Ziptour®
Apache Wind Rider
Ski Apache - 1286 Ski Run Road, Alto, NM 88312
The Wind Rider ZipTour® at Ski Apache delivers one of the most exhilarating mountain‑top experiences in the Southwest. Perched high on the slopes of Sierra Blanca at nearly 11,500 feet, the tour launches riders into sweeping desert‑alpine views that stretch for miles across the Lincoln National Forest. It’s a rare vantage point — crisp air, endless horizon, and the feeling of flying above a landscape that blends rugged peaks with high‑desert valleys.
Call for reservations 575-464-3633 or visit their site skiapache.com.
Ziptour® Stats
- Spans: 3 zip lines, and a Demo Zip
- Pena Zip: 5,240 ft. long, 2 cables side by side
- Carrizo Zip: 1,700 ft. long, 2 cables side by side
- Palmer Zip: 1,900 ft. long, 2 cables side by side
- Elevation: 11,489 ft. at the top of Ski Apache
- Total Tour Length: 8,890 ft.
- Total Vertical Drop: 1,584 ft.
- Duration: Total tour estimated time 1- 1.5 hour
- Views: Most spectacular view in southern New Mexico
Your adventure begins with a scenic ride on the Apache Arrow Gondola, climbing toward the summit of Sierra Blanca. From the top, guides lead your group to the launch deck of the first span, the Peña Zip—a staggering 5,240 foot line that stretches just shy of a full mile. As you prepare to launch, the landscape opens in every direction: Sacred Mountain rising to your right, the ski area unfolding below, and the wide open desert alpine terrain of southern New Mexico stretching for miles. It’s a moment that feels both peaceful and electric.
The Peña Zip delivers an unforgettable descent. Riders fly over the skiable terrain of Apache Bowl, then sweep out above the treetops in a long, smooth glide toward the landing zone near the top of Elk Ridge. The span’s length and elevation create a rare sensation of sustained flight—fast, quiet, and impossibly scenic, capturing the full drama of Sierra Blanca’s high country terrain.
From the Peña landing deck, your group walks along a short, elevated pathway to the launch of the second span, the Carrizo Zip. This next flight continues the tour’s signature blend of excitement and scenery, carrying riders across another sweeping stretch of mountain terrain. With side by side cables, the Carrizo Zip adds a playful, shared adventure element to the experience—friends and family soaring together with the entire mountain spread out below. The tour concludes on the Palmer Zip, a final span that carries you back toward the base area and completes the journey with one last panoramic sweep of the mountain.
