Pajarito, NM 02/13/09

[Tony Crocker]

With the banner start to this season in NM, we are almost certainly headed to Taos in late March after we get back from Indonesia. Of the NM places I have not skied, Pajarito is definitely the one that interests me the most.

 

[jamesdeluxe]

Of the NM places I have not skied, Pajarito is definitely the one that interests me the most.

To make sure that you have realistic expectations, reread my description on page 1 of this thread. Don't go there counting on Taos-level terrain. The draws are the spectacular views, the private-ski-area feel Wednesdays through Fridays, and some nice tree shots.

 

[MarzNC]

If you had an extra day in NM, would you choose Santa Fe or Pajarito? I've skied a few hours at SF but not in good conditions. Have only looked around the Pajarito base on the way to Taos. Have the impression that Pajarito gets more days when powder turns are possible.

 

[jamesdeluxe]

If you had an extra day in NM, would you choose Santa Fe or Pajarito?

There's no question that Santa Fe is the more interesting of the two. As mentioned on page 1, Pajarito is like a New Mexico version of Belleayre NY with similar fall-line trails; however, it wins for old-school vibe and lack of crowds.

Have the impression that Pajarito gets more days when powder turns are possible.

@Tony Crocker can confirm but I'm reasonably sure that it averages about as much as the Catskills, approx. 125 inches with lots of volatility, so timing is everything especially given that its operations are limited to Fri/Sat/Sun.

 

[MarzNC]

BUMP after @jamesdeluxe posted a link

I was always under the impression that Mad River Glen was the only not-for-profit ski area that is run by its members, but the similarities between MRG and Pajarito are interesting:
LASC (Los Alamos Ski Club) is a not-for-profit organization with a membership of about 2000 - 3000, who elect a volunteer board of nine directors, serving three-year terms. By charter, memberships (voting season pass holders) are limited to persons who primarily live or work in the county. Non-voting season passes may be purchased by anyone. The area is open to day skiers, who have constituted about a third of the users since the early days at Pajarito.

Mountain Capital Partners bought Pajarito in 2014. Seems as if construction for major improvements didn't start until relatively recently. The timeline is not that unusual given the permitting process these days.

October 2024

What's New at Pajarito - Pajarito Mountain Ski Area

Exciting Winter Upgrades at Pajarito Mountain As Pajarito Mountain gears up for another amazing winter season, scheduled to begin December 13, we’re thrilled to announce several exciting capital expenditure (Capex) […]

www.pajarito.ski

March 2025

Jemez Mountain Fire Protection Project - Pajarito Mountain Ski Area

Pajarito Mountain and Los Alamos County have partnered to develop a pipeline from the city of Los Alamos to the ski area that will provide consistent snowmaking.

www.pajarito.ski

"
Los Alamos, NM: Today, Los Alamos County announced the Jemez Mountain Fire Protection Project, a groundbreaking public-private collaboration that will revolutionize snowmaking at Pajarito Mountain while enhancing fire suppression efforts in the Jemez.

The project includes the construction of a pipeline from Los Alamos to Pajarito, as well as upgraded electric and fiber optic utilities along Camp May Road. Scheduled to begin on April 1, 2025, the pipeline will deliver water to a 250,000-gallon tank at the base of the ski area, ensuring consistent, season-long snowmaking. This infrastructure will not only expand early and late-season operations but will also increase terrain availability and snow quality throughout the winter. The tank will pump water into Pajarito’s existing reservoir at the top of the mountain.

“For decades, Pajarito has been known as a hidden gem—offering incredible terrain but always at the mercy of Mother Nature,” said Jasen Bellomy, Pajarito Mountain’s General Manager. “With this project, that changes. We’re set to become the snowmaking capital of New Mexico. This means earlier openings, more terrain, and a more reliable ski season for our local community and beyond.”

. . ."