Whats New at Angel Fire Resort for Winter 2025-26

Angel Fire Resort is gearing up for one of its biggest seasons ever. With two brand-new chairlifts, seven new ski runs, major snowmaking and grooming upgrades, and the return of a beloved New Mexico winter tradition, this year is shaping up to deliver the best skiing and snowboarding experience in the Southwest.

Whether you’re planning your annual family ski vacation, searching for the best beginner terrain in New Mexico, or hunting for steep expert lines, these mountain improvements were designed to elevate every moment you spend on the snow.

Below, take a closer look at what’s new for Winter 2025–26 at Angel Fire Resort.

Two New Lifts for a Faster, Smoother Ride

Rakes Rider Fixed-Grip Quad

Opening this winter, the new Rakes Rider chairlift serves the steep, high-adrenaline terrain on the backside of the mountain. The new lift dramatically reduces ride times and boosts lap potential, giving advanced skiers and snowboarders faster access to some of Angel Fire’s most exciting terrain.

New Ski School Conveyor Lift

Angel Fire’s Ski & Snowboard School continues to be one of the best in New Mexico. This season, the training area features a longer covered Sunkid conveyor lift, replacing the old magic carpet and offering a smoother, more efficient learning experience for beginners and kids.

Seven New Ski Runs: More Terrain for Every Level

Winter 2025–26 brings one of the largest terrain expansions in recent resort history:

• 3 new Blue groomers for intermediate skiers and riders
• 2 new Black Diamond runs offering more technical challenge
• 2 new Double Black Diamond glades designed for expert skiers seeking steep, adrenaline-filled tree skiing

Smarter Grooming With New LiDAR Snowcats

Angel Fire Resort has added two Prinoth snowcats equipped with LiDAR technology. This cutting-edge system allows the grooming team to measure snow depth in real time, leading to:

• More consistent snow surfaces
• Improved fuel efficiency
• More sustainable snow management
• Better coverage throughout the season

For guests, this means smoother groomers, more reliable conditions, and an even better skiing or snowboarding experience.

Enhanced Snowmaking for Strong Early-Season Coverage

The snowmaking team expanded the system with:

• 3,300 feet of new pipe
• Six new stick guns
• Two new TL8 fan guns

These upgrades help the resort open terrain earlier and maintain snow quality during dry spells or warm weather windows, which particularly matters in the Southern Rockies.

New EZ Ticketing: Get on the Mountain Faster

Skiers and riders can now experience quick-checkout online ticketing, complete with QR-code pickup boxes near the Ticket Office. Simply:

• Select your ski date online
• Receive your QR code
• Scan at the pickup box
• Head straight to the lift

It’s the fastest way to get on the snow at Angel Fire Resort.

Shovel Races Return in 2026

The legendary World Championship Shovel Races return January 30–31, 2026. This one-of-a-kind New Mexico tradition challenges racers to slide down the mountain on unaltered snow shovels, an only-in-Angel-Fire event that draws competitors from around the country.

More Parking, Better Arrival Experience

Angel Fire Resort has expanded and resurfaced its parking areas, adding four brand-new lots and improving the guest arrival process. With the most free parking of any ski resort in the Southwest and complimentary shuttles to the base area, getting to the slopes has never been easier.

The Mountain Haus Returns

A beloved piece of Angel Fire history is coming back to life. This winter, the Mountain Haus reopens at the backside base offering crafted cocktails, local microbrews, and a cozy atmosphere with slope-side views. It’s the perfect mid-mountain gathering spot for après-ski or a warm midday break.

Progress on Angel Express & the New Base Area

Construction continues on New Mexico’s first high-speed six-pack, the Angel Express, set to open in the 2026–27 season. Guests will also notice foundations in place for the new Rental Shop and Ticket Office, part of a broader plan to modernize and elevate the entire base area experience.

Angel Fire Resort Named Best Family Ski Resort… Again

Angel Fire Resort has once again been named Best Family Ski Resort by OnTheSnow, thanks to approachable terrain, top-tier instruction, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy for families to ski, learn, and make lifelong memories together.

Plan Your Winter 2025–26 Ski Trip

With new lifts, new runs, expanded snowmaking, smarter grooming, improved parking, and the return of classic Angel Fire traditions, this is a season you don’t want to miss.