Santa Fe vs Ruidoso - Need Advice - PLEEEAAASE!

We (my wife and I...age 28) are driving from Dallas to go skiing this weekend in New Mexico. I am looking at going to either Santa Fe or Ruidoso. Ruidoso is 45 min closer (according to google maps) but I%26#39;m wondering if driving the extra time to Santa Fe will provide us with better a better vacation.

Can someone give me their opinion on skiing in Ruidoso vs skiing in Santa Fe? Keep in mind that I%26#39;ve never skied before so I have no idea what to look for in places to ski. I%26#39;m assuming snow build up and lines to get on lifts are important aspects but what else is there to consider?

Will it be super busy at either place since it is Valentine%26#39;s Day/President%26#39;s Day weekend?

Any insider%26#39;s tips on renting skis, avoiding lines, ';doing it cheaper';, seeing cool stuff, etc?

Santa Fe vs Ruidoso - Need Advice - PLEEEAAASE!

Ski Santa Fe got 2 1/2 feet of snow in the past few days. Skiing was excellent today.

I checked on Expedia.com and there are some great deals on lodging in Santa Fe. Santa Fe Suites had a great rate of $45, and those rooms have their own kitchen. Also a few others under $60

There are many great places to eat in Santa Fe as well as shopping and sightseeing.

Crowds are hard to predict as tourism is down. With the great snow we have, I would assume there will be people and lift lines. Today there were no lift lines on the lower chairs while we were there.

Have fun.

Santa Fe vs Ruidoso - Need Advice - PLEEEAAASE!

As CasaAzul pointed out, Ski Santa Fe (and the other northern ski areas) just got 1-2 feet of new snow during the last storm.

Regarding Ski Apache, northwest of Ruidoso, the Snow Gods have not been kind so far this season. As of 2/12 it is only 35% open, with a 2 foot ';base.'; Information from www.skinewmexico.com (all ski areas are listed here).

Santa Fe would be the place to go, with so much else to see, and do while in the city. You can rent anything you need at the ski area, 16 miles northeast of downtown.

I do not want to detract in general from Ski Apache. It is a very nice facility, and Ruidoso is a great place to visit also, with numerous hotels, cabins, and restaurants. Not to mention the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino owned by the Mescalero Apaches. There are many skiers in El Paso, Midland/Odessa, and Lubbock especially who are very disappointed.