Ruidoso, New Mexico Ski Apache Skiing Slopes Sierra Blanca Skiing and snowboarding

Find your way around our ski slopes...Learn to Ski from a skilled professional...
Find where to rent your ski equipment...Discover Ski Apache!!!
About Ski Apache	Discover Ski Apache	Ski Apache Slope Map	Mountain Stats
Distances to Ski Apache	Ruidoso Ski Shops	Equipment Rentals	Take the Shuttle!
Essential Safety Precautions	Lessons	Winter Highlights	Ski Apache Ski Patrol
National Ski Patrol Your Responsibility Code	Further Responsibility Codes	Benefits of Club/Group Skiing	Vintage Skiing Postcards
Teaching the Visually Impaired to Ski

Snowboard and Ski Rentals

Ruidoso offers a variety of Ski Shops which may serve your needs well. Please stay tuned for a complete listing of these Ski Shops on GoRuidoso.com.

Ski Apache: The ski rental shop offers over 1,500 sets of top quality equipment issued with minimal fitting time by friendly expert technicians.Try different lengths of shaped skis in the same day to find out what is right for you.When you rent here, equipment problems are rare. If you do need help, the solution to your problem is our priority with immediate service. The snowboard shop is located near the Kiddie Korral. Recently expanded, the shop has more than 300 boards and extra space for riders to get outfitted. Find great boards and freestyle boots from Burton, Head and Salomon. Discounts are given to multi-day renters. Never tried snowboarding? Receive a FREE lift ticket with your purchase of a beginner’s lesson. Skiing can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country or other specialized ski equipment, such as that used by disabled or other skiers. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce.

Dedicated Ski Shops

DEDICATED SKI SHOPS

A-Frame Ski Shop
Location: 1016 Mechem Ruidoso, New Mexico
Features: Ski and Snow Board Rentals and Snow Board Sales
Telephone: (575) 258-5656 (800) 333-7079
Website: http://www.aframeski.com/

Action Ski & Snowboard
Location: 360 Sudderth DR Ruidoso, New Mexico
Features: Ski and Snow Board rentals and Sales
Telephone: (575) 257-6800 (800) RUIDOSO Se Habla Espanol
Website: http://www.ruidoso.to/actionski/

Alto Ski Shop
Location: 101 Lake Shore DR Alto, New Mexico
Features: Ski and Snowboard Rentals and Accessory Sales
Telephone: (575) 336-4386
Website: www.ruidoso.net/altoskishop.htm

Black Diamond Ski Shop
Location: 2028 Hwy 70 Ruidoso Downs,, New Mexico
Features: Ski and Snowboard Rentals and Accessory Sales
Telephone: (575) 378-8612
Website: www.ruigear.com/

Pro Action Sport
Location: 2000 Sudderth DR Ruidoso, New Mexico
Features: Ski and Snowboard Rentals and Accessory Sales
Telephone: (575) 257-5096
Website: www.pro-actionski.com

Rocky Mountain Sports
Location: 1103 Mechem DR Ruidoso, New Mexico
Features: Ski and Snowboard Rentals and Accessory Sales
Telephone: (575) 258-3224
Website: www.ruidosoreservations.com

Ruidoso Ski Rental
Location: 2511 Sudderth DR Ruidoso, New Mexico
Features: Ski and Snowboard rentals and Accessory Sales
Telephone: (575) 257-4847
Website: www.ruidoso.net/ruidososki/index1.htm

Rush Ski and Snowboard
Location: 101 Mechem DR Ruidoso, New Mexico
Features: Ski and Snowboard Rentals and Sales
Telephone: (575) 257-4772
Website: www.ruidoso.net/rushski.htm

St. Bernard
Location: 420 Mechem Ruidoso, New Mexico
Features: Ski and Snowboard Rentals and Sales
Telephone: (575) 257-7777
Website: www.stbernardski.com/

Ski Apache Ski Shop
Location: Hwy 532 Alto (On the Mountain) Ruidoso, New Mexico
Features: Ski and Snowboard Rentals and Sales
Telephone: (575) 336-4356
Website: www.skiapache.com/

Steed’s Ski Sports
Location: 1017 Mechem DR Ruidoso, New Mexico
Features: Ski and Snowboard Rentals and Accessory Sales
Telephone: (575) 258-5562
Website: www.ruidoso.net/skiing/index.html

Wild West Ski Shop
Location: 1408 Mechem DR Ruidoso, New Mexico
Features: Ski and Snowboard Rentals and Accessory Sales
Telephone: (575) 258-3131 (888) 395-3131
Website: www.wildwestskishop.com

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Essential Safety Precautions...

Pay heed to the following safety precautions for a greater skiing experience and to ensure that you will have many years of skiing ahead of you.

