique advantage with its high elevations and southerly latitude, providing abundant snowfall and comfortable weather. It’s this promise of bluebird days and superb snow conditions that lures skiers and riders from far and wide.
With 750 skiable acres across 55 runs, all accessible via 11 lifts, including New Mexico’s only eight-passenger gondola, Ski Apache is a great choice for winter sportsmen and women. If you’re looking for a ski or snowboard trip in beautiful surroundings or want to meet new people, Ski Apache is a great choice.
Aerial view of Ski Apache, showcasing its vast skiable terrain.
Why Choose a Season Pass?
Season Passes are a great option for anyone looking to ski or snowboard multiple days out of the season. Even if planning on skiing just a few times at Ski Apache, a season pass is often the best choice for skiers and riders. A season pass typically pays for itself after just a few days on the mountain. Skiers can choose from various season passes.
Season Pass holders get the best lift ticket price and tons of benefits.
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Early Bird Pricing
Season passes for the 2025-2026 winter season are available for purchase through April 30, with discounted early bird pricing starting at just $450 for adults, teens and children. Seniors (ages 55-69) and military members pricing starts at $400, and seniors aged 70+ can snag a pass for only $250.
With Ski Apache, you can get discounts for children, teens, seniors, students, and active duty military.
Weekday Savings
If you’re interested in skiing on weekdays only, the season pass is nearly half the price of an any day season pass.
When Does Ski Apache Get Snow? - The Winter Sport Xpert
Special Programs and Events
Ski Apache offers programming to fit all winter sportsmen and women.
- Women's Fridays: Fridays are extra special in February for women at Ski Apache. Enjoy ski lessons, wine and cheese, social events, and lessons at Ski Apache on Jan. 8, 22, 29 and Feb 5, 12, 26.
- Men's Adventure: Men can take an adventure on the slopes while improving their skills. After the guided mountain adventure, they can enjoy burgers and beers with the guys.
- Family Lessons: Want the closeness of a private lesson, but want to experience it with those closest to you? A family lesson might be for you.
- Group Rates: Have children 5 and under? Groups of 15 or more get special rates at Ski Apache. If you have a group planning to go and want to know more, call 575-464-3604 or click here to learn more.
Skiers enjoying the slopes at Ski Apache.
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Plan Your Trip
Get ready for the 2025-2026 ski season with an estimated start date of 2025 Nov 29 and a tentative end date of 2026 Mar 08. With the 55 slopes and 11 lifts, ski pass holders have a lot to get excited about for the upcoming ski season.
Daily Lift Tickets for the 2025-2026 ski season vary depending on whether you buy your lift ticket before the season starts, during the peak season or at the end of the season. Other factors include age and the number of days you plan on skiing. Some ski resorts offer dynamic lift ticket pricing, which means the price changes depending on the time of year and how far in advance you buy the lift ticket.
Our tip: You can buy cheaper ski passes before the season begins and toward the end of the season, during what’s considered spring skiing. If the ski resort offers dynamic ski pass prices, it is worth buying a ski pass in advance. For detailed information call the ski resort at (575) 464-3600.
Purchasing your tickets in advance is the best way to save money. We recommend checking out the resort’s special offers page for a variety of deals on lift tickets, lodging, retail, and more.
Ski Apache: A Convenient Destination Near Texas
If you’re looking for one of the closest major ski resorts near Texas, Ski Apache is your go-to destination! Located about a two-hour drive from El Paso, this hidden gem in the Sierra Blanca Mountains offers the perfect mix of accessibility and great skiing for families, beginners, and experienced skiers alike.
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With over 750 acres of terrain, 55 runs, and 11 ski lifts, Ski Apache has something for everyone. The varied slopes cater to all skill levels, and its family-friendly offerings-like ski schools, beginner areas, and snow tubing-make it an ideal spot for a fun, all-ages trip.
Owned by the Mescalero Apache Tribe, our resort not only offers incredible skiing, but also provides a unique cultural experience, allowing guests to connect with the region’s history while enjoying the breathtaking mountain views.
