It’s hard to believe that a region famous for desert landscapes is also home to incredible skiing, but Santa Fe delivers just that. Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Ski Santa Fe offers powdery slopes and breathtaking alpine views, all just a short drive from the city’s historic streets.
Unlike the sprawling, resort-heavy mountains of Utah or Colorado, Ski Santa Fe retains a down-to-earth, local feel. It’s a unique blend of high-altitude skiing with a Southwestern twist, making it a hidden gem for those looking for adventure beyond the usual ski hotspots. The mountain also caters to skiers of all types, whether you’re looking for challenging moguls or just getting started on the bunny hill. Après-ski is just as special, thanks to Santa Fe’s art galleries, historic adobe streets and vibrant food scene.
Transportation
If you’re planning a trip to Santa Fe, there are two main airport options to consider. The closest is Santa Fe Regional Airport, which is convenient but small— only offering direct flights from Denver, Dallas, and Phoenix. So, unless you’re flying in from one of those cities, the best alternative is Albuquerque International. It’s a larger airport with flights from all over the country, and just about an hour’s drive from downtown Santa Fe.
We opted to fly into Albuquerque, rented a car for the weekend and the process was a breeze. Regardless of which airport you choose, I highly recommend renting a car—especially if you plan to hit the slopes. Ski Santa Fe is a 30-minute drive from the city, and rideshare services to and from the mountain are unreliable. Having your own car also helps if you’re bringing ski gear or planning to explore beyond the city limits.
Where to Stay
The Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi is a boutique hotel nestled in the heart of downtown Santa Fe. Drawing inspiration from the region’s rich Native American and Spanish heritage, the inn seamlessly blends various traditional elements. Warm adobe walls, handcrafted woodwork and kiva fireplaces will welcome you upon entering and leave a lasting impression. Every corner feels thoughtfully designed and full of character, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of skiing or exploring the city’s historic streets. Whatever you do, be sure to stop by the Anasazi Bar & Lounge—their margaritas are a must!
Skiing in Santa Fe
Bluebird Ski Rentals is a convenient one-stop shop for all your ski and snowboard rental needs. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, so we were in and out in about 35 minutes. From there, hit the road early and make your way to Ski Santa Fe via NM-475. It’s about a 30-minute drive, and while the road is very windy (carsick travelers beware), the scenic mountain views along the way are well worth it.
Family-owned and operated, Ski Santa Fe has retained an authentic, laid-back vibe over the years. There’s no glitzy village, no overpriced boutiques—just a classic lodge, friendly locals, and about eighty trails of high-altitude skiing with stunning views. Lift ticket prices cost a fraction of what you’ll find elsewhere, and can be purchased online or at the mountain base. Despite its smaller size, Ski Santa Fe boasts a base elevation of 10,350 feet, ensuring the snow remains light and fresh all season long.
If you’re looking for slope-side food and drinks, check out Totemoff’s Bar & Grill. The popular après-ski hangout draws a crowd for its cold beers, casual eats, and live music. Whether you’re taking a quick break or settling in for a longer lunch, Totemoff’s is the perfect spot to recharge.
Things to Do in Santa Fe
Canyon Road
It’s no wonder Canyon Road is one of Santa Fe’s most iconic streets. Over one hundred art galleries, studios, and boutiques line this charming half-mile stretch, many nestled within historic adobe buildings. As someone who wouldn’t consider herself a huge art aficionado, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved the area. The renowned art district boasts a diverse range of works, from traditional Native American pottery to contemporary sculptures, ensuring there’s something for every type of traveler.
Railyard District
The Railyard District is another art destination within Santa Fe. What was once a transportation hub has since transformed into a modern space filled with galleries, breweries, markets and performance spaces. We didn’t make it to the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market in time before closing, although we did swing by Second Street Brewery for a beer and an excellent bowl of gumbo.
Try Authentic New Mexican Cuisine
No trip to Santa Fe is complete without indulging in authentic New Mexican cuisine. We asked several people for their favorite spot and repeatedly heard the same answer: Atrisco. Don’t let the strip mall location deter you; this third-generation New Mexican restaurant serves up incredibly fresh and locally sourced dishes. Order the green chile enchiladas and thank me later. If you’re looking for a New Mexican restaurant closer to the downtown plaza, try La Fonda.
Drink a Silver Coin Margarita
The Silver Coin Margarita is a beloved staple at many bars and restaurants in Santa Fe—a premium twist on the classic margarita. I made it my mission to try several during our stay and have to say that the best one was from our hotel bar, Anasazi Bar & Lounge. That being said, there was something undeniably special about sipping a margarita slope-side at Totemoff’s. The perfect way to unwind after a long day of skiing.
Explore the Shops Downtown
The Santa Fe Plaza and surrounding downtown streets are home to an array of boutiques, showcasing everything from Southwestern clothing to handcrafted jewelry and home decor. I bought the coziest fleece from Standard & Strange and had to restrain myself from buying a beautiful pair of turquoise earrings down the street…
Geronimo
Widely considered one of the best restaurants in New Mexico, Geronimo lives up to the hype—though snagging a reservation can be a bit of a challenge. We chose to sit at the bar (which I’d highly recommend over the more formal dining room) and were greeted with a complimentary drink and snack that set the tone for an unforgettable meal. Every dish we tried was exceptional, and the portions were surprisingly generous for a fine-dining spot.
Don’t miss the Wasabi Caesar, Lobster Risotto, and the Elk Tenderloin. If you’re on the fence about trying elk, trust me, it’s worth it.
Ten Thousand Waves Spa
Ten Thousand Waves is a Japanese-inspired spa retreat about ten minutes from downtown Santa Fe. Modeled after the Onsen resorts of Japan, the spa offers a wide range of treatments, including private and communal hot springs, cold plunges, saunas, massages, facials and more.
We regretfully did not book appointments in advance, and by the time we arrived, Ten Thousand Waves was fully booked. While we didn’t get to experience the Onsen facilities, we did end our day with a great meal at Izanami. Located on the retreat grounds, the Japanese restaurant is known for serving some of the best sushi in the area.
Cafe Pasqual’s
A local favorite since its opening in 1979, Cafe Pasqual’s is a cozy cafe known for bold, Southwest flavors. The James Beard Award-winning restaurant has a cult-like following, and for good reason. We ordered the corn pancakes, avocado toast, breakfast burrito and bear claw pastry and savored each and every bite.
Until next time, Santa Fe.
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