Ruidoso is a little village in New Mexico, nestled by the Sierra Blanca mountain range. It’s stunning all year round, with breathtaking landscapes offering outdoor activities like horseriding and mountain biking. However, it’s especially charming during winter. It’s home to the excellent Ski Apache, perfect for an exciting ski trip.
There are plenty of places to stay in Ruidoso — be it Airbnb rentals or cabins with hot tubs. If you’re planning a visit to this village in winter, continue reading to learn about the top ski resorts in Ruidoso, New Mexico.
What’s new in Ruidoso:
- Ruidoso launched the Real Ruidoso campaign in 2024, inviting tourists to interact closely with locals and support local businesses.
Travel advisory:
- According to Las Cruces Sun News, Ruidoso suffered from severe wildfires in mid-2024. It's best to check for alerts and updates before visiting.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to ski slopes and equipment. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 21, 2025.
Your options at a glance
| Ski Resort | Ski Level Suitability | No. Of Lifts | Season Opening Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ski Apache | 22% beginner; 33% intermediate; 45% difficult | 11 | Mid-December to mid-March |
1. Ski Apache
Nestled in Mescalero, Ski Apache is one of the closest ski resorts to Ruidoso, New Mexico. It’s also a well-known one — it’s been recognized as a premier winter sports resort in the state. It is a haven for tourists who want to reconnect with nature and enjoy winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and even hiking. It features a myriad of ski slopes that challenge skiers of various skill levels. More so, if you are a professional, I’m sure you’ll love Ski Apache’s terrain with challenging jumps. Additionally, it has a lengthy zip line that allows guests to witness the stunning views of the area from above through this adrenaline-boosting activity. On top of those, it offers ski lessons for beginners.
Ski Apache
Address: 1286 Ski Run Rd, Alto, NM 88312, United States
Website: Ski Apache
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 9am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
Price: From 54 USD
What skiers are saying about their experience:
“Great place to ski in Ruidoso. I suggest going early and trying to buy your tickets and rent your equipment off-site. The lifts are not too busy if you are an intermediate or advance skier, you can go up the mountain and not worry about kids and beginners. Place gets busy after noon, probably has to do with discounts after 1. Downside the place closes at 4. Take your own food and drinks, food here is fairly pricey.” - by Google reviewer, Wes Garcia
Accommodations near Ski Apache
All the accommodations listed below are within an hour’s drive from Ski Apache and offer amenities for a smooth ski trip. Check them out now!
2. The Three Bears Cabin (from USD 565)
The Three Bears Cabin is a two-bedroom cabin located 15.7 mi (25.27 km) away from Ski Apache. Making for the perfect home away from home for ski enthusiasts, this cabin is also close to several hiking and biking trails. Guests can access the famous ski resort without any hassles and enjoy the snowy slopes while on vacation.
The cabin also boasts plenty of conveniences, such as air-conditioning, a hot tub, and free parking. No need to worry about laundry as the cabin provides a washer and a dryer for your comfort.
Ruidoso, New Mexico, United States
6.55 km (4.1 mi) from Ruidoso Downs Race Track & CasinoSuperhost
Accommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
host was very responsive when contactingvery nice place and very nice hostdefinitely would recommend this host and staying at this cabinthey were attentive friendly and went out of their way to ensure our stay was perfectwonderful experience would recommend and love to rent again thank you for hosting usLocation:
cute little cabin and really close to the town centergreat location to area attractionsgreat location extremely close to everything and very cozythe hot tub was a huge plus after a day out walking around and shoppingcute and cozy place my family and i loved itCleanliness:
otherwise everything was clean and tidyhot tub was very nice and cleanhot tub was amazing - super clean super roomy perfect temperatureRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the furniture was comfortable inviting us to relax and enjoy our surroundings
3. Charming cabin with stunning mountain views (from USD 589)
If you are looking for a place to stay near the Ski Apache resort, I’d suggest booking this charming cabin rental. You can reach Ski Apache with a short drive and enjoy shredding the snowy slopes with friends and family.
From the rental, you will be greeted by stunning views of the mountains and the valley. For entertainment, the cabin features a TV and several books. The fully equipped kitchen ensures you can cook your favorite meals throughout your stay. Moreover, you can plan outdoor dinners with the available barbecue grill.
