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Fiance and I are looking at visiting Ski Apache in late January. The plan would be to drive from Dallas. How are road conditions typically? This being our first time making it out that way, is it a safe trip? Would be in a Honda Accord.
I saw the driving conditions thread on the outdoor board, but it was for a more specific period of time in December. Thanks for any help/tips.
To add to what Killer said, Ruidoso is hit or miss as far as skiing conditions go. This year is really good by Ruidoso standards. They've had more snow this year than they've had in probably 20 years. It'll probably be fairly crowded with the conditions as good as they are. Also, the Indians that run the place are world class ass holes. They're also notorious for exaggerating their base. For example, they're currently reporting 120" base and I can state as fact that they don't have anywhere near 120" base. Maybe 50". Maybe. Getting up the mountain can be difficult if you don't have 4WD. I wouldn't plan on heading up in a Honda Accord.
If you get there and don't like the crowds, look at heading down to Cloudcroft for a day. It's about 60 miles. Very small hill with only one lift to the top of the mountain but it will literally be like skiing your own personal mountain. It's pretty cheap as well.
I've been to Ski Apache once this year and it was decent. It's never near as good as anything you'll ski in Northern NM or Colorado but I live in Lubbock so it's a quick trip.
If I were you, I'd plan on heading to Northern NM and skiing Santa Fe. They've been getting dumped on all year. I was at Santa Fe in mid-December and the conditions were incredible. Last I checked, the only mountain with more snow than Santa Fe was Wolf Creek which is to be expected. You can also ski Sipapu and Pajarito in Los Alamos. Taos/Red River/Angel Fire aren't too far of a drive either. They will close 285 north out of Santa Fe if they get a lot of snow so keep in that in mind if you are planning on going north to Taos.
If you're a powder hound, continue the drive on over to Wolf Creek/Pagosa and ski there. It's always flush with incredible powder.
As far as road conditions, it's hit or miss. Just monitor the weather the few days before you head out. Also, drivetexas.org and nmroads.com are you friend. Currently, you would have no problem at all getting to Ruidoso.
