If you’re a Houstonian looking to hit the slopes without traveling too far, you may be wondering which ski resort is the closest. Luckily, there are a few options within reasonable driving distance. Let’s explore!
The Closest Ski Resort to Houston: Ski Apache
Ski Apache, located in Ruidoso, New Mexico, is the closest ski resort to Houston. The resort boasts 55 runs and trails spread across 750 skiable acres. With a base elevation of 9,600 feet and a summit elevation of 11,500 feet, Ski Apache offers skiers and snowboarders an average annual snowfall of 15 feet.
What You Can Expect at Ski Apache
- Top-notch skiing and snowboarding for all levels
- Spectacular views from the summit
- On-site dining options including a restaurant and bar
- Rentals for all necessary equipment including skis/snowboards, helmets, and boots
- A wide range of accommodation options nearby if you want to stay overnight (including hotels, motels, cabins, and condos)
Getting There from Houston
The drive from Houston to Ski Apache takes about 12 hours. You’ll want to take I-10 West towards San Antonio until you reach Fort Stockton.
From there, take US-285 North towards Pecos. Once in Pecos, take I-20 West towards Odessa/Midland until you reach US-62/US-180 West near Hobbs. Take that route all the way to Ruidoso.
Pro tip: If you’re not comfortable with driving that far or don’t have access to a car suitable for snowy conditions (i.e., four-wheel drive), consider flying into Roswell or El Paso and renting a car from there.
Other Ski Resorts Within Driving Distance of Houston
If Ski Apache doesn’t quite fit the bill for you, there are a few other ski resorts within driving distance of Houston to consider:
Taos Ski Valley
Taos Ski Valley is located in Taos, New Mexico, and features 110 runs spread across 1,294 skiable acres. With a summit elevation of 12,481 feet, Taos offers an average annual snowfall of 305 inches.
Angel Fire Resort
Angel Fire Resort is also located in New Mexico near Taos. The resort features 80 runs and trails over 560 skiable acres. With a summit elevation of 10,677 feet, Angel Fire offers an average annual snowfall of 210 inches.
Ruidoso Winter Park
Ruidoso Winter Park is a smaller ski area located in Ruidoso, New Mexico. The park features tubing and sledding hills rather than traditional ski runs.
Conclusion
While Ski Apache may be the closest ski resort to Houston, there are several other options within reasonable driving distance. Whether you’re an experienced skier or just looking for some snowy fun with the family, these resorts offer a great way to escape the Texas heat and enjoy some winter sports.