Angel Fire is a perfect place for your next winter vacation. Angel Fire is consistently rated one of the top family friendly ski resorts in New Mexico for a reason. This family friendly Resort boasts 560 acres of terrain with over 80 runs. Twenty one percent of the runs are rated for beginners, including a “bunny hill” and a second lift that caters to beginners. Angel Fire is a great place to learn to ski.
Snow-Online currently rates Angel Fire as the #1 family friendly ski resort in New Mexico due to the number of kid’s parks and lifts made especially for younger kids, the value for the money, and the percentage of beginner terrain and overall user rating for family-friendliness.
While Angel Fire is a perfect place to take your kids skiing, be sure to avoid these mistakes on your next family vacation.
Snow-Online currently rates Angel Fire as the #1 family friendly ski resort in New Mexico due to the number of kid’s parks and lifts made especially for younger kids, the value for the money, and the percentage of beginner terrain and overall user rating for family-friendliness.
While Angel Fire is a perfect place to take your kids skiing, be sure to avoid these mistakes on your next family vacation.
Mistake #1: Not Registering for Ski School Early
Angel Fire has a superb children’s ski school for children 3 years and older; they truly take the headache out of teaching your kids how to ski. Angel Fire Resort has mastered the art of “turn-key” ski school. Parents drop kids off at the Children’s Ski and Snow Board School at 8am and pick them up in the teaching yard at 3:30 pm. The Resort takes care of everything else – no headaches trying to get wiggly feet into stiff ski boots, no wrangling to get gloves on tiny fingers, or struggling to get the proper fit for the helmet. Mom and dad don’t have to carry kid’s skis and poles or even teach your little one how to walk in ski boots. The drop-off process is seamless – parents walk in with their child, complete required registration steps, hug their little ones goodbye and are able to enjoy some adult time on the slopes. After parents leave, Resort staff work with children to get them fitted in their ski or snow board boots, and even help kids put on their coats and gloves. If your children are like mine, this is a blessing – saving mom and dad from tears and frustration associated with being fitted for ski boots for the first time! Kid’s get an average of 4.5 hours on the snow with PSIA-AASI level 1-3 certified instructors and an average class size is 4:1 student to instructor ratio. Equipment rentals, lessons and lunch (vegetarian options are available) are all included in the cost of the lessons.
In order to ensure a high-quality ski school and maintain an ideal student to instructor ratio, availability is limited--thus the number one mistake people make when taking their kids skiing in Angel Fire is waiting to make ski school reservations. You need to make online line reservations at least 72 hours in advance; otherwise, you would have to wait until the day-of desired instruction, and hope there is “walk-up” availability. We highly recommend making reservations for holidays and weekends as far in advance as possible – or risk that your little ones might not be able ski due to lack of ski school availability. (Note, their cancellation policy, however).
Reservations can be made online or by calling the Resort's reservations desk.
In order to ensure a high-quality ski school and maintain an ideal student to instructor ratio, availability is limited--thus the number one mistake people make when taking their kids skiing in Angel Fire is waiting to make ski school reservations. You need to make online line reservations at least 72 hours in advance; otherwise, you would have to wait until the day-of desired instruction, and hope there is “walk-up” availability. We highly recommend making reservations for holidays and weekends as far in advance as possible – or risk that your little ones might not be able ski due to lack of ski school availability. (Note, their cancellation policy, however).
Reservations can be made online or by calling the Resort's reservations desk.
Mistake #2: Not Dressing Kids Appropriately
The simple truth is, if they’re uncomfortable, they aren’t going to have fun. As such, dressing kids for the snow is a crucial step in ensuring a successful ski trip. Inappropriate clothing is a sure way to have miserable kids – and miserable kids often make for miserable parents!
