The "Big Dig" Pays Off: Pajarito Mountain Announces Generation-Defining Expansion

Every winter tells a different story at Pajarito. Some seasons arrive with deep snow and easy smiles; others demand patience, grit, and a little faith in what’s happening beneath the surface. This year, the story has been building underground.

While the snowpack didn’t always cooperate, the Jemez Mountain Fire Protection Project raced ahead of schedule, laying the groundwork for a transformation that could reshape the mountain for years to come. Now, that momentum is turning into real change.

This summer and fall, Pajarito is taking on a multimillion-dollar overhaul — the kind of investment that only comes around once in a generation. And the payoff is set to arrive when the lifts start spinning for Winter 2026/27.

Snowmaking, Reimagined

For years, the biggest variable at Pajarito has been the weather. That’s about to matter a whole lot less.

New snowguns are on order and will immediately increase the fleet by 200%, with a long-term goal of 300% growth. Paired with pumping station improvements and a 50% increase in snowmaking capacity and coverage, the mountain is preparing to take more control over its own season.

The result should be more consistent coverage on key terrain, including top-to-bottom runs and popular favorites like Beginner West, Beginner East, Bread and Butter, Learning Zone, Pussycat, Lone Spruce, and Bruce’s Boulevard East and West. In practical terms, that means groomed, skiable trails from summit to base — day after day.

Aspen Gets an Overhaul, Aspen lift may have character, but reliability is getting a serious upgrade.

This offseason, Aspen is being comprehensively refurbished with new controls, a new drive, an updated communications unit, brake work, gearbox service, a motor overhaul, and bullwheel work. The goal is not speed; it’s consistency. Less downtime, more laps, and a lift that shows up when skiers need it most.

Better Water, Stronger Base

The pipeline project’s Phase III also includes a complete overhaul of the lodge water system, improving both availability and reliability in the base area. After years of working around infrastructure constraints, the mountain is finally getting the foundation it needs from top to bottom.

More Days on Snow

With stronger snowmaking, a more reliable lift, and upgraded infrastructure, Pajarito is planning to extend its operating schedule and open more days each week. Final details are still being worked out, but the direction is unmistakable: more Pajarito, more often.

Why It Matters Now

Pajarito has always been a mountain shaped by its community. The regulars, the newcomers, the Camp Bluebird crowd, and the longtime loyalists have all carried the place through lean seasons. Now, that loyalty is being met with a new level of investment.

Season passes are already available at the lowest prices of the year, including the Power Pass Core for $299, which includes access to Pajarito, Sipapu, and Sandia Peak. With the hard work already underway, this may be the best time to lock in for the season ahead.