Every ski resort has its own personality. At Angel Fire Resort, that personality is shaped by the people, places, and pieces of history that inspired our trail names. Some runs honor beloved locals. Others remember iconic instructors. A few pay tribute to regional history. And some began with a simple story overheard in the early days of building the resort.
Today, we are taking you behind the scenes for a little history lesson to share how many of your favorite Angel Fire trails got their names.
Domingo
Domingo was a beloved local who drove the school bus in Angel Fire. The run honors his steady presence in the community and the way he cared for local families.
Johnny’s Run
Named for John Burt, a dedicated Ski Patroller, Patrol Director, and Mountain Manager who helped shape how the resort still operates today.
Shane’s Glade
This glade is named after Shane Harris, a ski school instructor and ski patroller who lost his life in 2006 serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. His passion for teaching and his joyful personality left a lasting imprint on the mountain.
The “H” Runs
Hell’s Bells, Hallelujah, Highway, Headin’ Home, Heck No, and High Road all share the same inspiration. They honor Roy H. Lebus, the founder and original owner of Angel Fire Resort. His legacy lives on through some of the most iconic terrain on the mountain.
Moe’s Road
This trail was originally cut during the installation of the triple chair lift, where the Chile Express now goes up. The name stuck, and Moe’s Road has been part of the mountain’s story ever since.
Maxwell’s Grant
This trail pays homage to the historic Maxwell Land Grant. At more than 1.7 million acres, it was the largest privately owned contiguous tract of land in the United States. It once covered parts of northeastern New Mexico and southern Colorado and has significant importance in the history of the region.
Minder Binder
Minder Binder has one of the most colorful naming stories on the mountain. It was originally called Jaspers and was a glade in the early eighties. When Angel Fire hosted the FIS Freestyle World Cup Finals, the trees were removed and the space changed. The name Minder Binder came later and was borrowed from a bar in Phoenix that the resort’s former owners loved to visit.
Jaspers
Today’s Jaspers trail honors Jasper Hicks, one of the first directors of ski patrol. His leadership and knowledge helped establish the high safety standards our guests enjoy.
Headin’ Home
Headin’ Home is not only one of our signature trails but also the longest green run in the Rocky Mountains. In the early days of resort development, it was the only way to get from the back basin back to the base. It quickly earned its place as a favorite among families and new skiers.
Dream Catcher
Named by longtime Angel Fire Resort employee Robin May, Dream Catcher reflects the spirit of possibility and wonder that defines skiing at Angel Fire.
Liberation Park
Known as Angel Food in earlier years, Liberation Park now provides the creative, high-energy terrain that freestyle skiers and riders love.
Exhibition
Originally named Kirk’s Hill, this run was named after Kirk, a ski instructor and racer who once set a world endurance skiing record by skiing roughly seventy-two hours without stopping.
Free Flight
Free Flight was named for a jazz ensemble that performed during the inaugural Music from Angel Fire season. The musicians wrote a piece called Angel Fire, and the trail carries that artistic legacy.
Prospector
This trail once went by the name Tuckered Out. Today, it is known as Prospector, a nod to the explorers and adventurers who helped shape New Mexico’s history.
A Mountain Full of Meaning
Every run on our mountain carries a story. When you ski Angel Fire, you are moving through the legacy of people who shaped this place with their hands, their passion, and their creativity.
Ready to make your own memories on these historic runs?
Plan your ski getaway at Angel Fire Resort this winter. Book your lift tickets and lodging today.