1. Understand the importance of proper ski clothing...and how it may protect you from injury and winter exposures.
2. Bring plenty of sunscreen...for you and everyone that comes along.
3. Ski slopes are as dangerous as the folks using them...be courteous and cautious.
4. Many injuries, particularly those to the head, could likely be lessened by additional safety equipment...consider a safety helmet for further protection on the slopes. While they can't prevent every tragedy, helmets offer more protection against a tree or rock than a knit cap can.
5. Always triple-check your equipment before a downhill run.
6. Stay within the set parameters of the designated ski areas. These are clearly marked...do not endanger your own life by foolish disregard for clearly marked skiing areas.
7. Pay careful heed and respect all signs period.
8. You will be responsible for your actions...hence, by doing your best to adhere to all safety rules, you will not have to blame yourself for any mishap, accident or injury that may incur during your skiing efforts.
9. You should know the limits of your abilities; always stay in control and retain the ability to stop or get out of someone's way or avoid an object.
10. By carefully following all of the above safety precautions, there is no doubt that you will have a far greater overall skiing experience...with many years of fun on the slopes to look forward to.

The National Ski Patrol: "Your Resposibility Code"

Your Responsibility Code


	Skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed in many ways. At areas you may see people using alpine skis, snowboards, telemark skis, cross country skis, and other specialized equipment, such as that used by the disabled. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers and riders the responsibility for a great skiing experience. 1. Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects. 2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them. 3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above. 4. Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others. 5. Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment. 6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas. 7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely. Know the code. It's your responsibility. This is a partial list. There are many things that you'll know are right or wrong; it's truly up to you to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the slopes...Please be safety conscious.

			Vintage Poster from the NSPS

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The Ski Apache National Ski Patrol

“Where We Make a Difference”.

Our organization consists of a great group of fun loving, dedicated people. This venture, which you are about to embark on, may change your life ….it did mine. I joined in 1975 and have been an avid patroller ever since. Like anything else in life you will get out of ski patrolling just what you put into patrolling. However, the rewards of patrolling can be far greater than the time and money spent. It is that “reward’ that I would like you to experience.

The Ski Patrol at Ski Apache is comprised of both paid professionals and volunteer patrollers. All of which are active members of the National Ski Patrol and we all report to the same supervisor.

Candidates will first be Auxiliary patrollers and may join our patrol with little or no ski skills and minimal first aid knowledge. The NSP provides excellent educational courses and instructors are available to train all candidates. Volunteer patrollers will be given a work ticket to ski anytime they sign on at the area to work. They can work any day of the week.

Auxiliary Patroller: A person who provides emergency care to injured or ill guests, but may not transport guests off the hill/slope; may help lead training and education activities. Skiing skills helpful but not always mandatory. Snowboarders can Auxiliary Patrollers but cannot be a Patroller. (see below.)

Patroller: A person who provides emergency care to injured or ill area guests ; also may be responsible for a wide variety of area safety activities. (A skiing position).

Associate Member: An individual who has a need or desire to take National Ski Patrol courses and be associated with the National Ski Patrol. An associate shall not perform any ski patrolling duties at Ski Apache.

Pro Patrol: Employment as a paid patroller requires a strong ski skill and EMT status or prior completion of the NSP Outdoor Emergency Care course. Both full time and part time patrollers are used to fill area needs. Pay is commensurate with industry standards depending on applicant’s experience and skill level. Pro Patrollers can work any day of the week.

Go Directly to the Ski Apache National Ski Patrol Page

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Further Skier's Responsibility Codes

1. Ski under control and in such a manner so that you can stop at any time or avoid other skiers or objects.
2. When passing or overtaking another skier you must avoid the skier below you.
3. You should not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
4. When entering a trail or starting a descent yield to other skiers.
5. Check your equipment daily - particulary your release bindings. All skiers must use devices while skiing to help prevent runaway skis. Runaway skis can be lethal whether on the trial of from falling from an aerial list. You have a responsibility to your fellow skiers to prevent injury to them.
6. You shall keep off posted trails and posted areas and observe all posted signs.
7. Follow instructions carefully when using ski lifts.
8. Please observe all posted "slow skiing areas".
9. Do not ski slopes too difficult for your ability.
10. Do not jump or perform "aerial" maneuvers.

Ski Safety and the Importance of Taking Lessons

If you have never skied in your life, it's essential that you first take lessons...not only for your own safety, but just as important, to gain as much enjoyment out of your first ski experiences as possible. Without lessons, you'll not only find yourself stumbling down the slope, but, you will not have the confidence to enjoy your downhill runs. With proper lessons, from a qualified instructor, you will approach the slopes with full confidence and find yourself concentrating more on the rush of the downhill ride than on the concern of how to balance yourself on your skis. Be sure to enquire with the slopes if you haven't skied, or feel it's been too long since you've last skied, for Ski Apache does offer free lessons on skiing...so learn skiing as the art form that it is, and tackle those slopes with good form and balance. You will find it a far more thrilling, enjoyable and enhancing experience if you first learn from a qualified instructor. From all of us at GoRuidoso

Ski Apache offers professional instruction for all ages and abilities. Group sessions are available for skiers 7 years old and up. Kiddie Korral is an all-day ski instruction program for 4, 5 and 6 year olds – advanced reservations recommended. Private lessons can be arranged for all ages. FREE – ski tips for upper level skiers – 9:15 am Saturdays and Sundays. The purchase of any group lesson qualifies you for a half price upper level session for yourself or a friend. Ask at the Ski School Desk for complete details on all types of lessons.

