Mountain Layout—Snowboarding

Generally speaking, the mountain's expert terrain is to the left of the Tesuque Peak chair. After a dump, locals go first to Columbine, Big Rocks and Wizard—all very steep and for advanced riders only. Tequila Sunrise and Easter Bowl have the best glades. Hike to the Big Tesuque Bowl via Cornice for freshies, bowl skiing and trees (once you leave Cornice, you're outside the ski area's permitted boundary). The bowls empty onto the area's entrance road, three miles below the base area, and you have to hitchhike back up. Go with a local who knows this area: It's genuine backcountry, it's big and it's easy to get lost.

On a fresh powder day (about once a week), local intermediates head straight for the Tesuque Peak triple chair and the top of the mountain. To the right of the lift (as the trail map reads) is Gayway, a glorious, groomed pitch with several spicy turns that gives new meaning to the term "spectacular scenery." On a clear day, you almost get the feeling of flying, thanks to the 150-mile vista as the trail drops away.

Beginners will be happiest on the lower part of the mountain, on the wide boulevard of Easy Street. Advanced-beginners will find more challenges and a slightly steeper pitch on Open Slope and Upper and Lower Midland. If you're feeling adventurous, try Lower Burro for an exhilarating, winding trip through the trees on a mild pitch.

Parks and pipes
Ski Santa Fe does not have any formal parks or pipes.