We recommend dressing in 3 layers. The base layer, the layer up against your skin, is actually the most important layer and the most frequently overlooked. This layer isn’t about keeping your kids warm, its about keeping them dry. As they ski (or play in the snow), they sweat, then they get on a ski lift – their temperature drops due to inactivity, and that moisture is now beginning to freeze right up against their skin. The secret for the base-layer is to get clothes that are “moisture-wicking” fabrics. This can be things like long-underwear, or leggings and athletic shirts. Make sure they are a synthetic fabric or wool that is designed to keep moisture away from the skin. Cotton should be avoided at all costs – this holds the moisture against the skin and can cause kids to be really cold, really fast. The mid-layer is the “warmth layer” – the purpose of this layer is to provide insulation. Unless they’re a highly advanced skier that requires high performance materials, this layer can likely be something they already own. Sweaters, fleece, puffer jackets or other thin jackets are good choices. Remember to avoid cotton for this layer as well. If your little one gets cold easily, layering the mid-layer with more than one item is a good idea. In fact, Multiple thin layers can provide more warmth than one thick layer – this is because air is trapped between each layer. The final layer, is your outerwear. Outerwear should provide water and wind protection. Avoid materials that absorb moisture. A good quality ski pant and jacket will make sure to keep wind, snow, and rain out and warmth in.
Don’t forget to keep their heads warm. When skiing, however, they likely won’t need a hat as usually a well-fitted helmet provides plenty of warmth. That said, don’t forget to pack hats for your little ones – so they can be warm while playing in the snow after they’re done skiing. Goggles or sunglasses are a must – the suns reflection off the snow can be quite intense. We recommend goggles as they are more versatile – they’re great for both sunny or cloudy days. Also, because goggles clip to their helmet, they’re less likely to get lost. Keeping your little one’s hands warm is imperative. Often, the first thing that will get cold is their little fingers. For kids, we highly recommend mittens. Gloves restrict movement too much, which can cause a decrease of blood flow to their little fingers - which leads to cold fingers. Mittens allow for more movement. If their hands still get cold, try “hot-hands” packets (which can be bought from Amazon) – they’re relatively inexpensive and are an easy way to keep hands warm. Last but not least, socks – you probably guessed it by now – no cotton! Again, cotton will keep moisture against the skin. The only thing that should be worn are well fitting ski socks that are designed to be moisture wicking and are long enough to reach just below the knees. Make sure they fit snugly – any wrinkles of their socks when combined with the snug fit of ski boots can cause sores or bruising. Also, one pair should do it. Wearing more than one pair of socks can cause blisters.
Ski gear, if bought new, can be expensive – but it doesn’t have to be. The base layer can be any type of athletic clothing/synthetic fabric. The warmth layer can be items you already own. Goodwill or Facebook marketplace are great places to find high quality outerwear. Also, some area rental shops rent outerwear.
We recommend dressing in 3 layers. The base layer, the layer up against your skin, is actually the most important layer and the most frequently overlooked. This layer isn’t about keeping your kids warm, its about keeping them dry. As they ski (or play in the snow), they sweat, then they get on a ski lift – their temperature drops due to inactivity, and that moisture is now beginning to freeze right up against their skin. The secret for the base-layer is to get clothes that are “moisture-wicking” fabrics. This can be things like long-underwear, or leggings and athletic shirts. Make sure they are a synthetic fabric or wool that is designed to keep moisture away from the skin. Cotton should be avoided at all costs – this holds the moisture against the skin and can cause kids to be really cold, really fast. The mid-layer is the “warmth layer” – the purpose of this layer is to provide insulation. Unless they’re a highly advanced skier that requires high performance materials, this layer can likely be something they already own. Sweaters, fleece, puffer jackets or other thin jackets are good choices. Remember to avoid cotton for this layer as well. If your little one gets cold easily, layering the mid-layer with more than one item is a good idea. In fact, Multiple thin layers can provide more warmth than one thick layer – this is because air is trapped between each layer. The final layer, is your outerwear. Outerwear should provide water and wind protection. Avoid materials that absorb moisture. A good quality ski pant and jacket will make sure to keep wind, snow, and rain out and warmth in.
