Ski Apache is North America's southernmost ski area and the second largest in New Mexico. Located in southcentral New Mexico, Ski Apache draws skiers from a wide area in the Southwest United States, especially Texas, Arizona, and even Mexico. No ski village serves the base area, but the resort town of Ruidoso lies sixteen miles down the road and is a flourishing year-round center of activity, from horse racing to hunting and fishing. Ski Apache is owned by the Mescalero Apache tribe, as is the nearby Inn of the Mountain Gods which offers casino gambling.

Winter Activities

Ski Apache makes up for its southerly location with an exceedingly high elevation (11,500 feet at the summit) and snowmaking on the lower areas of the resort. A completely enclosed gondola whisks skiers up almost 2,000 vertical feet to the summit, and five triple chairs and one quad provide great lift capacity and ensure short lift lines. Snowboarders are welcome anywhere on the mountain, and especially enjoy two steep canyons that serve as natural half -pipes. Most skiers stay for several days because of Ski Apache's remote location, but some day skiers visit from El Paso, about 130 miles away.

Summer Activities

Summer visitors to the area can visit a variety of natural landmarks, inlcuding Valleyof Fires State Park - one of the youngest lava flows in the U.S., Three Rivers Petroglyphs National Recreation Area, and Sunspot Solar Observatory , the largest observatory in the world. A national scenic byway runs through Lincoln National Forest, and Ruidoso Downs horse racing track is just down the road from Ski Apache.

Apr�s-ski

Ruidoso boasts a lively and varied nightlife ranging from upscale French restaurants to country western bars. Popular spots include Farley's, a tavern with cheap food, dancing, and occasional live music, and Win Place and Show, a country music bar.

Transportation

There is no public transportation to Ski Apache, though some lodges arrange shuttles and employees usually carpool from nearby Ruidoso. The nearest large cities are El Paso and Albuquerque. From El Paso, skiers drive 130 miles by taking Highway 54 north, then Highway 70 northeast to Ruidoso. From Albuquerque, take I-25 south to San Antonio then Highway 380 to Rt. 37.

Housing

Ski Apache does not provide any employee housing, so most workers live in Ruidoso, about sixteen miles away.

Ruidoso attracts many summertime residents who leave in the winter, so winter rentals are fairly easy to find.

Ski Apache Ski Resort Employment

Ski Apache is the largest winter employer in the area, but the Inn of the Mountain Gods employs many people in its casino, and Ruidoso's burgeoning summer population supports many resort and outdoor -related jobs during warm-weather months.

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