New Mexico ski resorts prep slopes amid challenging forecast

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – There’s a dusting of snow on some of New Mexico’s mountain tops, but forecasters are warning that the state could be in for more warm, dry weather as ski resorts gear up for openings later this month.

National weather forecasters say La Nina has arrived. While it’s expected to be weak and short-lived, the cooling of ocean temperatures in the Pacific is expected to bring drier conditions to the Southwest.

In the Taos Valley, resort managers are planning for a Thanksgiving opening despite the forecast. They say the snow-making crew is active and they’re hoping for more cold temperatures.

Officials at Sipapu have delayed opening a week, citing the unseasonably warm weather. Snow making there started this week.

New Mexico had nearly 940,000 skier visits last year, up slightly from the previous season.

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