Ruidoso, New Mexico, United States
5.88 km (3.7 mi) from Ruidoso Downs Race Track & CasinoAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Host:
the hosts gave us great suggestions for nearby activitiesthe owners left great instructions and were very responsive as soon as we made our reservationthe hosts are extremely helpful and i definitely would stay here again thank you for everythinggreat place no issues with hosteverything was as described and the hosts made sure we had everything we neededLocation:
the location is perfectthe location is perfect as wellclose to lincoln national park we had easy access to beautiful hikes within minutesclose to town and everything you want to do in the area but extremely quiet and peacefulgreat location communication was timely house was very tidyCleanliness:
sparkling cleanextremely clean and well maintained cabin home with plenty of charmvery nice and clean homeextremely clean with everything you would needvery clean and cozy can’t wait to come backRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
nice heated bathroomthe views were amazing the cabin was beautiful and comfortablethe beds were all super comfy and the couches and chairs were also nice and comfortablethis is a wonderful cabin everything was very clean and all the furniture and beds were super comfy
4. MCM Elegante Lodge & Resorts (from USD 157)
Looking for suggestions on where to ski in Ruidoso, New Mexico? If so, MCM Elegante Lodge & Resort, only 35 minutes from Ski Apache by car, might pique your interest.
It is situated on Sierra Blanca Drive, in a serene area along with beautiful lakes and picturesque views of the village’s mountainous landscape. It boasts of a world-class golf course where you can show off your golfing skills and enjoy the views. Additionally, it houses an indoor pool that will enchant you to jump into it the moment you see it. More so, MCM Elegante Lodge & Resort has excellent spa services that will make you feel every bit relaxed.
MCM Elegante Lodge & Resorts
Address: 107 Sierra Blanca Drive
5.75 km (3.6 mi) from Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino
5. Hotel Ruidoso (from USD 110)
Apart from luxury cabins, another excellent accommodation you’ll find in the stunning village of Ruidoso is Hotel Ruidoso, a 38-minute drive from Ski Apache. It is a charming 3-star hotel that guarantees guests a memorable stay by providing VIP treatment and a multitude of upscale amenities.
It houses a delightful indoor pool and a relaxing hot tub where I’d love to unwind after a ski trip. Moreover, it has a business center, a picnic area, barbecue facilities, a snack bar, a modern fitness center, and more. On a different note, rooms in Hotel Ruidoso are spacious and with natural light. They are also equipped with a flat-screen TV, convenient appliances, and basic essentials from fresh linens to towels and toiletries.
Hotel Ruidoso
Address: 110 Chase Street
6.35 km (4.0 mi) from Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino
6. Best Western Plus Ruidoso Inn (from USD 104)
This vacation rental in Ruidoso is perched atop an elevated part of the village where the views of the area take guests’ breath away. All rooms in Best Western Plus Ruidoso Inn are WiFi-accessible and they are equipped with coffee-making facilities, a microwave oven, an air-conditioning unit, a flat-screen TV, and a cozy seating area. Mornings are made special in this hotel as guests get to start the day with a complimentary breakfast. This lovely hotel has an excellent fitness center, a business center, and a hot tub, among other delightful amenities.
What skiers are saying about their experience:
“It was quiet. The breakfast was good and included in the price. There was a hot tub for therapy after a hard day of skiing…” - by Bishoppetty (United States)
Best Western Plus Ruidoso Inn
Address: 97 Camelot Drive
2.94 km (1.9 mi) from Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino
7. Crown Point Owners Association, a VRI resort
No on-site dining, but well-equipped kitchens for self-catering with nearby grocery stores.
Reasonable rates for spacious condos with stunning mountain views.
Peaceful, secluded location on top of a mountain with beautiful views.
Indoor heated pool, well-stocked kitchen, playpen provided, and convenient ice machine.
Nestled atop Camelot Mountain and boasting breathtaking nature views, Crown Point Owners Association, a VRI Resort offers apartment-type accommodations that are perfect for families, friends, business associates, and couples on a romantic getaway. it’s a 44-minute drive from Ski Apache.
Guests share access to a wonderful heated pool, which I’m sure seems inviting after a day in the snow. It also has a hot tub that makes nightly dips even lovelier. The resort also has sports facilities where guests can burn those holiday calories. Apartments in this resort are equipped with a full kitchen, a comfortable living space, and a flat-screen TV.
