Native American Tourism Adventures in New Mexico -Big Game to Skiing

Ski Apache History 

Ski Apache opened under the name "Sierra Blanca Ski Resort" during Christmas of 1961. Amazingly, twenty-six hundred people an hour were fast carried up the ski run crest via three T-bar lifts. In 1962, the very first mono-cable four-passenger gondola in North America was built to accommodate a greater number of skiers. And it seems just in time as twenty-five thousand skiers showed up for the second season.

Since 1963, the resort has been owned and operated by the Mescalero Apache Tribe. Only two years after its official opening in 1961, Robert O. Anderson, the wealthy oil man who built and opened the slopes, sold the resort to the able hands of the Mescalero Apaches. It wasn't until the 1984-85 season that the slopes were appropriately named "Ski Apache".

The wood-spired Main Lodge was designed by Victor Lundy ... proclaimed as America's Outstanding Architect in 1958. Since the opening season of 1961, this lodge has stood statuesque, an unfailing sentry below the crest. With wood spires reflective of the surrounding pines, the Lodge mirrors the natural beauty of the Sacramento Mountains. Lundy succeeded in introducing Modernism architecture with a practical eye towards the skier's needs.

MESCALERO APACHE CULTURE
The Mescalero Apache Tribe owns and operates both Ski Apache Ski Resort and the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino as well other Reservation-based enterprises. This Mescalero Apache Cultural brochure is presented here to familiarize Reservation visitors and our guests with Mescaleo Apache history, traditions and the current vision of our Tribe.

http://www.skiapache.com/index.html                  email - info@skiapache.com

The Mescalero Apache Tribe was established by Executive Order of President Ulysses S. Grant on May 27, 1873. There are three sub bands that comprise the Tribe: the Mescalero Apache, the Chiricahua Apache, and the Lipan Apache. Prior to the reservation period, the Mescalero people were nomadic hunters and gathers and roamed the Southwest. They were experts in guerilla warfare and highly skilled horsemen. The women were known for their ability to find and prepare food from many different plant sources. The people were given the name "Mescalero" because they gathered and ate the mescal plant. It was the staple of their diets and could sustain them in good times and bad.  Please take the time to review the brochure below to provide you with a basic understanding of Mescalero Apache Tribe and some expectations from our visitors.

For More Information  http://www.mescaleroapache.com/area/history_and_cul.htm

MESCALERO
The Mescalero Apache reservation is located along Highway 70 on the western slopes of the Lincoln National Forest and home to the Mescalero Indian tribe. The reservation offers a museum and cultural center, Casino Apache and Travel center, Ski Apache and a scenic golf course at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. Selected tribal ceremonies are available for public viewing.



 RUIDOSO
Located 7000 ft. in the cool pines of the Lincoln National Forrest. Ruidoso sports a horseracing track that houses Billy the Kid Casino, and features live horse racing from late May through Labor Day, the fabulous Hubbard Museum of the American West, and numerous golf courses, along with great dining and shopping. Just outside the town lies Ski Apache, run by the Mescalero tribe of Apache’s. 
Ski Apache boasts great skiing from November through March on the North face of the 12,003 ft. peak of Sierra Blanca. The surrounding forest is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, camping, hunting and fishing. The nearby town of Lincoln was one of Billy the Kid’s favorite haunts and the site of the infamous Lincoln County Wars.

Now lets talk Big game Hunting - A particular favorite of mine as you all know.

New Mexico is home to some of the best big game in the country and the guides here are above standard - they are exceptional. Native American Big Game Adventures with the Apache Reservation will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. I recommend :

Mescalero Apache Big Game Hunting
Deep in the heart of New Mexico's ancient peaks of the Southern Rocky Mountains breath a timeless land filled with the richness of nature's most beautiful creations. This is a land where days end and adventures begin.

This is the Mescalero Apache Reservation, home of Mescalero Big Game Hunts. Within the confines of this sub-alpine and valley terrain, hunters experience the pride of hunting some of the finest bull elk, cow elk, bear and wild birds in North America.

Hunts Offered:

Bulk Elk Package Hunts	$14,500.00
Cow Elk Hunts	$550.00
Bear Hunt	$500.00
Turkey Hunt	$250.00

Please read all of the offical terms and conditions here.

Contact Information

Download an application

For more information for hunting on the Mescalero Apache Reservation, please contact:

Big Game Hunts
Phone: (575) 464-9770 / (575) 464-7448
Fax: (575) 464-0309

Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino
C/O Big Game Hunts
PO Box 269 / Rt. 4 Carrizo Canyon Road
Mescalero , NM 88340

Wherever you go and whatever you do The beauty that is New Mexico is stunning. The ranges and changing seasons are as good as any you will find anywhere in the United States and the peoples are amazing. Friendly and open they welcome strangers with open arms and a smile. It is a breathtaking place to adventure and one I am certain will prove to be one of the top 10 in my lifetime. From Rodeo to Ski Slopes, pristine wilderness is here simply by opening your eyesand stepping off your front porch. If ever you get the chance to visit. Take it... in New Mexico you are certain to make a mark on your heart and mind that is priceless & affordable.