Ski Apache
Ski Apache
4
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
About
Ski Apache opened under the name "Sierra Blanca Ski Resort" during Christmas of 1961. Amazingly, twenty-six hundred people an hour were fast carried up the ski run crest via three T-bar lifts. In 1962, the very first mono-cable four-passenger gondola in North America was built to accommodate a greater number of skiers. And it seems just in time as twenty-five thousand skiers showed up for the second season. Since 1963, the resort has been owned and operated by the Mescalero Apache Tribe. Only two years after its official opening in 1961, Robert O. Anderson, the wealthy oil man who built and opened the slopes, sold the resort to the able hands of the Mescalero Apaches. It wasn't until the 1984-85 season that the slopes were appropriately named "Ski Apache". The wood-spired Main Lodge was designed by Victor Lundy ... Proclaimed as America's Outstanding Architect in 1958. Since the opening season of 1961, this lodge has stood statuesque, an unfailing sentry below the crest. With wood spires reflective of the surrounding pines, the Lodge mirrors the natural beauty of the Sacramento Mountains. Lundy succeeded in introducing Modernism architecture with a practical eye towards the skiers needs. Ski Apache offers world class skiing, snowboarding, sightseeing, mountain biking, and the longest zip line in the lower 48 states.
Travelers talk about
(204 reviews)
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
891 reviews
Excellent
456
Very good
224
Average
100
Poor
46
Terrible
65
Skip Work
Hermitage TN, United States13 contributions
Jan 2020
No other zip line in the country can compare to the Sensational Sensory Overload and first class service you get at Ski Apache. There are no exhausting towers to climb as you are safely carried up and down the mountain in the hands of true professionals who love their job and love sharing this incredible experience with you. A safety video followed by a safety run and you are off for the ride of your life. Instead of exhausting stairs you get a Gondola ride to the top of a beautiful mountain that overwhelms your sight with vast never before scenery that will take your breath away. Next a snowmobile ride to the top of the zip line that makes you feel like you are riding with a cowboy on a bucking bronco. Then you get hooked up so you can feel what it is like to fly down a snow covered mountain like an eagle going 70 MPH. Walk a few steps and take in the views while your two guides hook up with you and let you smell the freedom the mountain has to offer before you fly off again on run number 2. For the final run you get to zip past the mountain of skiers maneuvering right below you and beat them to the bottom. Then you hop aboard an ATV and it carries safely back to the office. You will feel like you got VIP treatment by this incredible staff and the experience will stick with you for a lifetime.
In other words, I highly (and I literally mean get highly) recommend you do whatever you have to, to get to Ski Apache for the ride of your life.
In other words, I highly (and I literally mean get highly) recommend you do whatever you have to, to get to Ski Apache for the ride of your life.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
allanrQ1878YD
North Houston, TX2 contributions
Mar 2020
Had read many negative reviews this year, I was hoping the family vaca would be different, so we drove here from Texas. Apparently the current updated management does not really care about making money or keeping tourists and / or over paying customers happy. The skiing was good in the morning the crowds slim and made no sense to not have main food an drinking areas closed. Zipline closed as well but no wind. Whoever makes these asinine decisions at Ski Apache Is losing $1000's a day and ensuring $1000's more will not be spent in the future by customers not coming back. Maybe the owners own the casino's in town and do not care about making any money at Ski Apache. Ok, well sell it to someone who can actually operate a ski resort. We will not be back due, poor maintenance on the scary 12 mile road up to the mountain, the poor service from unhappy people and the basic lack of common sense that provides customer service for over priced ski tickets, closed lifts which should be open, or closed restaurants and no sense to keep the paying customers happy. The current owners have no idea how to operate a business and plan for future repeat business. What a waste.... I feel sorry for the small businesses in Ruidoso that rely on Ski Apache for their tourism. They are losing money because of the inept management that runs Ski Apache....
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stay439735
10 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
I skied 5 days. Monday through Wednesday it was not crowded at all. The slopes were icey. Friday and Saturday is was more crowded. Saturday, the slopes were very well groomed and more trails and lifts were open. The staff there was very friendly. The skis and lift tickets are price gouged during the weekends and holidays.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Family
We arranged to go and luckily rented our skis elsewhere.
the line for skis and lift tickets are the same and horribly understaffed so plan on a 45-minute wait.
There is special pricing after 12:30 but if you're there at 12:20 you'll be told to go back into line until that time.
No facilities to allow the place to be open beyond 4pm so plan on a short day.
Pricing is at least as high as some much better places so it is not comparable with quality.
note that you are not paying for just a lift ticket you're paying for the ability just to be out in a ski area and a lift ticket.
We tried to be just on the bunny hill area first and they said no I have to have a ticket.
the line for skis and lift tickets are the same and horribly understaffed so plan on a 45-minute wait.
There is special pricing after 12:30 but if you're there at 12:20 you'll be told to go back into line until that time.
No facilities to allow the place to be open beyond 4pm so plan on a short day.
Pricing is at least as high as some much better places so it is not comparable with quality.
note that you are not paying for just a lift ticket you're paying for the ability just to be out in a ski area and a lift ticket.
We tried to be just on the bunny hill area first and they said no I have to have a ticket.
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thimbow
San Antonio3 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Took the kids to teach them snowboarding. Only one hour beginner lessons were available, we purchased, went to the bunny hill to practice and wait two hours till our lesson began. Our “instructor “ was unable to determine which way was goofy/regular stance and was corrected by a student. She said to the kids,”I’ve only been snowboarding a few years, I don’t really know what I’m doing”. The lesson was cut short and only the absolute basics were taught. My kids were very disappointed in the experience and each had different instructors. It was a JOKE of a “lesson”, don’t waste your time or money on this package. Money and time lost, I had the kids going down the beginners hill on my own in no time.
