Headin’ Home is the quintessential Angel Fire Resort trail—a true classic. Spanning the full length of the mountain from top to bottom, it’s one of the first trails we strive to open each season. It serves as a gateway to many other fantastic runs. As a green trail, it offers welcoming, cruising terrain perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels.
What Makes Headin’ Home Special
Located to the skier’s right as you unload the Chile Express lift, Headin’ Home lives up to its name by guiding you back to the base area. Stretching 3.5 miles, it’s the longest green trail in New Mexico. Along its full length, you’ll experience a gradual vertical drop of 2,000 feet.
For those skiing or snowboarding, the journey offers stunning views of the mountain’s front side. If you’re a skier or regular-footed snowboarder, the best vistas are just to your right. Goofy-footed snowboarders—you might want to ride switch to soak it all in. (Kidding, of course!)
The trail’s pitch varies, creating a playful mix of gentle slopes, fun rollers, and a few easy steeps to let you pick up some speed. This variety makes it ideal for beginners building confidence and for more experienced riders looking for a relaxing cruise.
Why Long Green Trails Matter
A long green run like Headin’ Home is significant for new skiers because it provides a few important things.
- Confidence-Building Terrain: New skiers can focus on mastering their skills without the stress of navigating challenging slopes. A longer trail gives them time to gain confidence in their ability.
- Opportunity to Practice: Skiing involves a lot of repetition to build muscle memory. A long green trail offers more time on skis and more chances to practice basic techniques like turning, stopping, and controlling speed.
- Enjoyable Progression: Instead of taking multiple short runs, a single long trail creates a smoother, more enjoyable experience. Beginners can immerse themselves in the beauty of the mountain while progressing at their own pace.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: A long beginner trail is perfect for families with skiers of varying abilities. Everyone can enjoy time together without leaving less experienced members behind.
- Gateway to Advanced Trails: As beginners improve on Headin’ Home, they’ll feel more prepared to tackle intermediate runs, making it a great stepping stone for skill progression.
Insider Tips
- For Groups: Headin’ Home is a fantastic choice if you’re skiing with a group of mixed abilities. It’s a great place to gauge everyone’s speeds and skill levels while enjoying a scenic, relaxed run.
- For Families: This trail is a perfect first run of the day for families. With its friendly terrain and manageable length, it’s a confidence booster for new skiers and a warm-up for more experienced ones.
Whether you’re new to the slopes or a seasoned rider, Headin’ Home is a must-experience trail that embodies the spirit of Angel Fire Resort. Its blend of scenery and beginner-friendly design makes it a trail you’ll want to return to time and time again.
