Pajarito Mountain welcomes skiers this December 19 with crisp overnight temperatures holding at 32°F and a modest 3-inch snowpack—67% below the seasonal average. Pajarito Mountain Ski Resort in New Mexico offers stunning views and a variety of terrain for all skill levels.
Wind
Humidity
While the slopes are currently thin, snowmakers are hard at work, and a cold front sweeping through Northern New Mexico is expected to bring fresh flurries by the weekend. With 1 inch of Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), conditions remain limited, but anticipation is high as the mountain eyes a significant snow event in the coming days. Guests should check lift status and terrain openings before heading up, as early-season coverage remains sparse.
Despite the light natural snow, excitement abounds thanks to a flurry of developments at the ski area. Pajarito's new management team is ushering in a wave of investment and innovation, with millions pledged to enhance snowmaking infrastructure—poised to make the resort a leader in the region. The recent recognition of GM Tom Long by the Professional Ski Instruction Association and the honoring of longtime ski patrollers highlights a dedicated community passionate about the mountain’s future. As optimism builds and forecasts trend snowy, Pajarito is poised to bounce back fast—this mountain may just surprise you before the year ends.
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 50. west wind 10 to 15 mph.
New Mexico ski areas are experiencing a dry spell, with no new snowfall reported across the state and no snow forecast over the next five days. Snowpack levels remain modest, with the deepest totals recorded at Taos Powderhorn (13"), Rio Santa Barbara (13"), and Hopewell (13"). Taos Ski Valley, the top destination near Taos Powderhorn and Rio Santa Barbara, has ... Read more