Don’t forget to keep their heads warm. When skiing, however, they likely won’t need a hat as usually a well-fitted helmet provides plenty of warmth. That said, don’t forget to pack hats for your little ones – so they can be warm while playing in the snow after they’re done skiing. Goggles or sunglasses are a must – the suns reflection off the snow can be quite intense. We recommend goggles as they are more versatile – they’re great for both sunny or cloudy days. Also, because goggles clip to their helmet, they’re less likely to get lost. Keeping your little one’s hands warm is imperative. Often, the first thing that will get cold is their little fingers. For kids, we highly recommend mittens. Gloves restrict movement too much, which can cause a decrease of blood flow to their little fingers - which leads to cold fingers. Mittens allow for more movement. If their hands still get cold, try “hot-hands” packets (which can be bought from Amazon) – they’re relatively inexpensive and are an easy way to keep hands warm. Last but not least, socks – you probably guessed it by now – no cotton! Again, cotton will keep moisture against the skin. The only thing that should be worn are well fitting ski socks that are designed to be moisture wicking and are long enough to reach just below the knees. Make sure they fit snugly – any wrinkles of their socks when combined with the snug fit of ski boots can cause sores or bruising. Also, one pair should do it. Wearing more than one pair of socks can cause blisters.
Ski gear, if bought new, can be expensive – but it doesn’t have to be. The base layer can be any type of athletic clothing/synthetic fabric. The warmth layer can be items you already own. Goodwill or Facebook marketplace are great places to find high quality outerwear. Also, some area rental shops rent outerwear.
Mistake # 3: Forgetting Sunscreen
Don’t let the crisp cool air fool you – it may be winter, but you’re at severe risk for sunburn while skiing. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is more intense in alpine (high altitude) regions than at sea level. The base of the mountain in Angel Fire is at approximately 8,500 feet elevation – the summit is at 10,500 feet. Further, snow is highly reflective. Combine the elevation and the snow, it’s a formula for sever sunburns. We recommend a high quality, water proof sunscreen with at least 50 spf. Don’t forget to reapply at lunch time. If you’re forgotten your sunscreen and are staying at Aspen Springs, contact our on-site host – we have some available for our guests at no additional charge. If you’re not a guest at Aspen Springs, we recommend visiting one of the two dollar stores in town to purchase some. Check here for information on area shopping.
Mistake # 4: No Lip Balm
It sounds silly, but it's true – lip balm is important in Angel Fire! While Angel Fire is in the mountains and you’re surrounded by trees, Angel Fire’s climate is quite arid. Keep chapstick close by – it’s a life saver for dry lips and can help prevent lips from getting chapped. If you’re staying at Aspen Springs, we provide complimentary chap stick for our guests – this should be on your amenity tray on your bed (next to the pillow spray and chocolates). If you need more, just call or text our on- site host at 505-617-1255 – we’re happy to get you more.
Mistake #5: Forgetting to Plan Other Forms of Fun in the Snow
Angel Fire has lots of fun activities for non-skiers or to break up your skiing vacation. Local non- skiing activities include tubing at Angel Fire Resort, free sledding at Aspen Springs (for Aspen Springs guests only), snow shoeing (Aspen Springs provides complimentary snow shoe loans to our guests), snow mobiles, and even sleigh rides!
When you’ve finished playing in the snow, Aspen Springs guests can warm up round our 6’ firepit – s’mores kits are complimentary or enjoy time in our game room where you can watch a movie or the game on our 80” TV, play table shuffle board, or play games on our 10 person game/poker table. A variety of complimentary hot teas and hot chocolate has been provided for our guest’s enjoyment.
When you’ve finished playing in the snow, Aspen Springs guests can warm up round our 6’ firepit – s’mores kits are complimentary or enjoy time in our game room where you can watch a movie or the game on our 80” TV, play table shuffle board, or play games on our 10 person game/poker table. A variety of complimentary hot teas and hot chocolate has been provided for our guest’s enjoyment.