 Ski Apache is owned and operated by the Mescalero Apache Tribe. Just a few miles from Ruidoso, it"s the most southern full-fledged ski resort in the U.S. With a vertical drop of 1900 feet, 55 trails covering 750 acres, and ample uphill lift capacity, there"s lots of diversity. The terrain lies on two northern ridges of 12,003 foot Sierra Blanca Peak and averages more than 180 inches of snow fall each winter. A third of it is protected by snowmaking. The highest lift-served elevation is 11,500 feet, reached by the triple in Apache Bowl. This sparsely-treed bowl is perfectly pitched for intermediates although on a powder day experts will want to play there too. The best concentration of tougher stuff will be found off the #1 Triple. Wild Onion, Screaming Eagle, Mescalero and more drop off the ridge here, although the first few choices from the top are a clutch of steepish blue-square trails. Many skiers and riders like to ride the state"s only gondola. The Lincoln Double nearly parallels it and the groomed black diamond liftlines of both invite big GS turns. On a ridge to the left of the base area as you look up the Elk Quad serves some short but interesting black diamonds. Novices have their own quad and a quiet little reserve just above the main lodge. Beginners will enjoy the trails off Triple Chair #7 but there"s very little for them higher up on the mountain. Hungry skiers and riders don"t need to come down off the mountain. The Lookout Snack Bar at the top of Apache Bowl and the Gazebo Snack Bar at 11,400 feet will provide enough fuel to keep you going. There"s a burger stand at the bottom of the #1 Triple, too. The main day lodge features a bar and the Elk Lodge has a cafeteria. All other customer services may be found at the base. Ski packages are offered by a number of different lodges in the Ruidoso area. A huge casino-hotel, The Inn of the Mountain Gods, is also owned by the Mescalero Apache Tribe and offers ski and stay packages. In Ruidoso you"ll find restaurants, shopping, lodging, and more.
|
Ski Report
New Mexico