Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, Los Alamos

Low prices meet, low elevation, and poor attention to detail. Pajarito is in trouble with both warming temps and poor management. The terrain is pretty straightforward, and there isn't anything really that steep. The snow doesn't hold up well because it melts rather than sublimates, which then freezes at night. So, it's icy compared to other northern NM ski areas. When it does get powder, the top half of the mountain is a lot of fun (if you don't hit rocks/trees barely hidden under the snow). The lower half isn't steep enough for powder skiing, and you pretty much straight run to the chair for another lap of the top half. The resort and its management are in serious financial trouble. It shows up in big ways: facilities are not maintained or improved. I've personally been stuck on a broken chairlift for a few hours. But also in little ways: the groomer kicks baseball sized rocks onto the ski runs (particularly at the beginner area), and the resort just leaves them there for people to hit. It'd take maybe 30 minutes to clear the rocks from each of the common spots, but the resort cannot or won't pay staff to do that. Take it for what it is, inexpensive and careworn.

We've been coming here for 2 years now and have yet to have any bad experience. The staff is AMAZING - friendly, helpful and diligent in their jobs. The instructors are top notch and its very likely you'll be in a much smaller group size for lessons than most other places. The skiing is great (though I wish the snow gods would gift them with more snow). The ski community is far and above any other NM ski areas; we've never seen anywhere near the trash like at Santa Fe or others, and everyone really looks out for each other, checking on you if they see you down etc. We've also found it to be very family friendly and our kids really feel "at home" here. Finally, the prices and lack of crowds (both lift lines and parking are never a problem) can't be beat. Kids under 12 ski free and adult lift tickets are on demand pricing, so buying ahead saves $$ and we've never payed more than $85 for lift tickets.

First time here today. I am primarily a green trail skier. I prefer long cat track type runs. Pajarito is a very pretty, scenic ski area.Due to the weekend storm they had great snow but a lot of their signs blew down. So it was challenging finding my way.I never did find the green trail to the Mother lift that is depicted on the trail map. So I did not get to try the several green runs from that lift. I would come again though. Hopefully they get the signage fixed. Otherwise, its about the same travel time to Pajarito from Albuquerque as to Ski Santa Fe.

Lots of rocks and logs on the sides, and kinda crowded if not all the lifts are running. But the mountain is cool and the people are great. Seems like mostly locals, which is refreshing.

SO fun. We went two weeks in a row on Wednesdays. Awesome! Employees are nice. Conveyor belt was running the second visit. Parking is easy and super close. Beginner ski area is right next to lodge as you pull up. So is ticket counter. Further into lot is close to Aspen ski lift. First time we went brought our own skis rented in Santa Fe. Saw how little people were around and decided to rent directly from Pajarito the next week. Super easy and quick. In and out in 10 min! We rolled in about 11am. Great day of skiing! Spent most of the time on beginner lift, but also did Aspen lift a couple times. Aspen lift took us to top of mountain. Gorgeous! Then took the long road to the LEFT. If you're beginner like us, follow green signs that say Easiest. Zero East Road goes way left, then back to right and sends you to beginner lift again. Great ski resort!