The carful of kids attack the Sangre de Cristo Mountains atSki Santa Fefor three days. This is my new favorite ski resort for families.
Why I loveSki Santa Fe
- Close our home base, Texas
- Located just 16 miles from downtown Santa Fe, which offers lots of dining and lodging options.
- More affordable than Colorado or Lake Tahoe
Ski Santa Fe features green runs for beginners and novices, most of them in the sun. I found their staff knowledgeable and friendly. They expanded and renovated theirLa Casa Lodgerecently as well.
La Casa Lodge,easy to navigate with ski boots on,has all the things you need–a grab-and-go cafeteria, plenty of seating, walls of lockers and a ski shop. The rental area is roomy and doesn’t have that nasty locker room smell that you get at some resorts.
The road up toSki Santa Feis luxurious compared to some of the roads I’ve driven. NM Highway 475 is wide, nicely paved, frequently plowed and has plenty of guard rails. Never once have I felt like I’m about to skid off the mountain.
If a Mom from Texas can feel safe, you can too.
The vibe is super mellow atSki Santa Fe. Everyone is out to enjoy the snow and you never feel like you are at an alpine fashion show.
The resort caters to families during the holiday breaks–everyone from snow-suited babies to Grandmas sipping coffee. The base lodge lacks a bar, great for the carful of kids but disappointing for the apres-ski crowd.
Ski Lessons for the Kids
I am a firm believer in ski lessons for all ages. It seems putting on their boots is enough of a challenge for me.
It’s the best choice for your children so they will love to ski or snowboard. The instructors are accomplished skiers or snow boarders and extremely patient with the little ones.
Remember this is suppose to be FUN.
I made reservations for my youngest, 5, at theChipmunk Cornerfor two days (a necessity over Christmas Break). He skied last year at Lake Tahoe and didn’t really like it. I’m not discouraged–I will stay upbeat and hope for the best.
TheChipmunk Cornerhas its own conveyor belt ski lift and fenced off area. That means the kids will never leave the ground and out-of-control adults will never run over them. The day will cost you $135, but that includes the ski rentals, a helmet, snacks, a hot lunch and lots of opportunity to ski (8:30 to 4:30).
The check-in process is a breeze; I smear sunscreen on his face right before I kiss it. He will be busy for the day while I get the other two up and going.
When I pick up my youngest up at the end of the day, he’s grinning ear-to-ear and says he loves to gofast. No tears and we didn’t have a melt down while I try to cram on his boots. Sometimes that’s worth a little extra money.
The other kids, 8 and 10, follow me to another conveyor belt lift to practice and warm up. It has been a year since the carful of kids have been on the snow.
After a few runs there, the carful of kids are ready to jump on the ski lift–the lift operators are super patient and will slow down the lift so a Mom and a couple of kids can get on safely–love that.
The carful of kids spend the day on the slopes and enjoy the postcard weather–light wind, clear skies and temperatures in low 40s. Can’t get any better than this, it doesn’t even feel cold.
Next time you want to take the family skiing for the holiday, check outSki Santa Fe.
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