Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort in northern New Mexico is proposing a major expansion that would nearly double its skiable terrain, add three new chairlifts and introduce an extensive lineup of year-round recreational activities on land within Carson National Forest.
The U.S. Forest Service’s Camino Real Ranger District accepted the resort’s application on October 15, advancing a proposal that would add approximately 915 acres of national forest land to Sipapu’s permitted footprint. Of that additional land, roughly 200 acres would be developed into new skiable terrain, increasing the mountain’s total from 215 to 415 acres.
The proposal includes three new chairlifts, an additional conveyor lift, expanded snowmaking, new snowshoe trails, an on-mountain restaurant and five additional parking areas.
Major Expansion Planned for One of New Mexico’s Smallest Ski Resorts
Located about 20 miles southeast of Taos, Sipapu currently offers 215 acres of skiable terrain, 43 named trails and six lifts. The proposed expansion would represent one of the most significant transformations in the resort’s history.
The project would also include improvements to existing trails and vegetation management across portions of the mountain.
Sipapu is operated by Mountain Capital Partners, which has invested in snowmaking, lift infrastructure and other improvements at the resort since acquiring it in 2000. More recently, the mountain received approval to replace its historic Lift 3 surface lift with a double chairlift, a separate project intended to make beginner terrain more accessible.
Mountain Biking, Mountain Coaster and Summer Activities
The expansion isn’t limited to skiing and snowboarding. Sipapu is also proposing approximately 30 miles of mountain biking trails, a mountain coaster, zip lines, a challenge course, summer tubing and an additional disc golf course.
Other possibilities include fishing and water-based recreation at a proposed snowmaking reservoir, potentially giving the resort a much larger collection of summer activities.
Forest Service Approval Still Required
The Forest Service application is pending and the expansion has not been approved for construction.
The proposal will require environmental review and an amendment to the Carson National Forest land management plan. Federal officials must evaluate potential impacts on wildlife, water resources, soils, public recreation access, cultural resources and neighboring communities.
The expansion has been under consideration in various forms for years. Sipapu submitted a master development plan in 2012 and an amended version in 2019. The current application represents another step toward advancing those long-term plans.
The Forest Service anticipates conducting an environmental assessment, although a more extensive environmental impact statement could be required. A public comment period will be announced at a later date.
No construction timeline has been announced, and the proposed improvements remain subject to federal review and approval.
