Question: We're planning a ski trip up to Ruidoso this year and would like to know if there's a ski shuttle of some sort to take us back and forth from Ski Apache?

Answer: Why, yes there is ... run by a nice little company called Lincoln County Tours. These folks will run you up and back every day of the ski season for about ten to fifteen bucks a head ... and, with the price of gas these days that's not a bad deal. Their service is called the Ski Apache Express and for all the details you can visit their web site www.lincolncountytours.com. Think snow then break a leg!

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Question: Do you need chains to get to Ski Apache?

Answer: That's a tricky one sir ... as most of the time the road is clear and dry. Ski Run Road, Ski Apache's main artery is a State Highway and gets regular attention during and after snowstorms. This combined with our sunny southern climate, even at high altitude, does makes pretty short work of snow on this road. However, and this is a BIG however, when you're up here in Ruidoso or at Ski Apache when a storm comes a blowin' ... you're going to wish you had them wrapped around your rubber. So here's my recommendation ... if you have a set, bring them, if not, pay attention to the weather when you're in town and if the weather gurus are predicting a snowstorm there are several places in town which provide daily rentals of these tire chains. Their not expensive, easy to put on and the five percent or so of the time you need them ... you really need them.

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Question: What is the nearest ski resort in Ruidoso?

Answer: That's an easy one friend as we only have one. It's Ski Apache, operated by our friends and neighbors the Mescalero Apache Tribe. It's 'bout half an hour from town door to door by car and really is a great place ski and board. I've got the bumps and bruises to prove it! So check out all things Ski Apache at www.skiapache.com.

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Question: My boyfriend and me are coming up to ski this weekend and need to know how far the skiing is from town?

Answer: Well ... metaphysically speaking, the skiing is a heck of along way from town 'cuz when you're up in that timberline in waist high fresh powder a carvin' and a dancin' down that hill ... the real world is just a far away place if you know what I mean. But I'm guessin' you just wanted to know the mileage or something mundane like that! As the crow flies about 12 miles ... but I'm guessin' you're not a crow as I ain't never seen a crow ski. So you're looking at about 17 miles from the center of town. Five miles north from midtown Ruidoso and then 12 miles or so due west on Ski Run Road right to the Ski Apache parking lot! Have fun with your boyfriend ... I bet he's a lucky guy. And click here for a map so you don't get yourself lost.

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Questions: Hey Ruidoso Rob, does anybody offer good ski packages in Ruidoso? I'm coming up with buddies from Tech and we're on a pretty tight budget. Thanks.

Answer: Ok pard, you and the frat boys sound like you got yourselves some thin wallets. Well, you're comin' to the right town .. this ain't Aspen! Yup, it's a heck of a lot nicer place and cheaper too! I'm not in the habit of tellin' you exactly where to go when there are many good picks out there, especially seein' that most of these lodging folks are my friends. You understand I hope, so here's a good place to start. Check out the ski packages listing right on Ski Apache at this link here. Of course you can always fill out the Go Ruidoso Lodgers' Request Form and send this along to my lodging friends in Ruidoso ... I'm sure you'll fetch a pretty good deal.