Red River Ski Area Ski Report
Rate this placeNearby: Taos Ski Valley
Last Updated: January 1, 2026
Red River Ski Area welcomes the New Year with crisp mountain air and a high of 36°F overnight, setting the stage for a picturesque—albeit lean—start to 2026. Red River Ski Area is a family-friendly ski resort in New Mexico with 57 trails and a vertical drop of 1,600 feet.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
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Summary
With a current snowpack depth of just 2 inches, down a striking 86% from average, the slopes are currently limited to machine-groomed runs and beginner-friendly terrain. The Snow Water Equivalent stands at 0.9", and with only 0.89" of new snow forecasted over the next 72 hours, natural snowfall remains elusive. Still, the resort’s snowmaking teams are working around the clock to maintain trail quality and ensure visitors can enjoy a wintery escape.
Exciting developments continue off the slopes: a brand-new chairlift is being installed, promising improved lift access for future seasons. Meanwhile, Red River's charm is earning accolades as one of New Mexico’s most beloved mountain towns. Despite light conditions, crowds are lively, and local events are in full swing, from après-ski festivities to ski school programs for beginners. If you're planning a visit, prepare for springlike conditions—layers and sunscreen are a must. While the snow may be shallow, the spirit of the season is running deep in Red River.
Weather Forecast
Seasonal Comparison
Year over year snow water equivalent
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.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured 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.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Red River Ski Area
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Red River Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
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.
Red River Ski Area FAQ
How much snow did Red River Ski Area receive over the past day?
The ski area received -1" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Red River Ski Area today?
Weather today, a 30 percent chance of showers, mainly between 11am and 5pm. cloudy, with a high near 43. west wind 10 to 15 mph.
What are ski area conditions in New-Mexico like right now?
Northern New Mexico ski areas are experiencing modest snowfall activity, with no significant accumulation in the past 24 hours, and only light snowfall forecasted over the next five days. Hopewell and Rio Santa Barbara, near the Chama and Taos regions respectively, currently hold the deepest snowpacks at 15", though no new snow is expected imminently. Vacas Locas and Bateman—proximal to ... Read more