Come Up For Air

You might be that first-time skier who prefers Angel Fire’s front side for its gentle, west-facing slopes and the incredible views of the Moreno Valley and Wheeler Peak. Or perhaps you’re an expert boarder who craves the back side of Angel Fire’s mountain, with its selection of steeps, glades and, of course, Liberation Freestyle Park. Regardless of what you ride, or how long you’ve been at it, the charm of Angel Fire is easy to grasp. You’ve got choices.

Black diamonds or easy greens? Groomers or glades? Lowrider Park or Liberation? Nordic skiing? Snow tubing? Angel Fire Resort has something to keep every member of the family happy.

Angel Fire is situated at 8,600 feet above sea level in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, just 23 miles from Taos, and about a three-hour drive from Albuquerque. Located in the scenic Moreno Valley, the resort sits in a 15-mile long, 3-mile wide, high alpine valley surrounded by mountains ranging from 11,086 foot

The resort prides itself on appealing to the freestyle ski and snowboard crowd.

Agua Fria Peak on the south end of the valley to 12,441 foot Baldy Peak. Wheeler Peak at 13,161 feet, the highest mountain in New Mexico, forms the northwest boundary of the valley. Private aircraft owners can access the mountain by flying into Angel Fire Airport (KAXX).

Angel Fire, like much of New Mexico, has terrific weather, with winter day-time high temperatures averaging in the 30s. There’s plenty of variety: of Angel Fire’s 70+ ski trails, 26 percent are considered “beginner,” 50 percent “intermediate,” and 24 percent “advanced.” There are two high-speed quad chairlifts, three double chairlifts and two Sunkid Wondercarpets. The resort has true variety of terrain, but it’s not so big that you’ll get separated from others for very long.

In addition to being family friendly, the resort prides itself on appealing to the freestyle ski and snowboard crowd. The two freestyle parks have something for everyone. Lowrider Park features lower rails and smaller features for burgeoning freestylers. Liberation Park features a dedicated chairlift, numerous jumps, rails, funboxes and a “short school bus” for advanced riders.

Camp Angel Fire offers ski and snowboarding lessons for kids ages 4 to 12.The ski school also offers adult lessons. They include group lessons for beginners, freeride workshops, family and private lessons. The First Tracks program offers intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders the chance to ride with instructors before lifts open to the public.

The newly remodeled Lodge at Angel Fire Resort has rooms that are only a few steps from the Chile Express chairlift. The Caliente Grill on the second floor of the lodge provides breakfast and dinner, and visit the adjacent Lazy Lizard Cantina on the second floor for drinks, sports and nightly entertainment. The coffee shop in the lobby offers an early morning or afternoon caffeine fix. There are also multiple food and beverage options on the mountain.

Whether your passion is carving turns, freestyling, or simply watching the “fire of the angels” sunset with a mug of hot chocolate, Angel Fire can provide a memorable winter adventure experience for the entire family.

Follow us on Twitter @AngelFireResort or visit us online at www.angelfireresort.com.

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