Fun little place to let the kids run around for not to much money. We went during winter and the outdoor activities were closed will be back this summer
1 / 10

Ski Run Road Scenic Drive

4.2
·2k reviews·Ruidoso, United States

Experience winter thrills with snow tubing, a mountain coaster, and cozy igloo tents at Ruidoso Winter Park.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, shorter lines

CrowdLow
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Fun little place to let the kids run around for not to much money. We went during winter and the outdoor activities were closed will be back this summer

Ski Run Road Scenic Drive

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, shorter lines

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience winter thrills with snow tubing, a mountain coaster, and cozy igloo tents at Ruidoso Winter Park.

4.2
(2k reviews)

"Great fun for the family, but be prepared for long lines!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Online Early

Tickets can sell out! Secure your spot online to avoid disappointment and potential price increases.

⏳ Be Patient with Lines

Lines for tubing and the coaster can be long. Bring snacks and patience!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Snow Tubing Thrills

Snow Tubing Thrills

Snow-tubing runs

Experience exhilarating rides down multiple speed chutes, including a dedicated toddler lane.

Mountain Coaster Adventure

Mountain Coaster Adventure

Mountain coaster track

Enjoy a scenic and thrilling ride down the mountain, offering a different perspective.

Cozy Igloo Tents

Cozy Igloo Tents

Heated igloo tents

Rent a warm, private igloo tent for a unique and comfortable winter experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

Tickets sell out, especially for popular times. Booking online saves hassle and guarantees entry. Consider package deals for multiple activities.

Prepare for Lines

Expect significant wait times for snow tubing and the mountain coaster, even with pre-purchased tickets. Factor this into your day.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, shorter lines
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Day-trippers depart
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

First time on Ruidoso - Some advices please

🎟️ Book Online Early

Tickets can sell out! Secure your spot online to avoid disappointment and potential price increases. Reddit

⏳ Be Patient with Lines

Lines for tubing and the coaster can be long. Bring snacks and patience! Reddit

reddit.com

Suggestions for a full week activity

reddit.com

Where and when can i go ski in ruidoso?

🧥 Dress in Layers

Weather can change. Layers are key for comfort, even on warmer winter days. Reddit

🚗 Free Parking Available

Plenty of parking is available on-site and it's free! Reddit

reddit.com

First trip to Ski Apache- looking for advice :)

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Online Early

Tickets can sell out! Secure your spot online to avoid disappointment and potential price increases. Reddit

⏳ Be Patient with Lines

Lines for tubing and the coaster can be long. Bring snacks and patience! Reddit

🧥 Dress in Layers

Weather can change. Layers are key for comfort, even on warmer winter days. Reddit

🚗 Free Parking Available

Plenty of parking is available on-site and it's free! Reddit

💰 Consider Activity Bundles

Look into package deals if you plan on doing multiple activities to save money. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally praise Ruidoso Winter Park for its fun snow-tubing runs and the exciting mountain coaster, with many families enjoying the dedicated toddler chute. However, the significant wait times for attractions are a recurring concern, with some feeling the cost doesn't fully align with the time spent waiting versus participating.

"My family and I enjoyed our day at Ruidoso Winter Park. Prefect spot for winter time activities like tubing and zip lining. We had a fantastic time sliding down the different speed chutes. They even have a toddler chute which my grandson adored! We wrapped up our day with a ride on their mountain coaster."

Bonbon Sainz

"I really liked the park it was fun. The slides were great there was organization but every slide took 35-55+ minutes.

That I could guess, maybe 1K guests and with a hefty ticket of $80 dollars and $25 for the rollercoaster 1 adult 1 child (5y).

I spent 3 hours on lines and 15 minutes sliding. For the price not sure if it's really worth it. But definitely worth the experience"

Jose O. Contreras

"My family visited today and we had such a great time!! The slides were all amazing and all of the staff was super friendly and helpful! My kids are 17 and 11 and they both had so much fun! We did a lot of trecking through the snow, but there is a magic carpet that takes you up both sides of the mountain to the separate slides. We will be making this a yearly trip."

