Angel Fire: a Family Friendly Ski Resort in New Mexico

We like to travel together as a family and by “family,” I mean our large extended family and anyone else who will go along on any of our cross country road trips! Our most recent adventure to Angel Fire ski resort in New Mexico was enjoyed by 17 of us! You read that right, our large group loaded up into a shuttle bus and made the trek across Texas to visit Angel Fire, New Mexico during the ski season.

My family of five was excited about our first ever snow skiing trip together. In fact, up until a couple of years ago, we were “beach” people. Last year I took my oldest daughter on a mother/daughter ski trip and she fell in love with this outdoor sport. I was nervous about taking our three kids under the age of 10 skiing for the first time, but the experience taught me the value of finding the right family-friendly resort and ski area.

Read on to see why my family enjoyed our snowy experience at this ski resort in New Mexico.

Where is Angel Fire, New Mexico Located?

Did you know that New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment? It’s called this because of New Mexico’s scenic beauty and its rich history. If you’ve ever visited any of the national forests or mountains in New Mexico then you would surely agree that it’s a beautiful place to visit! Angel Fire, New Mexico is located in the southern Rockies, about a half hour drive from Taos. It’s a short three-hour drive from Albuquerque and two hours north of Santa Fe.  Angel Fire is only a day’s drive from Texas making it a popular New Mexico ski resort for my fellow Texans!

Staying at the Angel Fire Resort Lodge

My husband, our three daughters and I stayed at the Angel Fire Resort Lodge. The lodge is located at the base of the mountain. If you’re taking a ski trip with small children you will quickly appreciate staying in proximity to the ski lift, ski school, food, and activities. Walking in the snow with a bunch of kids and all their gear is a little overwhelming.

The first thing I noticed when we arrived at our room was how big and spacious the space was. For us, a ski trip meant a ridiculous amount of luggage. I was so thankful that we had plenty of space to spread out! You’ll also find a variety of food options located at the lodge. I recommend the fish and chips from Legends Grill.

Other Lodging Options

The other 12 members of our group rented a nearby house for our long weekend getaway. The complimentary shuttle service picked them right up at the end of their driveway and transported them to the lift. This is another great option for larger families and groups traveling together. There are several vacation homes, condominiums, and an RV resort to choose from.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Always ask how far away the accommodations are from the ski lift and check the shuttle service route to see if you will have access to this complimentary service. 

Skiing and Snowboarding with the Family

So what can you and your family expect from Angel Fire Resort when you arrive? This resort is a bit smaller, which means you’re able to keep up with the family and your group much easier. However, this is a very popular ski resort for families so during peak times (the holidays and spring break) it’s crowded. Also, kids 6 and under ski free so you’ll see lots of kids on the mountain!

If you’re skiing with kids, you’re probably wondering what options you have so that your entire family can enjoy the experience. The bunny slope is a great place to take kids and beginners, especially if you’re not ready for the mountain yet. There were even some parents who rode the lift up to the bunny slope and just walked down since they were uncomfortable trying to teach their kids to ski while skiing themselves. Just be aware that you will still need a lift ticket anytime you plan to ride a lift even if you’re just helping your kids.

The Parenting Pass

If you’re traveling with little ones who are too young to ski then you might consider purchasing the resorts parenting pass. Here are the details of the resort’s pass: “This interchangeable pass allows two parents to take turns coaching and skiing with their child. It also allows parents to take turns on the mountain in a single day, while the other stays behind to care for a little one who is too young to ski.” This is a wonderful option for parents!

Enroll Kids in Ski School

The best option, in my opinion, is enrolling your child in ski school. I highly recommend it for any kids who are learning to ski. It’s also a great “refresher” for any kids who haven’t skied since last winter. After one day of class, you’ll feel more confident in their ability to do things like ride a ski lift and even carve down the green slopes. A couple of days of ski school or a private lesson is well worth the expense. Your rentals are included when you sign your kids up for ski school. You’ll also get a report at the end of the day so you’ll know what skills they mastered while in class. Our daughter loved her day in ski school and I was very impressed with her progress after just one day.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Dress your kids in bright colors so they will be easy to identify on the mountain. 

Night Skiing

Did you know that Angel Fire is the only ski resort in New Mexico that offers night skiing? You can purchase a separate ticket to enjoy this experience and you’ll get to ski or snowboard on a well-lit slope. There were many in our group who loved night skiing. In fact, my 10-year-old said it was the highlight of our trip for her.

Imagine skiing under the stars on 50 acres of groomed trails. The cost is $35, or if you already have a day ticket, you can add night skiing for an additional $25.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Download the Snowledge app during your visit to keep up with the snow report, track your day on the mountain, and to stay connected with your friends and family at the resort.

Tips For Planning Your Ski Trip

We know there are a lot of great ski resorts in the United States but they’re not all kid-friendly so research ahead of time to be sure you’re picking the right resort for your family.

Check out these other great resources:

• Some families book their ski trip at Angel Fire Resort one year in advance, especially for trips during the holidays or on spring break. Book as early as possible to reserve your child’s spot in ski school.
• The family can go snow tubing at the base of the mountain. Purchase a ticket to spend an hour enjoying this activity.
• Purchase lift tickets ahead of time to get the best deal.
• There is a grocery store near the resort lodge. It was a great place to grab snacks and other items we needed. The items were reasonably priced which was helpful when traveling with a large group.
• Use this list when packing for a ski trip.
• Traveling in the snow? We have winter driving tips for safe family travel.
• Our SheBuysTravels share the best insider tips for first ski trips with kids.