Crown Point Resort
Address: 220 Crown Drive
4.2 km (2.7 mi) from Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino
8. Shadow Mountain Lodge and Cabins (from USD 148)
No breakfast provided, but close to restaurants and bakeries. Some complaints about kitchen amenities.
Reasonable pricing, with a 10% discount available. No breakfast offered.
Quiet, beautiful location near city center and mountain bike trails. Wildlife sightings and serene atmosphere.
Cozy cabins with fireplaces, grills, and a homey feel. Some maintenance issues reported.
Surprise your loved ones with a spontaneous trip to Ruidoso and a cozy accommodation at Shadow Mountain Lodge and Cabins. Located at 107 Main Road, only a 38-minute drive from Ski Apache, this excellent 3-star hotel is a wonderful haven where you can destress and enjoy the vacation feels that you very much deserve. It offers gorgeous accommodations with superb views. Aside from that, all rooms at Shadow Mountain Lodge and Cabins have a kitchen, a comfy living space, WiFi, a flat-screen TV, and most importantly, a charming en-suite bathroom. On top of that, the restaurants and shops in town are within a short drive away from this location.
Shadow Mountain Lodge and Cabins
Address: 107 Main Road
7.21 km (4.5 mi) from Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino
9. Ruidoso River Resort & Inn
Proximity to various dining options in the downtown area, and close to wine tasting venues and wineries.
Reasonable pricing for spacious, well-equipped condos.
Walking distance to shops, restaurants, and downtown area, close to major shopping, convenient for trail riding and hiking, and located by a river and tall trees.
Beautiful grounds, pet-friendly, self-check-in, washer/dryer, fireplace, private porch, provisions for pets, spacious and well-stocked kitchens, peaceful courtyard with benches, deer statues, and a fountain.
Imagine waking up to stunning nature views and the delightful embrace of the countryside winds. These are life’s simple joys that you can indulge in when you book accommodation at Ruidoso River Resort & Inn, 38 minutes from Ski Apache by car. This 4-star resort offers WiFi-equipped apartment-type accommodations that are curated for all types of guests. Each unit faces directly the gorgeous river views from its balcony. Additionally, all of them have a kitchen, which I think will appeal to families. Plus, Ruidoso River Resort & Inn have barbecue facilities for guests who plan to have a mini-barbecue party.
Ruidoso River Resort Condos
Address: 206 North Eagle Drive
5.72 km (3.6 mi) from Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino
10. Village Lodge (from USD 90)
If you are looking for spacious accommodations that have all the amenities of a regular home, you’ll surely love the offerings of Village Lodge. This three-star resort, located a 34-minute drive from Ski Apache, offers lovely suite vacation units with a kitchen to prepare your daily meals and a fireplace to warm the cold nights. Guests can even enjoy massage room services. Outdoor, there are barbecue facilities that will surely make your barbecue parties a memorable one. On top of that, Ruidoso Downs Race Track is within a short drive away from Village Lodge.
What skiers are saying about their experience:
“Really great location of you want to shop but also ski. Grocery store conveniently located and easy to navigate with really good food places and ski rentals fairly close. National Park right outside the community…” - by Google reviewer, Justin Branden
Village Lodge
Address: 1000 Mechem Drive
6.36 km (4.0 mi) from Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino
11. Sitzmark Chalet Inn (from USD 91)
Make your Ruidoso adventure even more memorable by staying at Sitzmark Chalet Inn, a 40-minute drive from Ski Apache. Conveniently located within a fair distance from Ski Apache, guests can head to the ski paradise in a short time. All units in this lovely inn are fully furnished and well-equipped with outstanding amenities. Each one has a coffeemaker, a microwave oven, a fridge, and basic essentials are provided for guests’ added convenience.
Plus, a continental breakfast is served throughout your stay, and I’d suggest enjoying it before starting your adventure.
Sitzmark Chalet Inn
Address: 627 Suddreth Drive
3.83 km (2.4 mi) from Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino
Enjoy a getaway in Ruidoso
Ruidoso is a breathtaking village in New Mexico that is an ideal hideaway destination for nature lovers. It is a paradise all year round and is even more enchanting during the winter season because of its landscapes which are perfect for outdoor opportunities.
If you are looking for the best Airbnb vacation rentals or ski resorts in the area, use this list as your guide in choosing the best Ruidoso ski lodge for you.
Furthermore, there are other accommodations such as Vrbo vacation rentals in Ruidoso that are close to nature for easier access to outdoor adventures.
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