April Amador

What People Like

Exciting snow tubing
Fun mountain coaster
Toddler-friendly options

What People Dislike

Long wait times
High ticket prices

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ruidoso Winter Park is located in Ruidoso, New Mexico. It's accessible by car, and many visitors drive from nearby cities like El Paso, Texas. The drive itself can be scenic, especially in winter conditions. Reddit

Yes, there is plenty of free parking available at the park. This is a significant plus for visitors, especially during peak times. Reddit

GPS navigation systems are generally reliable for finding the park. It's always a good idea to double-check the route, especially if traveling in snowy conditions. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary by activity. Snow tubing is a primary attraction, with prices around $80 for adults and children. The mountain coaster has a separate ticket, costing about $25 per ride. Reddit

Absolutely! It's highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance, as the park can reach capacity and stop selling tickets at the gate. This also helps you secure your preferred time slot. Reddit

Yes, you can purchase tickets for individual activities like snow tubing and the mountain coaster. Some reviews suggest looking into package deals if you plan on enjoying multiple attractions. Reddit

Operating hours can vary depending on the season and day of the week. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date schedule before your visit. Reddit

Yes, the park offers a dedicated toddler chute for snow tubing, ensuring even the youngest visitors can enjoy the winter fun safely. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The park is famous for its snow-tubing runs with various speed chutes, a thrilling mountain coaster, and zip lines. They also offer heated igloo tents for rent. Reddit

Wait times for snow tubing and the mountain coaster can be substantial, often ranging from 35-55 minutes or more per ride during busy periods. Reddit

Yes, food trucks are typically available on-site, offering various options. There are also plenty of seating areas to enjoy your meal. Reddit

Dress in warm layers, including waterproof outerwear, gloves, and hats. Comfortable, waterproof boots are essential for navigating snowy terrain. Reddit

The park provides the necessary equipment for snow tubing. For other activities like zip-lining, check their specific rental policies. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ruidoso Winter Park is a fantastic destination for families. The dedicated toddler chute for snow tubing ensures even the youngest members can join in the fun. The magic carpet system makes getting back up the hill easier for little legs. Reddit

While lines can be long, consider renting a heated igloo tent for a comfortable base where kids can warm up and rest. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks to keep energy levels up during wait times. The mountain coaster also offers a fun ride for older children and adults. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Visiting Ruidoso Winter Park can be an investment. While parking is free, the cost of tickets for snow tubing and the mountain coaster can add up, especially for families. Reddit

To manage costs, prioritize which activities are most important. Consider visiting on a weekday when crowds might be smaller, potentially leading to more efficient use of your time and money. Bringing your own snacks and drinks can also help reduce on-site food expenses. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The winter landscape around Ruidoso Winter Park offers beautiful photo opportunities, especially with snow-covered pines. Capture the action of snow tubing and the scenic views from the mountain coaster. Reddit

Consider visiting during the 'golden hour' (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) for softer light and potentially fewer crowds. The igloo tents also offer unique framing possibilities for photos. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Snow Tubing Experience

Ruidoso Winter Park is renowned for its snow-tubing runs, offering a variety of chutes with different speeds. Visitors can enjoy multiple lanes, and there's a special chute designed for toddlers, making it a family-friendly activity. A 'magic carpet' system is in place to transport tubers back up the mountain, which is a convenient feature. However, be prepared for potentially long wait times, with some guests reporting waits of 35-55 minutes or more per slide. Reddit

To make the most of your tubing experience, consider visiting on a weekday or during off-peak hours to minimize wait times. Pre-purchasing your tickets online is crucial, as the park often reaches capacity and stops selling tickets at the gate. Reddit

Tip: While the lines can be long, the actual sliding time is brief but exhilarating. Many visitors find the experience worth the wait, especially for the unique winter fun it provides. Reddit

The Mountain Coaster: A Different Kind of Thrill

Beyond snow tubing, the mountain coaster at Ruidoso Winter Park offers a distinct adventure. This attraction allows riders to descend the mountain in a controlled cart, providing scenic views and a dose of adrenaline. It's a popular addition for those seeking a different kind of winter thrill. Reddit

Similar to snow tubing, the mountain coaster can also experience significant wait times. The cost for this ride is typically separate from the snow tubing tickets, adding to the overall expense for families. Reddit

Consideration: While the ride itself is relatively short, the experience of zipping down the mountain is often described as fun and memorable. It's a great option for those who want a bit more speed and a unique perspective of the park's landscape. Reddit

Renting Igloo Tents for a Cozy Escape

For a unique and comfortable experience, Ruidoso Winter Park offers heated igloo tents for rent. These provide a private, warm space to relax and escape the cold, especially appealing for families or groups wanting a base camp. Reddit

These igloos are a fantastic way to enhance your visit, offering a cozy retreat between activities. They are particularly beneficial for those who want to enjoy the winter atmosphere without being constantly exposed to the elements. Reddit

Recommendation: Booking an igloo tent in advance is highly recommended, as they are a popular amenity and availability can be limited. It's a great way to add a touch of luxury and comfort to your winter outing. Reddit

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