Industry News
Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort, New Mexico, will celebrate its 73rd year with a big birthday present: the opening of Lift 3, a two-person chairlift that replaces a 47-year-old vintage surface lift. Sipapu will host a ribbon-cutting at 11:00 a.m. on January 24 at the base of Lift 3.
Construction on the new lift began in June, and the resort is finally ready to unveil it to the public. The upgrade provides easier access to popular beginner terrain higher up the mountain. “I’m very proud of our team,” John Paul Bradley, General Manager of Sipapu, said. “This project has taken a ton of grit from our team. I’m grateful to everyone who worked on this project, from the engineers to the Sipapu staff.”
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The replacement of Lift 3 marks the second new lift in less than a decade and the fifth new lift since Mountain Capital Partners (MCP) began managing the ski area in 2001. The upgrade addresses a longstanding barrier to guests accessing some of Sipapu’s best beginner and intermediate terrain, including one of the resort’s terrain parks and popular beginner-friendly runs, Brandy and Candy.
“Lift 3 opens up some of our favorite beginner-friendly trails higher up the mountain,” Bradley said. “Before, that area was served by a surface lift that could be tricky for newer skiers to navigate. Now families and beginners can easily access these beautiful upper mountain runs and really explore more of what Sipapu has to offer.”
The project represents a successful collaboration between Sipapu and the U.S. Forest Service, working within the resort’s existing Master Development Plan to replace aging infrastructure.
The lift replacement is part of Sipapu’s broader modernization plan for the Lift 3 area. Upcoming projects include:
- New skier services deck with expanded patio dining space
- Additional restroom facilities
- Enhanced snowmaking for the Lift 3 area, enabling earlier seasonal opening
“These future projects will provide an infrastructure that allows guests to remain on the upper mountain without having to descend to the base area for food and bathroom facilities. This is hugely beneficial for families with children.” Bradley emphasized. “I want to personally thank the community for participating in the approval process and supporting this project.”
Grand Opening Details
- 11:00 a.m. Ribbon Cutting at the base of Lift 3
- 12:30 p.m. Sipapu Birthday Party featuring FREE cupcakes, music & more.
Mountain Stats:
- 9,255 feet Peak Elevation
- 8,200 feet Base Elevation
- 1,055 feet Vertical Drop
- 215 Skiable Acres
- 43 Named Trails
- Beginner Trails: 20%
- Intermediate Trails: 40% moderate slope
- Expert Trails: 40%
- 4 Terrain Parks
- 6 Lifts
- 1 Quad Chair Lift
- 2 Triple Chair Lifts
- 1 Platter Lift
- 2 Magic Carpets
Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort is New Mexico’s fastest-growing ski resort. Located just 20 miles southeast of Taos and 2 hours north of Albuquerque, Sipapu offers family-friendly fun for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Family-owned and operated since 1952, Sipapu is home to New Mexico’s longest ski season and the best deals in the Rockies. The resort is surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Carson National Forest, and features over 40 trails, six lifts, and two terrain parks. On-site amenities include slope-side lodging, a full-service ski shop, ski school, and the mountain restaurant and bar, the Riverside Cafe.
