The Big Dig Paid Off: What’s Coming to Pajarito for Winter 2026/27
Every season has a story, and this one started with a dry winter and a whole lot of waiting. But while the snowpack didn’t always cooperate, something else was happening beneath the surface — literally. The Jemez Mountain Fire Protection Project, the ambitious pipeline infrastructure effort that our community has been following for years, has raced ahead of schedule. And now, Pajarito is ready to put that momentum to work.
This summer and fall, we’re getting to it. We’re talking about a multimillion-dollar, multi-year transformation of Pajarito Mountain — the kind of overhaul that only comes around once in a generation. Here’s what’s on the horizon.
Snowmaking, Reimagined
For years, the biggest variable at Pajarito has been Mother Nature. We love her, but she’s unpredictable. That’s about to change in a big way.
Our GM has signed contracts on new snowguns that will immediately increase our fleet by 200%, with a long-term goal of growing the total fleet by 300%. Combined with pumping station improvements to deliver water to those guns, and an overall 50% increase in snowmaking capacity and coverage, we’re entering an era where Pajarito controls its own destiny.
What does that mean on the ground? Top-to-bottom runs and some of our popular runs — including Beginner West, Beginner East, Bread and Butter, Learning Zone, Pussycat, Lone Spruce, and Bruce’s Boulevard East and West — will be consistently covered by snowmaking. Not “if the timing works out.” Consistently. That means groomed, skiable trails from the top of the mountain to the bottom, day after day.
Aspen Lift: More Reliable Than Ever
We know what you’re thinking — Aspen lift has character. And it always will. But character and reliability don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
This offseason, Aspen is undergoing a comprehensive overhaul, including new controls, a new drive, an updated communications unit, brake work, gearbox service, a motor overhaul, and bullwheel work. We want to be clear — this isn’t going to make Aspen faster. But it will make it dependable and consistently there for you. Less downtime. More laps.
Water for the Base Area, Too
Phase III of the pipeline project includes a complete overhaul of the lodge’s water system, improving both the availability and reliability in the base area. After years of working around infrastructure constraints, the entire mountain — top to bottom — is getting the foundation it deserves.
More Days on the Mountain
With more snowmaking, more reliable lifts, and better infrastructure, Pajarito will be extending its operating schedule and increasing the number of days per week we’re open for skiing. More details to come as we finalize plans, but the direction is clear: more Pajarito, more often.
Now Is the Time to Lock In Your Pass
We’ve always said this community is what makes Pajarito special. The Nobel laureates and the kiddos in Camp Bluebird, the regulars who show up regardless of conditions, and the newcomers who just discovered that the Jemez Mountains are hiding something remarkable — you’ve all stuck with us through the lean years. This is your reward.
Season passes are available now at the lowest prices of the year. The Power Pass Core — which gets you into Pajarito, Sipapu, and Sandia Peak — is just $299. If there was ever a season to commit early, this is it.
The hard work is underway. The water is coming. The snowguns are on order. Winter 2026/27 is going to be different.
We’ll see you on the mountain. 🐦
