Angel Fire Ski Resort
Many of our visitors come from Texas and Oklahoma, where they don't get to ski very often. In fact, quite a few families that have rented our condo have told us they are bringing their kids skiing for the first time! The Angel Fire Ski Resort is a great place for families with skiers of different levels. The size of the resort, and the diversity of runs, is large enough for exciting and challenging fun, but because all the slopes funnel into the front, you and others in your party will always see each other several times a day in the course of the runs. No matter how many ski runs you tackle, you'll still be able to catch up with someone in your group. And it's just so beautiful! At Angel Fire you will be dazzled by the brilliance of the blue skies and the unmatched splendor of the pristine, snow packed slopes. The ice crystals sparkle in the air as they dance in the reflected rays of the sun and the air is crisp and fresh. Even if you don't ski, we recommend you ride the lift to the top for the view. Pack a picnic lunch or grab a bite in the restaurant at the top of the mountain. It's worth the ride! For families and individuals who relish snowboarding and challenging slopes, this resort is the one place to be when our ski season officially opens on December 20, 2008. You can take advantage of two freestyle terrain parks and two high speed quad lifts that are waiting for action. Even those guests who aren’t avid skiers will have more than enough exciting activities to keep them busy and happy. Basic Angel Fire Ski Resort FactsOpening Date - December 20, 2008Closing Date - March 29, 2009 Hours: 9am to 4pm Base Elevation: 8,600 feet Summit Elevation: 10,677 feet Vertical Drop: 2,077 feet Snowmaking: 52% of the mountain, 85% of Beginner Terrain Chair Lifts: 2 high-speed quads, 3 doubles, 2 Sunkid Wondercarpets Average Snowfall: 210 inches annually Freestyle: 70 Trails: 26% Beginner 50% Intermediate 24% Advanced 
Freestyle TerrainThere are two Freestyle Parks at the Angel Fire Ski Resort.Low-rider Park features lower rails and smaller jumps for beginner skiers. Liberation Park features a 400' Half-pipe at summit. It also includes a number of multiple jumps, rails, and fun boxes - it even has a short school bus for those more advanced riders. Come on out and hop aboard this bus for the ride of your life! Freestyle Terrain is quickly becoming one of the most popular choices for skiers, and all participants must understand and follow the rules for use. The National Ski Areas Association and Burton Snowboards have developed the "Smart Style" Freestyle Terrain Safety initiative. This is a cooperative effort to promote and educate all skiers to the proper use and progression of freestyle terrain at mountain resorts. All Freestyle Terrain skiers must agree to and understand this initiative. Freestyle Terrain may contain any number or assortment of jumps, hits, ramps, banks, fun boxes, jibs, rails, half pipes, quarter pipes, or snow crosses. You may also encounter bump terrain as well as other terrain features and obstacles, both constructed and man made. Prior to using Freestyle Terrain, you are responsible for familiarizing yourself with the layout and hazards. All skiers must agree to obey all instructions, warnings, and signs. Freestyle skills require skiers to be able to maintain full control whether on the ground or in the air. Ski School at Angel FireIf you haven't skied before, or haven't skied in a while, we recommend you sign up for ski school. The instructors are great and they'll make you comfortable on the sloped in no time. There are children's lessons, group and private lessons. Call 800-633-7463 to find out about ski instruction programs and packages.But don't wait until you get to the Angel Fire ski resort to book your lessons! They often book up early. If you wait until you get to Angel Fire, all available slots will likely be filled. During some of the peak periods, all available openings are booked ahead of time. Sports schools are also offered, providing instruction in snowboarding and snow biking. Again, make your reservations early! You can do this by calling the Reservations Department at 800-633-7463. They'll ask you for the following information when you call: weight, height, and age and shoe size. Nordic SkiingIf you aren't a downhill skier, or you want to explore the top of the mountain, you may want to try out Nordic Skiing (also known it as cross country skiing). Nestled within the beautiful setting of the Angel Fire Ski Resort area, the Nordic Center provides cross-country and snowshoe access on 22km of terrain. The area provides excellent skiing for all abilities on 9 separate trails. Terrain includes a 1.6 mile beginner trail, a 3.8 intermediate trail and a 6.1 mile expert trail. The trails begin and end at the summit with breathtaking views of New Mexico's highest mountain, Wheeler Peak. The natural wonders of the mountain have remained untouched by man, yet the luxury of machine groomed trails offer easy, safe skiing into the backcountry of the glorious Sangre de Cristo mountains. Trail passes are just $7. Equipment rentals are available at the Angel Fire Resort Rental Shop. Classic equipment is $10 per day and Skating equipment is $15 per day. Snowshoe rentals are $10 per day. Lessons are also available for $20 for a half day. The best bargain is the Nordic Package. For just $35, skiers receive a 1/2 day lesson, rental equipment and a trail pass Just make sure to pack plenty of water and dress in layers! It's great fun, but also a great workout.
Visit the official Angel Fire Ski Resort website
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