Newsletter I
Ski New Mexico
Newsletter I
December 15, 2007
After a banner snow season, 2006-07, the New Mexico ski resorts are starting out with a BANG. Sipapu started the season opening for weekend business on Nov.17, 2007 on man made snow. Red River followed up on Nov. 21, 2007 on a man made base with a bit of natural snow. Our Nordic area, the Enchanted Forest, was also operational over the Thanksgiving weekend on natural snow. Since the Thanksgiving weekend, New Mexico had been blessed with a lot of moisture, first coming in the way of rain (which soaked the ground and provided for an excellent freeze), followed by a vast amount of snow.
Snow fall amounts ranged from 3 to 7 feet of snow. The moisture content of the early snow fall was wet and created an excellent base followed by some light and fluffy powder. Over the past 10 days the weather patterns have brought snow storm after snow storm to the central and northern mountains. This trend is predicted to continue into the holiday season.
Taos Ski Valley and Angel Fire will open for business today Dec. 14th and Santa Fe will open Sat. Dec. 15th. The additional two ski areas in New Mexico, Sandia Peak (Wed. Dec 19th) and Pajarito (Fri. Dec 21st) have opened for business and are expecting lots of people to enjoy the holiday season on their slopes.
Several “old timers” have been quoted as saying this holiday season, visitors will be welcomed by conditions we have not seen in many, many years. “SKIING IS THE BEST IT HAS BEEN THIS TIME OF THE YEAR SINCE THE 1980’s”.
What is new at Ski New Mexico?
First: As of September 1st our hard working, highly experienced, and do everything Ski NM administrator Kathy Pitre has been joined by George Brooks former Head Ski Coach at the University of New Mexico. Kathy is a remarkable lady and has contributed so much to the Ski New Mexico organization. She should be a candidate for sainthood.
Second: Ski New Mexico did a bit of house cleaning by changing a few things in our by-laws, starting a five year business plan, and writing a mission statement.
Third: We have launched a few new programs for the organization. This year Ski New Mexico will recognize the “Best of the Best” employees in several categories (ski instructor, customer service, ski patrol, mountain operations, and racer). This program will unite all the ski industry in recognizing the “Best of the Best” in our state.
Another program just starting up is the Ski New Mexico photo contest. Each ski area will be awarding prizes for the best photo taken at their ski area and submitted in the contest. Photos will be posted on the Ski New Mexico web site and credits given with the best photos being considered for publication in the New Mexico Winter Adventure Guide.
Several promotional and advertising possibilities are being explored and a few old and new Ski New Mexico partnerships are being established.
Membership in the organization has become important in the over all development of Ski New Mexico. Efforts are being made to get more members and make sure the members are actively involved in the organization.
We are getting more involved with the Department of Tourism. Our goal is to help and advise them in their efforts to attract guests to the State of New Mexico during the winter.
On behalf of Kathy and myself we wish you a Happy and fruitful Holiday Season.
George Brooks
SNM Executive Director
“Ski and Ride the Winter Sun”