Maximize Your Ski Experience
Ski Apache is best known for its mild winter temperatures and abundance of blue-bird skiing. The mountain’s high elevations, combined with its southerly latitude, give the resort a unique advantage of seeing abundant snowfall with comfortable weather.
Did you know Ski Apache offers three different Stay and Ski packages? They include it all: lift tickets, equipment rentals, lodging, and even meals, all in one convenient, fairly-priced package.
RFID Day Passes
Sunrise features RFID tickets! All guests will need a state-of-the-art Radio-frequency Identification (RFID) cards. RFID cards remove the need for a barcode and scanner at the lifts, allowing guests to keep the pass in their jacket pocket.
The best rates for Day Passes are provided when buying in advance below. If you don’t have an existing RFID card, one can be picked up at the Ticket Office kiosk upon arrival. Passes are re-loadable throughout the season.
First-time guests will receive a new RFID card when picking up at the ticket office. All lift ticket purchases must have an RFID card from the 2023/24 season or newer. If you don’t have an existing RFID card, then you can pick up a new card at the Ticket Office. Cards can be picked up upon arrival at the ticket office and are not transferrable between friends/family members. Please retain your card for future purchases. Online sales can be picked up at the Skiosks at the Ticket Office.
Lift tickets are not valid for foot traffic passengers.
Discounts Available
Sunrise offers discounts for military / first responder / student categories for season passes. WMAT members and members of any other federally recognized tribe are eligible for discounts across Sunrise.
Other Ski Destinations Near Texas
While Ski Apache is a great option, here are a few other destinations that may interest you:
- Taos Ski Valley: One of New Mexico’s popular destinations for Texans seeking a real mountain experience. With over 1,200 acres of skiable terrain and 110 trails, ranging from beginner slopes to expert-level runs, this resort provides something for everyone.
- Angel Fire Resort: Another accessible New Mexico destination for Texans, especially those driving from the Texas Panhandle or North Texas. As a smaller resort, Angel Fire still features a variety of terrain that’s especially suited for beginners and intermediates, making it an ideal choice for families and newcomers to skiing.
- Vail Ski Resort: Located in Colorado, Vail is a top destination, known for its extensive terrain, luxury amenities, and vibrant après-ski culture. Vail boasts over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain, offering a variety of slopes for all levels, from beginners to expert skiers.
| Resort | Distance from Texas | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Ski Apache | 2-hour drive from El Paso | Family-friendly, beginner slopes, cultural experience |
| Taos Ski Valley | 12-14 hour drive from central Texas | Diverse terrain, excellent ski schools |
| Angel Fire Resort | 10-12 hour drive from Dallas | Relaxed vibe, ideal for beginners |
| Vail Ski Resort | 12-14 hours from Texas (flight recommended) | Extensive terrain, luxury amenities |
Tips for First-Time Skiers
If it’s your first time going on a ski trip, there’s a few important things that you’ll want to plan for to ensure that your getaway goes smoothly.
- Driving vs. Flying: For nearby resorts like Ski Apache or other New Mexico spots, a road trip can be fun and cost-effective. However, for farther destinations like Colorado or Utah, flying from Texas airports like Dallas or Houston can save a significant amount of time.
- Best Time to Visit: For the best ski experience, it’s wise to plan your trip during mid-week or non-holiday periods, as this can help you avoid the large crowds and higher prices that peak holidays like Christmas, MLK Day, and Spring Break bring.
- What to Pack: When packing for a family ski trip, make sure to bring all the necessary ski or snowboard equipment, including skis, snowboards, poles, boots, and bindings. Also, remember to pack ski socks (preferably wool or synthetic), a backpack for carrying snacks, small essentials like a first aid kit, and any personal items like lip balm to protect against the harsh weather.
- Check Conditions: Before traveling to a ski resort near Texas or heading out to the slopes for the day, be sure to check your resorts’ live mountain webcam. Along with webcams, be sure to explore the resort’s mountain info page, where you can find trail maps, safety information, and other useful details about the area.