Pajarito Mountain Alerts Skiers Ahead of Storm; 5 Inches Now, 6-12 Expected

Pajarito Mountain Ski Area posted an alert to skiers and snowboarders after webcams showed 5 inches of new snow overnight and forecasters predicted additional accumulation between 6 and 12 inches at area elevations. The hill advised visitors to be ready for changing conditions and said lifts and runs would open as conditions allowed.

OpenSnow was forecasting about 6 inches locally, while other model runs suggested as much as a foot at the ski area elevation. That range reflects typical variability in mountain snowfall where elevation and microclimates can produce sharp differences over short distances. The update emphasized real-time conditions will determine which lifts and runs become available, and the ski area encouraged visitors to check its website and social channels for up-to-the-minute lift and slope status and webcam imagery.

The advisory was issued following the overnight accumulation on January 24, 2026. For skiers and snowboarders, the new snow can improve cover and powder quality on ungroomed terrain, but operational constraints such as visibility, wind, and grooming capacity will shape what terrain is safe to open. Pajarito Mountain’s staged approach - opening lifts and runs as conditions allow - is designed to balance rider experience with safety and staffing realities.

Local businesses that depend on winter recreation stand to benefit if the storm produces sustained snow at the hill. Increased skier visits typically boost demand at rental shops, restaurants, lodging providers, and retail outlets in Los Alamos County. At the same time, last-minute storms can create logistics costs for operators, including added staffing and grooming expenses, and they can briefly strain local roads and parking near the ski area during peak arrival windows.

For commuters and visitors traveling to the hill, changing mountain weather means allowing extra travel time and checking current slope and lift reports before departing. The ski area’s webcams provide a quick visual read on conditions, while the hill’s social channels offer rapid updates on lift status and any service changes.

What comes next is straightforward: Pajarito Mountain will monitor the storm and post updates; if forecasts verify, the additional accumulation will help build midseason base and bolster winter recreation activity in Los Alamos County. Check the hill’s official website and social channels for the latest lift and slope status before heading out.