
Dual Mountain Adventure: Angel Fire and Sipapu New Mexico
Angel Fire & Sipapu – A Ski Adventure in New Mexico
The Journey: Skiing & Staying in New Mexico’s Scenic Ski Territory
New Mexico is known for its vast desert landscapes, but when the snow hits, the mountains come alive. The Angel Fire & Sipapu dual mountain adventure offers a unique chance to ski in this snowy wonderland, while still staying affordable. Located in northern New Mexico, Angel Fire and Sipapu provide a perfect combination of terrain variety, uncrowded slopes, and authentic local culture—making it an ideal getaway for any skier looking to explore beyond the usual.
The best part? Both mountains are included in your Loveland Season Pass access, making it incredibly affordable to ski for up to 3 days at Sipapu and enjoy Angel Fire, a member of the Powder Alliance.
How to Make This Affordable
Free Lift Tickets: Both Angel Fire and Sipapu are included with your Loveland Season Pass. You get 3 free days at Sipapu through its Power Pass Access, with no blackout dates, meaning you can ski there any day of the week, including Saturdays. For Angel Fire, the Loveland Pass gives you 3 days through the Powder Alliance, but with a Saturday restriction—you can ski at Angel Fire any day except Saturdays.
Affordable Stays: The charming town of Taos, NM, sits conveniently between the two resorts. Known for its rich culture and artistic vibe, Taos offers affordable lodging options, from cozy inns to Airbnb rentals. Staying in Taos not only puts you close to the slopes but also allows you to experience the local arts, cuisine, and culture after a day on the mountain.
Terrain Overview: Why You’ll Love Angel Fire & Sipapu
Angel Fire: With a vertical drop of 2,077 feet, Angel Fire is the second-tallest ski resort in New Mexico, offering a variety of terrain for all skill levels. Whether you're looking for wide, mellow runs or steeper, more challenging terrain, Angel Fire has something to suit your style. The resort’s impressive vertical drop makes it an adrenaline-pumping experience for intermediate to advanced skiers, while still offering beginner-friendly runs at the base. Since Angel Fire is part of the Powder Alliance, you can ski here for free with your Loveland Pass—but be aware that you cannot ski on Saturdays.
Sipapu: Sipapu is a smaller resort with shorter lift lines and a relaxed, no-fuss atmosphere—perfect for those who prefer to avoid the crowds. It’s the ideal spot for skiers looking for a laid-back experience, and since it’s included in the Loveland Pass through the Power Pass Access, you get 3 free days of skiing here with no blackout dates. This is especially valuable if you plan to ski over a weekend, as Sipapu has no Saturday restrictions, making it an easy option to extend your skiing days.
Why Ski at Sipapu on This Trip?
If you're heading to New Mexico over the weekend, Sipapu is the perfect choice to avoid the Saturday restrictions at Angel Fire. Not only is the resort free with your Loveland Pass, but you can enjoy uncrowded slopes and great snow conditions, making it a hidden gem for skiers looking to maximize their trip.
Getting There
Taos (recommended stay) is remote—but reachable.
Fly into Santa Fe (SAF) or Albuquerque (ABQ) and rent a car for a scenic drive into the mountains. From Albuquerque, it’s about 2.5 hours; from Santa Fe, just under 1.5 hours. If you’re combining your ski trip with cultural sightseeing or a desert escape, the location is perfect. Or if traveling from Denver, it’s a short 4.5 hour drive.
Estimated Costs
The cost of a ski trip can vary depending on flight prices, accommodation, and travel dates. Below are sample itineraries with cost per person, assuming a trip for two and a weekend schedule (skiing both Saturday and Sunday)
Important Considerations:
All costs are calculated per person based on two travelers.
The cost includes both weekend stays and lift tickets.
These estimates assume no travel on ski days, and travel is considered outside of your ski schedule.
Pro tip: To save even more, consider skiing during the week, traveling with a larger group, Skiing and flying the same day, or booking during off-peak times.
Sample Trips
Let’s break it down. These are sample weekend trip estimates for two people, assuming skiing Saturday and Sunday with no ski-day travel. All prices are per person:
3 Day Trip
Lift Tickets: Included in Pass
Accommodations: $312
Total: $312 per person
4 Day Trip
Lift Tickets: Included in Pass
Accommodations:$390
Total: $390 per person
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Affordable Accomodations:
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Hotel Don Fernando de Taos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
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2 Person Pueblo
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2 Person Condo
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Eclectic Art Filled Studio (2 people)
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6 Person Casa
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Paseo del Pueblo (3-4 Person)
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4 Person Condo