If you’re searching for the ultimate family-friendly and beginner-friendly ski resort in New Mexico with short lines and easy mountain access, we have big news for the 2026-27 winter season!
At Angel Fire Resort, pushing New Mexico skiing, snowboarding (and even snowbiking) forward is in our DNA. Back in 1996, we led the way by introducing the state’s first high-speed four-seater lift. Today, we’re proud to lead the industry once again with the completion of Angel Express, New Mexico’s first-ever high-speed six-person chairlift.
This major upgrade brings our total to 8 lifts across the mountain, including 3 high-speed lifts, making it faster and easier to get up the mountain than ever before.
Spend More Time Skiing, Less Time Waiting
The Angel Express boosts our uphill capacity and will virtually eliminate lift lines even during peak holiday weekends. That means more time making memories on the slopes and less time waiting to get on the lifts.
Even better, The Angel Express provides a seamless progression for skiers and snowboarders stepping up from our beginner hill, Dream Catcher. Beginners can now easily level up their skills on friendly mid-mountain terrain without having to go directly to our 10,677-foot summit, allowing skiers and riders to build confidence and enjoy the mountain at their own pace.
The base of the Angel Express begins just steps away from The Lodge and stretches up to its top terminal located just below Leon’s Lane on Bodacious.
Angel Express By The Numbers
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Vertical Rise: 887 feet
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Slope Length: 5,342 feet
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Uphill Capacity: 1,800 people per hour
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Ride Time: 5 minutes 18 seconds
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Rope Speed: 1,000 feet per minute
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Total Chairs: 56 six-person chairs
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Towers: 15
Building a Mountain Milestone: The Construction Timeline
Bringing New Mexico’s first six-pack lift from vision to reality took over a year of dedicated craftsmanship and heavy-duty engineering:
- April 2025: Lift line cleared through the trees using specialized machinery called Fellerbunchers.
- June 2025: Bottom terminal concrete foundation poured; 15 tower holes dug and prepped with wooden forms.
- July 2025: Tower base forms positioned on the mountain with precision helicopter assistance from Timberline Helicopters.
- August 2025: Top terminal concrete base poured; Timberline Helicopters airlifted concrete directly into all 15 tower forms.
- March 2026: Demolition and removal of the legacy Lift 2.
- April 2026: Top and bottom terminals installed via crane; all 15 towers flown in and installed with help from Timberline Helicopters.
- May 2026: 49-ton haul rope spliced on site, wrapped around bull wheels and strung from the towers.
- July 2026: Six-person chairs delivered, installed, followed by load testing with weighted buckets, and fully certified for public!
Ready to Spin for 2026-27
With load testing complete and final approvals signed off, the Angel Express is officially ready for opening day this December.
Plan your winter trip to Angel Fire Resort today and experience faster laps, friendly mid-mountain progression, and a premier mountain experience on New Mexico’s newest high-speed chairlift!
