Ski Apache, one of the premier ski and snowboarding resorts in the Southwest, opens for the 2008-2009 winter season on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27. Ski Apache is the perfect retreat for all snow-lovers, offering a variety of trails for skiers and snowboarders – and even a tubing hill for younger guests and those young at heart. With snowfall already being reported on the mountain, Ski Apache officials are optimistic for an on-time opening.
“With so many new amenities debuting at Ski Apache, we are extremely excited for this year’s season,” said Justin Rowland, director of operations for Ski Apache.
“The ski resort offers something for everyone – people of all skill levels are encouraged to come up and enjoy the runs, new tubing hill and great snow conditions.”
Sitting atop the peak of Sierra Blanca, Ski Apache offers 55 trails for skiers and snowboarders to explore, with a top elevation of 11,500 feet.
As the southern-most major ski location in the United States, the resort has a dry, arid climate that makes for optimal snow conditions, typically producing more than 15 feet annually.
Additionally, should the weather not cooperate throughout the season, Ski Apache boasts a state-of-the art snow-making system. The ski resort has the ability to create enough snow to cover more than 35 percent of the entire mountain – even when the temperature rises above 32 degrees.
In celebration of opening day, Ski Apache and Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino are offering a special ski and stay package. The first 50 guests who book by November 27 will receive one free lift ticket per room when they stay Sunday through Thursday.
The offer runs from Nov. 30 to Dec. 18 and provides guests the opportunity to play from day to night.
“Enjoying the nightlife at the resort is the perfect ending to a day on the slopes,” said Douglas Lentz, COO of Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino.
“Having the opportunity to take in a show, play in the casino and order a gourmet meal – on top of the outstanding Ski Apache accommodations – allows guests to achieve the complete getaway vacation experience.”
One Ski Apache amenity that is offered exclusively to guests of Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino is the new Ski Valet service.
Through Ski Valet, hotel guests can pre-order their ski rental equipment prior to heading up to the mountain.
Upon arriving at Ski Apache, patrons will find all of their customized orders waiting, allowing them to avoid lines and get on the slopes faster.
Ski Valet is free for all Inn of the Mountain Gods guests, who can request the service when booking their room reservations.
“Our goal at Ski Apache is to make everything as easy and accessible for our guests as possible,” Rowland said.
“We want them to start having fun the moment they walk onto the property and be able to take advantage of all of the great experiences the resort has to offer.”
Ski Apache is also a great place for beginners to get their first taste of skiing and snowboarding.
The resort’s Snow Sports Learning Center offers several daily instructional programs where qualified instructors provide training on techniques and safety of the sports.
However, for those not yet ready to don the ski gear, there is a newly opened tubing hill and the recently renovated Elk Lodge restaurant to enjoy.
“We see so many people return year after year to Ski Apache,” Rowland said. “Many of them learned how to ski here themselves, and now they bring their children to share in the experience.
“The mountain is a special place – one we strive to keep on the cutting edge of ski technology, but also always retain the charm that keeps people coming back.”
For more information on pricing, hours and weather conditions, please call 464-3600 or visit www.skiapache.com.
Information on room rates and ski packages at Inn of the Mountain Gods can be found at www.innofthemountaingods.com or by calling toll-free (888) 262-0478.