Angel Fire Ski Area Profile

Angel Fire"s attributes include over 2000 feet of vertical, a couple of high speed quads and three doubles that keep lines short, and a trail layout that caters first and foremost to intermediates and beginners. Almost 80% of the terrain (31% beginner and 48% intermediate) is suitable for the type of skiers and riders who make up the majority of the market. Angel Fire enhances this by making sure that 85% of the beginner trails (52% of terrain overall) is covered by snowmaking. The machine-made snow augments over 17 feet of the natural stuff every season.

The heart of Angel Fire is served by the Chile Express. While there are a few black diamond trails at the top they can be skirted. Take the green circle Headin" Home and then make a right into one of five blue square cruisers, some of which split into others partway down. Continue on Headin" Home and you"ll find a network of beginner trails or easier intermediate trails that lead back to the base.

The black diamond terrain is relatively modest in extent and the trails are usually shorter than others at the area, but do take the time to hike from the top of the Southwest Flyer lift over to Nitro, Detonator, and Baa-Da-Bing.

Freeriders will enjoy the features of the Mountaintop Terrain Park on Angel Food.

Start the day with breakfast at the Village Haus in the base area, which also serves lunch. End it there with snacks and après-ski at the full bar. The Mountain Haus at the base of Lift #6 in the Back Basin serves a continental breakfast; lunch and snacks and beer or wine are available. At the top of the Chile Express and Lift #6 there"s an outdoor grill, snacks, beverages, and a full bar. The Angel Fire Resort Hotel is host to a restaurant, The Chile Pepper. Also there is Jasper"s Off Piste with pool, foosball, large-screen TV and a bar menu. The Branding Iron Restaurant serves hearty breakfasts and the occasional buffet during peak season and holiday periods.

The Angel Fire Resort Hotel is just steps away from the Chile Express and skier services. The resort"s condominiums are also a short walk to the slopes and the hotel.