Ski Rio (Rio Costilla Resort)

Operation Dates: 1982 - 1990, 1995-2000
Area Stats:
* Elevations: Base: 9,500'; Summit: 11,650'; Drop: 2150'
* Average Snowfall: 260"
* Facilities: Night Skiing, Snowmaking, 3 Hotels and multiple Condos, Base Lodge,
Restaurants, Rentals, Ski Patrol, Ski School, Child Care
Lifts:

Alpha: Fixed

Poma

Triple

Bravo: Fixed

oma

Triple

Charlie: Fixed

Riblet

Double

Surfac

s (

Stadeli

)

History:
The Rio Costilla Cooperative Livestock Association initially developed the Rio Costilla Resort
back in 1982. Construction for the first season included a day lodge, Poma brand triple
chairlift, and two Stadeli-brand surface lifts. The ski area is located between Cuchara Ski
Area in Colorado and Taos, NM, just below the San Luis Valley. The area is sparsely
populated and the resort initially relied on skiers from Taos County and residents of Alamosa,
Colorado. After the first season, Rio Costilla was sold to Mitch Brown as the Livestock
Association fell into financial trouble over resort.

For the 1984-1985 ski season Rio Costilla installed a new triple chair, the “A” or Alpha lift
(The original lift was renamed "B" or Bravo). This chair was located to the left of the base
lodge and provided excellent beginner terrain. Along with the new ski lift, condos and
additional ski runs were constructed. During 1985 a used Riblet double chair was added to
the summit of Cinnamon Bear Bowl. The lift was purchased from Stowe, Vermont and
previously operated as the Mount Mansfield double chair. The reinstalled double chairlift
brought Rio’s skiable acres to over 910. By the end of 1985, Ski Rio filed for Chapter 11
bankruptcy protection and the area’s operation was in jeopardy. Brown, the area’s operator,
defaulted on a $205,000 loan.

By the 1986 season, the area’s name was changed to Ski Rio. The Liberty Federal Savings
and Loans Association of Raton, NM purchased Ski Rio from Mitch Brown for fifteen cents
on the dollar, bringing the area out of bankruptcy. The following year, Ski Rio was the first
resort in New Mexico to welcome snowboarders. By the mid-1980’s, Rio created a
sponsored free riding team along with amateur snowboarding events. With the snowboarding
events, the area purchased a new pipe dragon to make a state-of-the-art half pipe. In 1988,
the Liberty Federal Association was closed by government regulators. Ski Rio was then
operated by the government from 1988 to 1990. Officials closed the resort after the 1989-90
season citing major operating losses and inherited many back lawsuits, unpaid debts, and
broken contracts for past work.

By mid-1990, Rio was in the process of being sold to a group from Taiwan but the deal fell
through at the last second. The area closed for the 1990-91 season. The following summer,
the original cattle association in conjunction with a Denver bank offered to buy back the resort
from the bank for 2.5 million dollars, but the offer fell through at the ski area’s auction. By
1992, Ski Rio had a new owner, the San Remo Vacation Club of Tierra Verde, FL. The
group purchased the area for 1.125 million dollars but failed to open. The following summer,
Rio was sold to David Hendricks of a Texas partnership with others. The ski opened for the
1994-1995 season, totaling only 24 operation days. The 1995-96 season was Ski Rio’s best
on record. Snow hit northern New Mexico and combined with regular snowmaking
operations brought skier visits to over 70,000.

Despite Ski Rio’s success during the 1995-96 season, the area quickly went back into
financial trouble. The owners foreclosed the resort in 1996. The JNC Corporation of Texas
headed by John Lau purchased Rio from Hendricks for 2.9 million dollars. Operations
continued for the 1996-97 season with over 1 million dollars in improvements.

During New Years Eve of 1997, guests and employees woke up to fire alarms at the ski
area. The Silvertree Restaurant, located at the base area was on fire. Firefighters responded
from nearby townships but the structure was a total loss. Investigators suspected arson as the
cause, but no arrests were ever made.

For the 1997-98 and 98-99 seasons Ski Rio operated with a full schedule. In 1999, the
Silvertree Restaurant was rebuilt and marketing towards snowboarders drew crowds to Rio.
The following season, Ski Rio was faced with poor snow conditions and the area’s sister
resort, Cuchara closed. Rio ended up closing in January despite new recent snowfall. Their
website reported that they were going to reopen for spring break in March but failed to do
so. Season passes and accommodations were sold for the 2001-2002 ski season and Ski
Rio’s marketing department was advertising for a full ski season. By October, customers
were disturbed to find that phone lines and the area’s website were down. A lawsuit was filed
in New Mexico citing that Ski Rio’s owners took skiers money without providing any refunds
or services. Eventually, the money was returned and Ski Rio has not operated since January
of 2000.

