Family Fun All Year Long
Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort has honed the art of blending family-friendly skiing and snowboarding, short lift lines, a long ski season and affordability.
Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort is the sort of place reminiscent of the way family ski vacations used to be: affordable, uncrowded and fun. On the eve of the resort’s 60th anniversary, it’s clear that Sipapu is one place that holds tight to its heritage, while still indulging in a few modern conveniences.
Located just two hours north of Albuquerque and a short 20-mile drive southeast of Taos, Sipapu is known for its non-existent lift lines, family-friendly atmosphere and the cheapest lift ticket in New Mexico.
Boasting the longest ski season in the state, Sipapu has secured the title of first to open in the Land of Enchantment for the last eight consecutive seasons.
It’s a place where everyone feels like a local; where moms and dads feel comfortable with their kids exploring the mountain without getting lost; where powderhounds still throw down fresh tracks for days after it snows; and where guests of all skill levels enjoy the more than 40 trails, five lifts and two terrain parks.
It’s also a place where beginners can learn: Sipapu recently installed a new magic carpet lift (similar to airport moving walkways) at the base, which has made learning to ski or snowboard easier. And for guests who have never tried skiing or snowboarding, the resort also offers free lessons with the purchase of a full-day lift ticket.
For the 2011-2012 season, Sipapu will continue its most popular promotions, including Free Lodging Days (free slopeside lodging for up to four guests with the purchase of one full-day, full-price lift ticket).
And this year, in honor of the resort’s 60th birthday, 60-year-olds receive a free lift ticket every single day.
Always Family Friendly
In 1952, Lloyd, Olive, Bruce and Sue Bolander launched their dream by opening Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort. Their beginnings were modest: they imported a rag-tag fleet of 30 used rental skis with bear-trap bindings, and started charging locals 75 cents for lifts, lessons and rentals. Slowly they added more lifts, a few adobe cabins and a pine-log lodge with a country store. Olive and Lloyd dubbed their new resort Sipapu, after the Tewa word for “spirit place.”
Over the last six decades, Sipapu has grown tremendously: the resort now offers over 40 trails, five lifts, two terrain parks, a full-service rental shop, two restaurants and 44 slopeside units. As the resort enters its 60th anniversary, one important detail remains the same: Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort will always be a place for families.
