A crisp morning dawns over Pajarito Mountain this January 10, 2026, with overnight temperatures dipping to a brisk 8.6°F. Pajarito Mountain Ski Resort in New Mexico offers stunning views and a variety of terrain for all skill levels.
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Though snowpack depth currently measures just 4 inches—over 70% below average—the mountain is open for winter operations, offering groomed trails and early-season fun for eager skiers and snowboarders. With a Snow Water Equivalent of just 0.8 inches, conditions remain firm and fast, ideal for carving but not ideal for powder chasers. No significant new snowfall is forecasted in the next 48 hours, so snowmaking and grooming remain essential to maintaining skiable terrain.
Despite the limited natural snow, excitement is high thanks to recent investments and community support. A new ownership group has pledged millions to enhance the resort’s infrastructure, promising a bright future for this beloved New Mexico ski area. Honoring tradition amidst change, longtime ski patrollers were recently celebrated for their dedicated service, bolstering the mountain's close-knit spirit. As early opening buzz continues to build momentum, visitors can expect a welcoming, well-prepared, and spirited mountain experience—even as Mother Nature takes her time replenishing the snowpack.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Quemazon.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Pajarito Mountain.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Pajarito Mountain impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Pajarito Mountain Ski Resort is located in the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico. The resort is situated in the Santa Fe National Forest and is surrounded by several prominent mountain ranges, including:
1. Jemez Mountains: Pajarito Mountain is part of the Jemez Mountains, a range of volcanic mountains in northern New Mexico.
2. Sangre de Cristo Mountains: These mountains are located to the east of Pajarito Mountain and provide a stunning backdrop to the resort.
3. Sierra Nacimiento: This mountain range is located to the north of Pajarito Mountain and offers additional scenic views.
In terms of mountain aspects, Pajarito Mountain has a variety of terrain options for skiers and snowboarders, including:
1. Beginner slopes: Pajarito Mountain has several beginner-friendly runs for those new to skiing or snowboarding.
2. Intermediate slopes: Intermediate skiers and snowboarders will find plenty of challenging runs to enjoy at Pajarito Mountain.
3. Advanced slopes: For more experienced skiers and snowboarders, Pajarito Mountain offers steep terrain, moguls, and tree skiing opportunities.
Overall, Pajarito Mountain Ski Resort offers a diverse range of mountain ranges and terrain options, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts in New Mexico.
The best trails for advanced skiers are the Aspen and the Breathless runs, while the beginner-friendly trails include the Beginner's Luck and the Bandolier. Interestingly, the ski resort was once a secret location for the Manhattan Project during World War II. For beginner skiers, the resort offers affordable and helpful lessons with experienced coaches. After a day of skiing, the best après-ski bar to hit up is the Pajarito Brewpub and Grill, which offers a variety of delicious food and drinks in a cozy setting.
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, sunny, with a high near 30. wind chill values as low as -1. northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
New Mexico’s ski areas are experiencing a modest uptick in snowfall, with the heaviest 24-hour totals observed near Santa Fe and Gallegos Peak. The Santa Fe Ski Basin, near the Santa Fe sensor (13" new snow), currently boasts a snowpack depth of 31", making it a standout for fresh powder. Taos Ski Valley, one of the state's premier resorts, also ... Read more