On a personal site visit back in the spring of 2006 I was greeted by the area’s caretakers who
are tasked with maintaining the various structures at Rio while the area is closed. According
to their accounts, the ski resort is tied up in a New Mexico court, meaning that reopening for
the upcoming season is not going to happen. Any updates on the status of Ski Rio will be
posted on this webpage.

Update: Ski Rio will not operate for the 2007-08 ski season. The ski area changed
ownership on this past December. Details of the sale can be found here. We have no
information on any possible reopening for next season but any new information will be
posted here.

Directions:
* From Taos:

40 miles north on Hwy. 522

8 miles east on State Road 196

* From Red River:

14 miles west on Hwy. 38

20 miles north on Hwy. 522

8 miles east on State Road 196

* From Colorado Springs, CO

I-25 to Walsenburg exit

West on Hwy. 160 to Ft. Garland

South on Hwy.

159

(turns into NM 522)

to Costilla, NM

8 miles east on State Road 196

Please Note: This area is on private property and the road is gated one mile before the
base area, no trespassing.

Trail Maps:

1982-1983

1983-84

1985-86

1998-99

2001

Overlooking the
Cinnamon Bear Bowl
atop Ski Rio.

Looking at the Beta Lift
from the parking lot.

Area Pictures:
If you live by this area or have any
pictures to share, please email us!

* Pictures during the late 1990's:

* Pictures from 2006:

* The Base Area & Hotels

From left to right: the entrance road, ski school, and ticket counter.

Ski Rio's main day lodge was torn down in 2006 because of ground settlement and foundation problems.

The Silvertree Lodge, Pinatas Bar and the heated outdoor pool.

* Alpha Trails and Lift:

The Alpha lift provides beginner terrain and would be the access lift to the new "E" chair expansion.

* "E" Expansion Area:

Work began on this expansion in 2000, but was never completed.

* Bravo Trails and Lift:

The mid-mountain lodge and the summit of Bravo

* Charlie Trails and Lift:

Overviews of the upper bowl area.

The Charlie area offers everything from groomed type trails to glades.

More pictures of Charlie.

* The Surface Lifts:

Rio's various surface lifts

Have you ever skied at this area? If so,
contact us with your memories!

Memories:

"I took my family and friends to Ski Rio twice in 1987-88. We loved it. Small, cozy, uncrowded, easy to ski, beautiful
and close to home. As others have said, it was a real treat for a family gathering. If it could open up and stay open, I
would be there every year...it would have made a great summer resort as well. I too checked every year for several
years to see if it would open. I finally stopped a few years back."
-Joyce F.

"I learned to snowboard at Ski Rio, thanks to Doron Fletcher. He's right about the snow - there wasn't much, but it
was gorgeous, great for beginners, quiet, and no long lines. I'm afraid I didn't get past "beginner," but Ski Rio was the
ideal place to learn snowboarding."
-Prix G.

"Well, what can I say that others haven't already. I found Ski Rio back in 1998 or 99 (can't remember the first year)
but went back every year until it closed. At least one time every year! Every year I still check and see if they are going
to open. I hope one of these coming seasons Rio will open again. It's sad to see these years where NM gets wonderful
snow and RIO can't open to take advantage.

That's really all I have to say about that. For now...I guess I just have to use Santa Fe, Taos, Red River, Angel Fire,
Durango and Wolf Creek for the short weekend trips."
-Terry A.

"Years ago my family and I discovered Ski Rio. We rented a beautiful house on the side of the mountain. It was so
convenient with ski in/ski out and was so quaint and quiet. Since the place has closed, we have been many other places
to ski. We still go back to that year in Rio as being the BEST vacation we have ever had. We are all older now and
want to go back skiing all together again. Every year we check to see if Rio has re-opened and are disappointed every
time. We wish more than anything that one day, our wonderful "secret hideaway" will be open so we can experience
what we did years ago."
-Michelle P.

"My family and I happened on Ski Rio about 5 years ago and the first year we skied there was FANTASTIC! We
enjoyed the laid back atmosphere and hometown feeling we had. No lines! No hurried rush feeling just ski leisurely and
enjoy nature. We could tell there were some problems with the upkeep and management but all in all we enjoyed our
time so much. We have been extremely disappointed in the last few years that it has not opened but keep praying that
the new owners will get it all together so we can come enjoy our little secret get-away again.

When we come through that area we always make a drive up through the town of Costilla and up to the resort just to
dream and wish and pray for the next season. I do wish that there was better communication with the opening or
non-opening of the resort. Conflicting reports are pretty confusing. From the Norman family in Amarillo we pray we'll
be skiing in Rio again this season 2002-2003. God Bless."
-Tom N.

