⛷️ Ski Report & Season Updates
Last updated: Sunday, October 25, 2026
The mountain is getting ready for winter. Red River Ski & Summer Area is currently closed for the season changeover. Opening day for the 2026–27 ski season is scheduled for Wednesday, November 25, 2026, conditions permitting. Daily ski reports — new snow, base depth, and lifts and trails open — will be posted in this section every morning once the season is underway.
2026–27 season passes are on sale now, with no price increase from last season. Current prices (through December 10, 2026):
- Platinum Pass (unlimited, every day): Adult (35–69) $679 · Pioneer (13–34) $529 · Junior (6–12) $459 · Child (5 & under) and Senior (70+) $25
- Weekender Pass (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, some blackout dates): Adult $479 · Pioneer $389 · Junior $329
Prices go up on December 11 (the Platinum Adult pass rises to $769), and last season's pass holders can renew at a discount through December 10. Season passes loaded on a Red Pass can be picked up at Guest Services in the Main Chalet starting November 18.
Torchlight Parade & Fireworks: the first parade of the season is scheduled for Saturday, November 28, 2026, and parades follow every Saturday night during ski season. Skiers carry torches down the Face, followed by fireworks over the mountain. Watch from the base area by the Lift House.
Full details and pass purchases: redriverskiarea.com or call 575-754-2223.
Skiing in Red River, New Mexico is a blend of authentic mountain charm, family-friendly adventure, and surprisingly uncrowded slopes. Here is a full rundown of what makes it special:
🎿 Red River Ski & Summer Area Highlights
- Location: In the Southern Rockies, just north of Taos, right in the heart of the town of Red River.
- Elevation: Base at 8,750 feet, summit at 10,350 feet.
- Trails & Lifts: 64 trails for all skill levels and 7 lifts with minimal wait times.
- Skiable Terrain: 209 acres of groomers, tree runs, and terrain parks.
- Annual Snowfall: About 214 inches a season.
- Terrain Variety: Wide-open groomers for cruisers, steep powder-filled tree runs for thrill-seekers, and three terrain parks — Snowcross, Pot O Gold, and Hollywood — for freestyle riders.
🧒 Family-Friendly & Beginner-Friendly
- Moon-Star Mining Camp: A ski-through mining camp experience that is a hit with kids and beginners.
- Ski School: Lessons for all ages, known for helping beginners progress quickly with skilled instructors.
❄️ Snow Quality & Conditions
- Snowmaking & Grooming: Snowmaking covers about 85% of the mountain, and modern grooming systems keep the runs smooth and consistent.
- Powder Stashes: Fresh snow often lasts for days after a storm, thanks to the low crowds.
🎉 Events & Après-Ski
For the Torchlight Parade & Fireworks schedule, see the Ski Report & Season Updates section at the top of this page.
- Local Dining & Nightlife: Cozy lodges and restaurants serving green chile cheeseburgers and New Mexican fare.
- Live Music: Bars and saloons around town host live music ranging from country to DJ sets.
🏔️ Off-Slope Winter Adventures
- Snowmobiling: Ride up Sawmill Canyon to 11,249-foot Greenie Peak, with stops at historic mines.
- Wildlife & Scenery: Explore the Valle Vidal, a 100,000-acre tract with stunning views.
☀️ Summer at the Ski & Summer Area
When the snow melts, the mountain stays open as a summer playground:
- Scenic Chairlift Rides: Ride the lift to the summit and The Tip restaurant.
- Pioneer Flyer: A seated zip line that flies over the mountain.
- Aerial Adventure Park: A ropes course in the trees at the base area.
- More Summer Fun: Summer mountain tubing, mini golf, disc golf, and mountain-bike lift access.
🛏️ Lodging & Rentals
- Lodging: A wide range of accommodations, from rustic cabins to modern condos, most of them in town or near the slopes.
- Rentals: Local shops offer ski, snowboard, snowshoe, and boot rentals with expert fitting.