The Best Ski Resort Near Texas

If you live in the Lone Star state and have ever dreamed about skiing in Texas, you’ve probably realized that true mountain skiing simply isn’t an option. Ski Apache, in Alto, New Mexico, is one of the southernmost ski resorts in America, and is a close destination for those near the Texas/New Mexico border. New Mexico is an often underrated state to ski and snowboard in. While neighboring states take most of its thunder, visitors of Ski Apache know the true value and quality found here. The alpine peak of Sierra Blanca is over 12,000 feet and we are geographically positioned to have great snow and excellent skiing conditions.

Snowboarding and Skiing Near Texas

Some of the closest ski resorts to Texas are in New Mexico. Ski Apache is around 150 miles from El Paso and nearly 260 miles from Lubbock, Texas, so driving is an easy option for those close to the border. Plus, compared to further and more popular destinations, you’ll find great prices and less crowded conditions. Ruidoso, a beautiful village down the road from Ski Apache, is an outdoorsman’s paradise with much to do during the winter.

Traveling to Ski Apache From Major Texas Cities

Depending on where you live in Texas, flying is going to be the easiest way to get to Alto, New Mexico. The closest airports to Ski Apache are Roswell Air Center (ROW), Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), and El Paso International Airport (ELP). Once you land, there’s a bit of a drive from each airport, but the mountain views along the way make the final stretch worth it.  

For some Texans, driving to Ski Apache is just the first part of the adventure. Driving gives you flexibility with gear, avoids airline baggage fees for skis and snowboards, and lets you travel at your own pace. If you prefer driving, here’s a breakdown of driving distances and approximate travel times to help you plan your road trip.

Dallas

Start on Interstate 30 HOV then merge onto I-30 W and continue for 11 miles. Then, continue onto I-20 W for 182 miles. You’ll then get on US-84 for 52 miles before turning onto US-380 for 181 miles. Make a slight left onto US-70 W and follow it for 23 miles before making a right on Gavilan Canyon Road. Then, turn right on NM-48 N for .6 miles. Turn onto NM 532 and continue for 11 miles.   

Distance: 591 miles
Drive Time: 9 hours

Houston 

Get on I-45 N and then merge onto I-10 W towards San Antonio. Take exit 763 for I-610 N. Then, merge onto US-290 W and continue on for 44 miles. Exit onto Hwy 6 N/TX-6 N toward College Station and keep left on Hwy 6 N until you reach S Market Street. Then, turn left onto FM 485 W to Temple for 38 miles before turning onto TX-53 W. 

Follow W Adams Ave until you reach TX-36 N and continue onward for 90 miles. Merge onto TX-322 which will take you to 1-20 W for 50 miles. Take exit 238A for US-84 and follow along this highway for 75 miles before turning left onto US-80 W for 181 miles. Make a slight left onto US-70 W for 20 miles and make a right onto Gavilan Canyon Road. Turn right onto NM-48 and then make a left onto NM 532 and continue for 11 miles. 

Distance: 754 miles
Drive Time: 12 hours

Austin

Start on 1-35 N and take exit 240B to merge onto toll road US-183 N. Stay on US-183 N for 104 miles and continue onto US-84 for 29 miles. Make a slight right onto TX-153 W for 71 miles then merge onto State Hwy 70 N. Take the left ramp onto I-20 W before following exit 238A for US-84. Follow US-84 for 75 miles and then make a left onto US-380. Follow this highway for 181 miles before making a slight left onto US-70 W for 23 miles. Make a sharp right onto Gavilan Canyon Road. Turn right on NM-48 before making a left onto NM 532 for 11 miles. Ski Apache is located on the right. 

Distance: 603 miles
Drive Time: 10 hours

San Antonio

Get on 1-10 W and take exit 45 for US-83 N/US-377. Continue straight on US-377 for 50 miles then turn left onto US-87 N for 35 miles. Merge onto TX-306 Loop N and then merge left onto US-277. Exit onto US-277 S toward US-87 S/US-87 N. Turn right onto US-87 N and follow it for 133 miles. Next, turn right onto TX-137 N and continue for 35 miles. Get on US-380 W and follow it for 180 miles before making a slight left onto US-70 W. Finally, make a right on Gavilan Canyon Road and a right onto NM-48. Turn left onto NM 532 and Ski Apache is on  your right 11 miles down the road.

Distance: 608 miles
Drive Time: 9 hours 28 minutes

El Paso

Start on I-10 E then follow US-54 E for 40 miles. Next, take US-70 E to Sudderth and continue on this route for 42 miles. Follow Gavilan Canyon Road and NM 532 for 19 miles until you reach Ski Apache.

Distance: 155 miles
Drive Time: 3 hours

Ski Apache: A Premier Ski Resort

Ski Apache offers some of the best warm-weather powder skiing in the world. We have a mix of wide beginner slopes, challenging bump runs, a huge bowl, nice cruising runs, and a terrain park with jumps, tubes, and rails. You’ll have over 750 acres of skiable terrain to explore; what are you waiting for?

We have excellent lodging options for those of you traveling. Lodging is provided by two of our partners, Inn of the Mountain Gods and Ruidoso River Resort. Each resort offers lodging near the exciting village of Ruidoso with generous ski packages for winter visitors. Start planning your visit to Ski Apache, one of the best ski resorts near Texas for families and adventure seekers.

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