Ski Apache 2026-27: Opening Day, Lift Ticket Prices and Tips
Ski Apache plans to open for the 2026-27 season on Saturday, November 28, 2026, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, if conditions allow. The resort is owned by the Mescalero Apache Tribe and sits on Sierra Blanca above Ruidoso, with lifts from a 9,600-foot base to an 11,500-foot gondola top.
The opening date comes from Ski New Mexico and the Ruidoso tourism site; Ski Apache's own site had not posted it yet as of November 1. Check the Ski Apache snow report before you drive up.
The mountain
- Base: 9,600 feet. Top of the lifts: 11,400 feet, and 11,500 feet at the top of the gondola.
- Vertical drop: 1,900 feet.
- Lifts: 11, including the 8-person Apache Arrow gondola.
- Terrain: 55 trails over more than 750 acres. Ski Apache lists 20% beginner, 60% intermediate and 20% expert.
- Snow: about 15 feet a year on average. The resort also makes snow for the early season.
- Hours: ticket sales from 8 a.m., lifts 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., gondola until 3:30 p.m., weather permitting.
2026-27 lift ticket prices
Prices are from Ski Apache's lift ticket page, before tax. Parking is free. Prices can change, and tickets are not refundable.
| Ticket | Adult | Child 6 to 12, senior 55 to 69, military | Senior 70+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full day, at the window | $175 | $130 | $72 |
| Full day, online | $165 | $130 | $72 |
| Half day (after 1 p.m., at the window only) | $115 | $108 | $36 |
| Full day, holiday | $195 | $150 | $72 |
Holiday pricing applies December 19, 2026 to January 4, 2027, January 14 to 18, and February 11 to 15, 2027.
Kids ski free: children 12 and under ski free with a paying adult, except on holiday dates and for season pass buyers.
Season pass: the early price is $750 for adults, teens and kids, $700 for seniors 55 to 69 and military, and $250 for seniors 70 and up.
Rentals and lessons
- Rentals on the mountain: $59.99 a day for skis or a snowboard through December 18, then $65 a day. Helmets are $15. Bring a driver's license.
- Ski Apache Ski Shop in town: 1129 Mechem Drive in Ruidoso, open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with lower rental prices than the mountain. Picking up gear the night before saves time in the morning.
- Group lessons: ages 7 and up, 45 minutes, $80, walk-in only, on the hour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Private lessons: ages 5 and up, 50 minutes, $160. Reserve at (575) 464-3695.
Not skiing? Ride the gondola
The Apache Arrow gondola runs in winter for sightseers. A gondola-only ticket is $60 for adults at the window ($55 online) and $40 for kids, seniors 55 to 69 and military.
Getting there from Ruidoso
Take NM-48 north from Ruidoso about 4 miles, then turn left onto NM-532, Ski Run Road, and follow it about 12 miles to the end. Plan on 30 to 45 minutes from Midtown.
Ski Run Road is steep, with sharp curves and no shoulders, and it can close for short periods in bad weather. Chains or four-wheel drive may be required when posted, and chains can be bought or rented in Ruidoso. Check NMRoads and the road status on the Ski Apache home page before you leave.
Also on Ski Run Road: Ruidoso Winter Park
Ruidoso Winter Park, at 121 Ski Run Road, opens Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2026. Snow tubing is $38 for three hours for ages 4 and up, and the Screaming Eagle mountain coaster is $25 a ride for drivers. It runs Friday to Monday, and daily over Christmas break. It is a good backup if the snow at Ski Apache is thin early in the season.
Opening weekend
Ski Apache's Party on the Mountain is Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with food, live music and gondola rides, weather permitting.
Where to stay
2nd Street Retreat is a cabin in Ruidoso, about 30 to 45 minutes from the lifts, with a private fenced hot tub for after a day on the mountain and a washer and dryer for wet gear. For other winter plans, see things to do in Ruidoso and Thanksgiving in Ruidoso.
Sources: Ski Apache lift tickets, Ski Apache mountain info, Ski Apache rentals, Ski New Mexico opening dates, Lincoln National Forest, Ruidoso Winter Park.