A lack of help anywhere on the mountain is frustrating, don’t expect great customer service.
We stood in line for over 30 minutes to get a pizza for lunch, they could make only two at a time, the crowd of hungry skiers seemed to overwhelm the capacity of the lodge. Nobody seems to be in a hurry to do anything though they are nice.
A lack of help anywhere on the mountain is frustrating, don’t expect great customer service.
We stood in line for over 30 minutes to get a pizza for lunch, they could make only two at a time, the crowd of hungry skiers seemed to overwhelm the capacity of the lodge. Nobody seems to be in a hurry to do anything though they are nice.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elm Lippoldt
3 contributions
Feb 2020
Absolutely ridiculous. You need to know... on the weekends your overpriced tickets might have enough lifts open to get you to the top of the mountain. Weekdays, forget any expectations. With 18 inches of new snow only opening 2 or 3 lifts open for the bottom of the mountain with no reduction in ticket price. Such a poorly ran operation, I feel sorry for the very few people who work the resort. This was such a great place when my kids were little, obviously under different ownership. It's basically an if you don't like it, don't come here attitude. Well, you win, my family, friends and anyone else I can warn, won't be back EVER.. I sure wish I had paid closer attention to the reviews before we came. Town and people of Ruidoso, we love ya and will miss ya. So sorry Ski Apache has turned into what it is.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R. M.
11 contributions
Mar 2020
An increase of about 40% on passes and 80% on season passes, over previous year, with the same bad service and periodic lift closures. Seriously Ski Apache?
Have been a customer for years and the service declines over the years. Upsetting how your facebook posts deceive people, a company who has no respect for their customers just lost one.
Have been a customer for years and the service declines over the years. Upsetting how your facebook posts deceive people, a company who has no respect for their customers just lost one.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa L
Sachse, TX10 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
We reserved a condo at Crown Point for 7 days of skiing. 12 inches of new powder and the resort was closed. When the resort was open only the lower novice lifts were open. The top was finally opened after lunch for maybe 2 runs. The next day only novice lifts on the bottom of the mountain for full price tickets. Do not waste you time at Ski Apache for skiing they are running it in the ground.
Even local season pass skiers were complaining. Advertisements continue to run for great skiing- it’s false and misleading.
We love Ruidosa and there are historical sites and other areas to enjoy just do not plan to ski.
Even local season pass skiers were complaining. Advertisements continue to run for great skiing- it’s false and misleading.
We love Ruidosa and there are historical sites and other areas to enjoy just do not plan to ski.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather Haynes
8 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
The zip lining experience was a blast. It’s the highest elevation zip line in US! The views were spectacular especially with snow on the mountain. The crew was entertaining - Willie Dog and Mark kept us safe and informed on area facts, info, etc. Safety was always first and they were great with kids. Would definitely recommend this experience to anyone.
Written March 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John G
Carlsbad, NM18 contributions
Mar 2020
As a Ski Apache Season Pass holder and New Mexico Resident I sincerely appreciate having this resort with all of its potential within a few hours from my home. I have enjoyed many hours of good snow and good times at Ski Apache. But now I have to agree with a number of the other reviewers here regarding the service declines that are soo very obvious and slowly but surely setting this operation up for Total Organizational Failure! The reduced staffing with reduced service, lift operations and mountain amenities and the ever increasing lift ticket pricing smacks of reckless regard for customer service while attempting to maximize profits. If that is what this new management has decided is Their #1 Organizational Governing Value, They are 100% Guaranteed TO FAIL and WE WILL Loose Our Ski Apache Resort as a result. Ski Apache will be relegated to the same dustbin of history that includes All Too Many Organizations that Got Their Priorities Upside Down as greed chased their customers ("Key Stakeholders") away! Please Right This Ship for 2020-2021 !!! Our Families, The Community and the Ski Apache Employees Need this Wonderful Resort and deserve it's Full Potential and Operational Abilities! Thank you
Written June 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there
a shuttle to ski Apache from alto
Linda D
Houston, TX67 contributions
I don't know
Cristina G
Monterrey, Mexico
en que fechas de dic fuiste? estoy interesada en ir la primera semana mas no se si ya haya nieve
Gracias!
Road34687783487
Chihuahua, Mexico
Que tal, hasta que fecha estará abierto en esta temporada? Recuerdo el spring break era la ultima semana. Gracias.
Bruce K
Austin, TX152 contributions
no idea you will need to contact the ski area
Luis E
1 contribution
How much is the lift ticker per day?
Vidal_Family
Dallas, TX92 contributions
Sorry, I don't know now. But you can go to their website and they will provide you the prices. Sorry....just saw your msg. I paid close to $340 for my 3 members of my family including the ski rentals and it was for one day pass.
Carol B
Abilene, TX
where can you get chains to go up to ski apache
RustyCorpusChristi
Corpus Christi5 contributions
We just bought some today at Auto zone
Jorge R
Puebla, Mexico
Hola, voy con mis dos hijos pequeños pero nos gustaría sólo que conocieran la nieve y pasar ahí el día sin esquiar. Esto es posible?
terina466
Veracruz, Mexico19 contributions
Si es posible, hay un área de restaurantes con chimenea, y también hay una zona tipo terraza para ver a los esquiadores
Ski Apache - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Ski Apache Information
Excellent Reviews | 456 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 224 |
Ski Apache Photos | 565 |