Bundle up and hit the slopes—Red River Ski Area is open and welcoming skiers with chilly overnight lows of 13.5°F and crisp mountain air on this December 29, 2025. Red River Ski Area is a family-friendly ski resort in New Mexico with 57 trails and a vertical drop of 1,600 feet.
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While the current snowpack depth sits at a modest 3 inches—around 78% below the seasonal average—thanks to recent historic snowfall across New Mexico, operations are underway and terrain is open on a limited basis. Snowmaking has been in full swing to supplement the natural base, providing a groomed surface ideal for beginners and intermediates. No new snow is forecasted today, but clear skies and sunshine promise a picture-perfect day on the mountain.
This winter season is already making headlines. Red River Ski Area recently unveiled its state-of-the-art Copper Chair Lift, boosting access to mid-mountain terrain and reducing wait times. Meanwhile, the local ski patrol is earning accolades, with their head receiving a $2,000 avalanche-education scholarship, enhancing safety for all visitors. As national publications continue to spotlight Red River as a charming and lesser-known gem, skiers and snowboarders are discovering just why this mountain town is winning hearts. Whether you're carving morning corduroy or enjoying riverside après, Red River is delivering an authentic alpine experience in the Land of Enchantment.
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 Red River Pass #2.
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 Red River Ski Area.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Red River Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The Red River Ski Area in New Mexico is located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which are part of the southern Rocky Mountains. The resort is situated in the Carson National Forest and offers a variety of ski runs and terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
Some of the pertinent mountain ranges and aspects of the Red River Ski Area include:
1. Wheeler Peak: The highest peak in New Mexico, standing at 13,161 feet, Wheeler Peak is located near the Red River Ski Area and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
2. Gold Hill: A popular ski area within the Red River Ski Area, Gold Hill offers a variety of challenging runs for advanced skiers and snowboarders.
3. Pioneer Bowl: Another popular skiing area within the resort, Pioneer Bowl features wide-open slopes and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
4. Summit Lift: The Summit Lift at the Red River Ski Area provides access to some of the highest and most challenging terrain at the resort, including black diamond runs and expert-level terrain.
Overall, the Red River Ski Area offers a mix of terrain and mountain aspects that make it a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
The resort is known for its beginner and intermediate runs, particularly the ski school's terrain-based teaching areas. One interesting fact is that the resort was originally a mining town, and the ski area was started in the 1950s to attract winter tourism. For beginners, the ski school offers private lessons and group packages to help build skills and confidence. The Lift House Bar and Grill is a popular spot for apres ski drinks and food, with live music on weekends.
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, sunny, with a high near 32. calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
New Mexico ski conditions remain generally dry, with limited new snowfall and modest snowpack levels across most regions. Recent snow accumulation is highest at Hopewell (2.0"), followed by Taos Powderhorn, San Antonio Sink, and Red River Pass with 1.0" each. Taos Ski Valley, located near Taos Powderhorn and Red River Pass, benefits from a solid 14" snowpack and stands out ... Read more