One With the Mountain
Sierra Blanca Photo by Mike Tilson
As one of the southern-most major ski destinations in the U.S., Ski Apache attracts scores of visitors from the Southwest and Mexico, but riders from all over the world are drawn to this unique and sunny mountain getaway.
Ski Apache is located in the picturesque Southern Rockies’ Sacramento Mountains, above Ruidoso, New Mexico, and is owned and operated by the Apache Mescalero Tribe; Ski Apache is on the Apache Mescalero Reservation and in the Lincoln National Forest. The area is only three hours southeast of Albuquerque and two and half hours from El Paso. Sierra Blanca, which soars to 12,000 ft., forms the stunning backdrop to Ski Apache; it is the Southern most peak in the US and of the Rockies in the “above 12,000 club.” The snow-producing, alpine peak of Sierra Blanca generates, on average, about 180 inches of snow per year for the slopes of Apache. The base elevation of Ski Apache is at 9,600 feet above sea level while the Gazebo – very near the top -- is at 11,500 feet.
Long before settlers came to New Mexico, the mountains, plains and deserts in this part of the Southwest belonged to the Mescalero Apaches. The 463,000-acre reservation near Ruidoso and the ski area were once considered their heartland. Many of Geronimo’s (1829-1909) descendants still reside here.
The original ski area opened in 1961. Today, Ski Apache boasts 1,800 feet of vertical drop, 750 acres of skiable terrain, and 55 runs, including the Apache bowl and three terrain parks. And if you love to ski but don’t love the cold, Ski Apache is for you. The average temperature in winter is in the 30s – it is arguably the best skiing weather in the country. However, visitors are advised that even though the climate is milder than at other resorts, Ski Apache still gets its share of severe winter weather. For freestylers, the resort offers three terrain parks for beginning, intermediate and advanced shredders.
Ski Apache now has snowmaking on the top of the mountain — a major advantage considering the resort’s mild climate. Because of its southern location, Ski Apache is always prepared should Mother Nature withhold snow. The snowmaking crews at Ski Apache work the night shift in freezing temperatures covering the mountain in a blanket of man-made, beautifully groomed snow when needed.
Ski Apache prides itself on catering to beginning and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. More than 100 Professional Ski Instructors of America-certified teachers provide lessons for all skill levels and for ages 4 and up. There are also separate rental shops for skiers and snowboarders.
The ski area’s dining options include the Eagle Café, a cafeteria-style restaurant; Arrowheads Pasta Express, located at the lower level of the main lodge; The Daily Grind for a latté, espresso, or cup of Joe; the Dawg House for a hot dog; and the Spirit Bar for a beer, cocktail and some television.
In winter, ski and lodging packages from Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino, also owned by the Mescalero Apache, are a convenient option. Located in Mescalero just outside of Ruidoso, the Inn has 273 luxury rooms and suites, several restaurants, an indoor pool, a 38,000-square-foot casino, and plenty of additional entertainment. It offers a variety of ski packages that include lodging, lift tickets, equipment rental and breakfast.
For those wishing for a day or two of off-slope recreation, there are plenty of options: history, casinos, beautiful scenery and culture. As one of two American Indian-owned ski resorts in the world, Ski Apache mixes native culture with winter adventure for a relaxing, diverse and exciting winter vacation.
A Storied History
Ski Apache opened under the name Sierra Blanca Ski Resort during Christmas of 1961. Amazingly, 2,600 people an hour were carried up the ski run crest via three T-bar lifts. In 1962, the very first mono-cable four-passenger gondola in North America was built to accommodate a greater number of skiers. And it was just in time as 25,000 skiers showed up for the second season.
Since 1963, the resort has been owned and operated by the Mescalero Apache Tribe. Only two years after its official opening in 1961, Robert O. Anderson, the wealthy oil man who built and opened the slopes, sold the resort to the Mescalero Apaches. It wasn’t until the 1984-85 season that the slopes were appropriately named “Ski Apache.”
The wood-spired Main Lodge was designed by Victor Lundy, proclaimed America’s Outstanding Architect in 1958. Since the opening season of 1961, this lodge has mirrored the natural beauty of the Sacramento Mountains.
