Texans, New Mexicans and Arizonians Can Enjoy Skiing The Desert

It's obviously not a year 'round activity but it can be done here in the Borderland and throughout the southwest.

It's not just skiers in the El Paso area that can enjoy true winter sports in the desert, fellow powder lovers in New Mexico and Arizona can do it as well.

There is a ski resort about 2 hours from El Paso and several more throughout New Mexico and Arizona that are easy day trips and/or weekend getaways. Or, you can plan a full - on vacation around them.

We'll start with El Paso's winter playground, Ski Apache. Located about 140 miles from the 915, in Ruidoso, the resort offers skiing, snowboarding, enclosed gondolas, the world's highest/longest zipline and more.

Not to mention the Inn Of The Mountain Gods, an amazing hotel situated on a lake with a nice assortment of restaurants, bars, live entertainment and a casino.

All just a 2 hour drive from El Paso ... easy - peasy.

Next up are the slopes near Albuquerque. It's about a 4 hour drive to get there and well worth the trip.

From there, it's less than 50 miles to Sandia Peak. The tram ride up to Sandia Peak alone is worth taking. You should know though that, like the ski resort itself, the tram doesn't operate year round.

Sandia Peak offers skiing and snowboarding while snowmobile rentals are available nearby. A total of 7 ski resorts lie within a few hundred miles of Albuquerque.

Arizona has 4 ski resorts that will make you completely forget you're in the desert.

Arizona Snowbowl, according to justsimplywander.com, is the best spot for beginners. Ski Valley, north of Tucson, is the closest to El Paso. (356 miles, approx. 6 hour drive.)

While, obviously, you can't ski all year; Ski Valley is open all year. Note: During ski season, the sky ride is not available for "joyrides". Skiers only, sorry.