Spring skiing Santa Fe, last fresh powder

March 28, 10:07 PMAlbuquerque International Travel ExaminerKristin Carlson

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The view from here. Ski Santa Fe vista from the East mountain. Photo by Kristin Carlson.

Spring skiing close to home is still in the books for the next few days.  Santa Fe ski basin received 13 fresh inches of new powder this week.  Yesterday, the slopes offered a nice surprise or relatively soft, fluffy snow rather than the typical spring slush and ice.  The higher on the mountain I went, the chillier the air and the better the runs.

I am always excited about the first big winter storm of the ski season, but I have a soft spot for the yearly transition to spring as well.  It’s incredible to me to drive through Santa Fe itself during this seasonal cusp, watching the trees bud out and daffodils and crocuses begin to emerge.  Half an hour later, I’m 12,000 feet in the air surrounded by drifts, flocked pine branches, and ravens playing on the wind.  The air is sunny and bright, and I can see for miles.  The snow is good more than great---near the base, there are packed icy bits and tell-tale rocks sticking through---but definitely worth the trip.     

Get outside and enjoy the last days of warm, sunny spring skiing while you can.  It is supposed to be windy this coming week, which may create a crust no fun to ski.  On the bright side, the forecast also calls for one last snowstorm.  Ski Santa Fe plans to close for the season next Sunday, April 5.  In the meantime, the lifts are running daily until 4:30pm.