The Value of Club and Group Skiing

We also need to be aware of and advertise the benefits of club/group skiing, not only for the social aspects, but also for the benefits it offers relative to safety and liability. The following has been well-established by the FWSA...and maybe by reading the following, you might also realize the benefits of Club Skiing and consider joining a club as an added dimension to your efforts to become a better skilled and in turn, a safer all-around skier:

* Better education on the safety code and on-mountain etiquette
* Organized safety programs for better, more comprehensive education
* Education on safer equipment and how it is to be used
* Leadership knowledgeable on mountain
* Club publications for use in safety advertising
* Group skiing (and probably safer, more controlled)
* More peer pressure on being safe
* Developing group respect for safety translates to a more personalized attitude toward safety
* Informed group skiers that act as teachers and coaches for the less accomplished
* Club skiers are more observant and help to restrain/admonish the more reckless

Advertise it, publicize it, believe it and do it.

"Ski With Pride, Let It Ride, Watch All Sides"
From Far West Ski Association

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Distance in Miles from Points of Departure to the Top of Ski Apache

Teaching the Visually Impaired to SKI


	Ruidoso, New Mexico’s “Ski Apache” hosts a wonderful program known as the “Ski Apache Disabled Skiers Program”. This program invites kids from the regions adaptive schools to come once a week during ski season and experience the wonders of winter’s most exciting sport. Of course, without the excellent instructors (mostly volunteers) who work very hard to gain the trust of these inspiring youngsters the whole thing would not be the success that it is. Lisa Mauie, the Coordinator, is also a special individual who does an incredible job of keeping this program at the level that it enjoys. Ruidoso locals volunteer to work hard raising funds for this very worthwhile cause and the big event of the year is the annual Silent Auction. Always held at the end of February the Auction has been going for years and raises over $20,000 annually. Ruidoso’s Organization President Ron Anderson says that the event has grown significantly over the last few years and he is excited at the support that Ruidoso puts toward the kids. At the end of each season the kids participate in a down hill slalom race complete with the gates, bells and timers. This is a big deal for everyone as it gives the instructors and their charges a chance to show off how well they can navigate the slopes. To quote Philip (one of the Kids from Alamogordo’s institute for the Blind) it is “Awesome!”



	Ski Apache ... Skiing in Ruidoso
Ski & Snowboard Shops About Ski Apache Discover Ski Apache Ski Apache Slope Map Mountain Stats Distances to Ski Apache Ruidoso Ski Shops Equipment Rentals Take the Shuttle!		See a Video of Ross Anderson Essential Safety Precautions Lessons Winter Highlights Ski Apache Ski Patrol National Ski Patrol Responsibility Codes Benefits of Club/Group Skiing Vintage Skiing Postcards Teaching the Visually Impaired
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Cedar Creek Ski Slope		Skiing Along the Trail

Sierra Blanca Ski Lodge	The Lodge

Shopping	Golfing	Things To Do
Restaurants	Arts & Culture	Real Estate
Lodging	Horse Racing	Upcoming Events
Outdoor Activities	Skiing	Casinos
Visitor Services	Entertainment	Groups/Meetings


	Located minutes away from Ruidoso, Ski Apache has set a goal to provide the best ski experience for all ages and abilities. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels will find the perfect variety of terrain on 55 trails served by 11 lifts, including New Mexico’s only gondola. Ski Apache’s huge lift capacity allows more time for skiing, so lines are rare. Top quality grooming, snowmaking and climate all enhance a visit here. High elevations between 9,600’ and 11,500’ provide abundant snowfall, yet sunny days are plentiful. Be sure to check out the views from the top of the gondola or Apache Bowl – they’re spectacular on a clear day.
			Beginning skiers or snowboarders receive a FREE lift ticket with the purchase of any group lesson on their first day. Instruction is available for all ages and ability levels to increase skills and enjoyment of the mountain.



	• Free lift ticket for first-timers with lesson purchase • New Mexico’s only 4-passenger gondola: 1 double, 5 triple and 2 quad chairs • Snowmaking and state-of-the-art grooming • Certified ski school for all abilities • Ski and snowboard rentals available at the ski area • Kiddie Korral - all day program for ages 4 - 6 • Round-trip scenic rides on the gondola


	Base Elevation: 9,600 ' Top Elevation: 11,500 ' Vertical: 1,900 ' Lifts: 11 in total: 1 Gondola, 2 quads, 5 triples, 1 double, 2 surface Lift Capacity: 16,500 skiers per hour Trails: 55 in total: 20% beginner, 35% intermediate, 45% advanced Skiable Acres: 750+ Snowboarding: The entire area is open for snowboarding Ski School: Over 100 instructors for skiing or snowboarding Day Lodges: 2 Summit Sports: Now on the 2nd level of the Ski Rental Building. Restaurants: 7 in total: 2 cafeterias, 3 snack bars, 2 burger stands Rentals: Separate ski and snowboard shops




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