Winter Van Life: Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort
When We Visited: February 2020
I wouldn’t drive across the country for a trip dedicated to Sipapu. However, if you’re already in northern New Mexico near Taos, you might as well check it out, especially if you have a Power Pass or Loveland’s season pass. Otherwise, half-day tickets were under $50 during the 2019/20 season. Sipapu is only 215 skiable acres, so you probably won’t put in a full day.
Sipapu is more of a green and blue mountain. The runs are narrow and are closer to the width of a cat track. But there is some interesting advanced tree terrain. Check out their trail map.
We had spring skiing conditions during our visit, so trails were a mix of slushy and extremely icy. I spoke with a ski patroller for some guidance heading into advanced and expert terrain since coverage was patchy. He recommended anything with Gamble in the trail name, No Caboose, and Razzmataz for the warmer half of the day. Apparently, the traverse to Razzmataz was like a luge first thing in the morning.
Plan Your RV/Van Life Road Trip to Sipapu
sipapu.ski
5224 Highway 518, Vadito, NM 87579
(575) 587-2240
ski@sipapu.ski
Hours of Operation
Pass affiliation: Power Pass 2023/24, Loveland 2023/24, Monarch Mountain 2023/24
Mountain Stats
- Average annual snowfall: 185 inches
- Skiable terrain: 215 acres
- Vertical drop: 1,055 feet
- More stats
Driving to Sipapu
The roads leading to Sipapu from any direction are curvy, but you won’t be going over any treacherous mountain passes.
For more information, including scenic driving suggestions, see Directions to Sipapu.
Parking at Sipapu
There is a small parking area at their single base lodge. If that fills up, there is parking across the highway not far from the lifts.
Working Remotely at Sipapu
In 2020, we were able to send texts and emails using our AT&T hotspot from Sipapu’s parking lot, but only with a cell booster. Sipapu’s parking lot. I don’t think a video call would’ve worked. Service might’ve improved over the years.
For the best cell service, you might have to go into Taos.
Where to Sleep in Your Van/RV
Sipapu offers RV and campsites for a nightly fee. Based on our experience, I would contact them ahead of time before booking anything. You can email reservations@sipapu.ski.
We wanted to stay in a campsite. However, the road to get to the campground was unplowed upon our arrival, and the bridge we needed to cross had low hanging branches that we would not be able to avoid. I spoke with the front desk at the lodge, and they agreed to let us park elsewhere on their property. If you look at their Resort Map, we parked overnight between the Hotel Rooms and Casitas.
If you don’t choose to camp at Sipapu, you might be able to find a boondocking site on public lands. New Mexico gets a lot less snow than other western states, and we noticed many dirt roads were passable.
Angel Fire RV Resort – 42.5 miles / 60 minutes in Angel Fire – This RV park is an hour away from Sipapu, but if you’re also skiing Angel Fire, it might be a good option for you. We love their showers, and we could get excellent AT&T cell service.
Conveniences Near Sipapu
Sipapu is in a remote area. For the most conveniences you’ll want to head to Taos (40 minutes).
We liked Albertsons Market (A Paseo del Pueblo Sur) for grocery shopping. Like most Albertsons we shopped at while in New Mexico, they bake Hatch green chile and cheese bread on-site.
If you need service for your Mercedes Sprinter van, Mercedes-Benz of Santa Fe is 90 minutes from Sipapu.
Closest Ski Areas to Sipapu
- Taos Ski Valley (Ikon Pass 2023/24, Mountain Collective 2023/24) – 43.5 miles / 60 minutes in Taos Ski Valley
- Angel Fire Resort (Powder Alliance 2023/24, Monarch Mountain 2023/24) – 46.7 miles / 60 minutes in Angel Fire
- Pajarito (Power Pass 2023/24, Loveland 2023/24, Monarch Mountain 2023/24) – 69.1 miles / 90 minutes in Los Alamos
- Ski Santa Fe – 76 miles / 2 hours in the Santa Fe National Forest near Santa Fe
- Sandia Peak Ski Area (Power Pass 2023/24) – 118 miles / 2.5 hours in the Sandia Mountains near Sandia Park
Sightseeing Near Sipapu
Our time in New Mexico also took us to Angel Fire Resort. Since we traveled from Pajarito to Angel Fire through Taos, we completed the southernmost part of the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway on our way there. When we left Angel Fire, we went north through Red River and Questa, then back south to Taos. Sipapu is just south of the circle. You could start in Taos only 40 minutes away.
