New Mexico ski resorts prep slopes amid challenging forecast

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Some New Mexico mountaintops have a dusting of snow, but forecasters are warning that the state could be in for more warm, dry weather as ski resorts prepare to open their slopes later this month.

National weather forecasters say La Nina has arrived. While it’s expected to be weak and short-lived, the cooling of ocean temperatures in the Pacific is expected to bring drier conditions to the Southwest.

“People who have been in the industry for a long time equate it to farming. That is, you’re totally dependent on Mother Nature,” said George Brooks, executive director of industry association Ski New Mexico. “You hope for a good season.”

Ski areas can “fool Mother Nature a bit” by making snow, but they still need cold temperatures, he said.

In the Taos Valley, resort managers are planning for a Thanksgiving opening despite the forecast. The snow-making crew there is active, and they’re hoping for more favourable temperatures to boost production.

Snow-making started earlier this week at Sipapu in north-central New Mexico. Officials there have delayed opening by a week due to warm weather.

Both ski areas have new offerings for this season, from a new lift and trails at Sipapu to a new multimillion-dollar lodge at Taos that’s expected to modernize the resort and provide firm footing in the fight to attract more skiers.

“This year promises to be our best yet as more of the significant investments we’ve been making in the ski area become real for our guests and local residents for the first time,” David Norden, the resort’s new CEO, said in a statement.

Overall, New Mexico had nearly 940,000 skier visits last year, up slightly from the previous season but 20 per cent above the previous five-year average. Industry officials say ski area visitation infuses more than a half-billion dollars to the economy.

This year, Brooks is hoping New Mexico hits the 1 million mark for skier visits. It’s been more than 15 years since the state’s resorts have seen numbers like that.

Duane Kinsley, owner of Sports Systems in Albuquerque, said it’s all about perception. With little snow in the forecast, some believe conditions on the slopes won’t be enjoyable. But for intermediate skiers, he said snowmaking provides enough of a base for them to have a good time.

“It might not be powdery, but it can still be great skiing,” he said.

Predictions rolled out this week by national forecasters suggest the northern third of New Mexico stands the best chance of being near average when it comes to precipitation if La Nina keeps her grip on the Southwest. Models also show above-average temperatures for the region.