Mike Smith
El Rito Media
msmith@elritomedia.com

Warm weather across northern New Mexico this week prompted closure of a popular resort while others prepared for spring and summer operations, ski officials said.

Ski Santa Fe announced in a press release that its closing date was being moved up to March 30.

“Unusually warm temperatures and rapidly diminishing snow conditions have forced us to push our closing date up a week,” read the release. “The season started on a high note with a big November storm allowing us to open early with more opening-day terrain than we have seen in over 25 years.”

Fall chair operations will return in September as the Santa Fe Express takes people on a fall foliage tour, the release said.

Pajarito Mountain, located 56 miles west of Santa Fe, has dealt with springlike temperatures as well this month, said Christiana Hudson, marketing director.

“It’s melting quickly. We have bright sunny bluebird days (with) good skiing,” she said.

Temperatures this week were expected to range from the upper 40s to near 60. Hudson said a closing date for Pajarito had not been confirmed as of Tuesday morning.

“This week is going to be really warm,” she said.

Pajarito and sister ski resort Sipapu, located southeast of Taos, have had quality skiing this spring, according to Hudson.

She said both resorts attracted skiers from New Mexico and Texas during spring break.

Hudson said Texans appear to enjoy spring skiing versus winter skiing.

“Texas skiers love to ski in warm sunshine. People really seeking the powder, they love January and February skiing,” she said.

Hudson said Sipapu has a tentative closing date of April 6.

She said once both resorts shut down, winter operations staff will take a break in preparation for spring and summer activities.

“Sipapu is a magical place in the summer. You go from the high desert to an alpine environment,” Hudson said.

She said Sipapu has disc golf, and Pajarito Mountain offers biking and hiking trails.

Latest ski conditions as of Tuesday, March 25:
(Information provided by Ski New Mexico)

Pajarito Mountain had a base depth of 10 inches with 14 of 53 trails open and 3 of 6 lifts open.

Sipapu had a base depth of 16 inches with 12 of 44 trails open and 3 of 6 lifts open.

Ski Santa Fe had a base depth of 36 inches with 80 of 90 trails open and 6 of 7 lifts open.

Taos Ski Valley had a base depth of 34 inches with 85 of 120 trails open and 13 of 13 lifts open.

Note: Snow conditions can change after this report is compiled.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-308-8734 or msmith@currentargus.com.