Top 10 Tips for Beginners—How to Make the Most of Your 1st Day at Ski Santa Fe

Make Ski Santa Fe the main destination for your winter vacation or add a trip to this stunning snowsports Mecca to your own specially curated downtown itinerary of delicious food and dazzling art.

Located just 16 miles from the heart of historic Santa Fe, the proximity of the ski area makes it easy to merge all your alpine aspirations and cultural curiosities into one singularly rewarding experience.

With an emphasis on beginners, here are the Top 10 Tips for how to make your vacation in New Mexico the very best.

# 1—Set Your Kids Up for Success

Ski Santa Fe’s Chipmunk Corner offers a fun, supportive learning environment for young skiers and snowboarders ages 4–11. Full-day and half-day programs combine expert instruction, lift access, and equipment rentals to give kids everything they need for a successful day on the snow.

https://www.skisantafe.com/lessons-rentals/kids-lessons

 # 2—Then Treat Yourself 

Ski Santa Fe also offers a variety of beginner-friendly, intermediate, and advanced ski and snowboard classes at specific intervals throughout the day, along with lift tickets and optional rental equipment. Reserving your class level and/or gear before you arrive helps you focus on all the fun you’re going to have on the slopes.

https://www.skisantafe.com/lessons-rentals/adult-lessons

#3—Don’t Forget the Helmets

Helmet rentals are also available and highly recommended. Fun is the name of the game. But safety first!

https://skisantafe.axess.shop/en/Products/Tickets/Date/225/5/53

#4—Plan to Arrive Early

Highway 475 to Ski Santa Fe is a beautiful, winding two lane mountain road with stunning views which provides an immersive alpine tour of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. On weekends, holidays, and powder days, this means slow going to the slopes. Four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles with winter tires are strongly suggested. There is also a reliable shuttle service.

https://www.skisantafe.com/getting-here/shuttle

#5—Breakfast With a View

One way to get an early start? Wait to have a relaxing, hearty breakfast until you get to the slopes. The La Casa Café offers a food court with amazing breakfast burritos—New Mexico’s most delicious morning meal—a gourmet coffee bar, and a unique chance to watch the sun crest over the mountains as the ski hill comes to life.

https://www.skisantafe.com/santa-fe/apres-ski#casual-dining

#6—Keep Hydrating

You’re in the high, dry mountains of a very special place. Putting water into your body on a regular basis will enhance every minute.

#7—Look Around

You’re on vacation. Enjoy yourself. Take some pictures of the mountains. Of your family and your friends, then text them to someone else.

#8—Enjoy Learning How to Ski and Snowboard

This is it. Your first time on snow. And a moment you will remember all your life.

#9—Make a Little Goal for Yourself

To ride the lift at Easy Street. Or if you are riding the upper mountain, to stop for lunch at Totemoff’s.

https://www.skisantafe.com/santa-fe/apres-ski#casual-dining

#10—Buy the T-Shirt

Wear it when you get home, and smile when people ask about it.