"I have to say that I am really disappointed in this place. Like every other resort, it has potential, but the business side
of Ski Rio has yet to get it together. There are good things to say about it... The mountain is perfect for intermediate
skiers and families. The annual snowfall amount is advertised to be the second best in NM with 260" (right behind
Taos). The ride to the upper mountain has what is probably the best lift view in the state. There are never any lines. I
could go on...

The problem is management. Communication with the customers has been all but halted for the last year and a half
while the resort changed hands for about the fifth time in its 17 year existence. You cannot build a relationship with
customers if you fire your staff to close down in bad snow years and you never let skiers know what the heck is going
on. This naturally follows into the next area of problem which is the need for some serious capital improvement to make
sure the mountain (or at least a small portion of it) is always skiable.

I don't fault the NM areas when they have bad snow years, but I do expect to put on some skis and try the ice when I
have reservations. There is the need for snowmaking and grooming equipment. They advertise 33% coverage for
blowing snow, but in Christmas '99 they were having trouble opening 1 trail with a 7" base. Dangerous. I am not even
sure they have the water rights, and if they don't, they should close down. In the southern Rockies, making snow is a
way of life. The elevation is great, and since it is on the western side of the front range, it does get some dumps.

The good things about Rio could be really special if they could do some investment and a little marketing to stay in
business. I hope the new owner has some sense and can turn it into what it should be. With some help, this mountain
could be the premier alternative to Taos Ski Valley."
-Chad C.

"Ski Rio is obviously having some ownership problems, but as a long-time ski "bum", this is one of the best places I
have ever skied. It is a family resort and not on the "beaten trail", which makes it very desirable if it can get the right
people to run it. It is a wonderful summer as well as winter resort. At this point my family is very frustrated with Ski Rio
because we have had so many good times there but the business aspects are causing it to fail. The "locals" are great,
but they need to find the right people to run the place! Or give it back to nature, BUT MAKE UP YOUR MINDS!"
-Debbie K.

"My family and I have skied Ski Rio twice within the last few years and found it to be a enjoyable experience. Within
the third day most of the ski attendants knew our names and helped keep an eye on our children. It's a little sleepy
place up there in the mountains, that a lot of us that have been there want to keep it a secret."
-Sam J.

"I have been snowboarding and skiing Ski Rio for the last 10 years and I will always call it "home". The chair lifts are a
little slow, but it is definitely made up for by having no lines. There is not that much snow, but when there is it is great. It
is good for beginners and for experts starting from a chairlift just for "greens" and another that leads into cliff jumps. I
recommend checking out the snow report before planning a trip but if you do decide to go check out the Depot Bed
and Breakfast for lodging."
-Doron F.

"Wonderful memories were made at this resort back in the 90's. Staying in the suite near the lift was absolutely
gorgeous. And I remember Helen Lecero as being the friendliest person we met there. We traveled there before and
after the restaurant fire. But like many others we gave up when the resort started being closed each year. We started
going north to Colorado and then on to Big Sky Montana. But since having an injury at Ski Cooper in Colorado I have
since quit skiing and just go to West Yellowstone for weeks of snowmobiling now. Thanks for the great memories, of
which will always be cherished..."
-Mary Y.

"I skied at Ski Rio in '88, '89, & '90, and I was never disappointed. I was part of the ski club at the boarding school
that I attended, and Ski Rio, AngelFire, & Red River were always on our itineraries.

I recently returned to NM, and I was saddened to learn that Ski Rio is no longer open. In the 2004-2005 season, NM
received one of the 3 best snow years in recorded history for the state, and I would have liked nothing better than to
enjoy it at Ski Rio. Hopefully, someday it will reopen."
-Nathan R.

"I first skied Rio the second year it was open, they had a promotion if you showed your Texas Drivers license you
could ski free the first day and half price the rest of the stay, (lift tickets where only $12.00). At that time there was no
place to stay and the road leading to the resort was just a dirt road across a muddy pasture if you did not have four
wheel drive you could not reach the ski area. Once we made it to the top we fell in love with the mountain, the snow
was great, runs wide and never a wait. It was the best family adventure ever..It was worth the commute from Questa,
Red River, and Taos. We watched it grow from a single ski lodge to all the condos, cabins and eating places. It was a
great ski in and out resort. We ski Rio several times each year and in between owners, closing and poor operating
conditions...It's very sad that it has not been open in years, I understand there lot's of politics involved. Here's hoping
that a great Ski resort can rise again."
-Troy from Ft Worth

"Ski Rio was one of the best ski resorts that I have skied. The first time was with a church group and the other times
was with my family. It was the best it's to bad that some one can't keep this place going . Ski Rio is one of the best
kept secret ski resorts , maybe that is why it goes broke all the time.
-Chuck P.

"I got to ski Rio back in 1998. A buddy and I caught a terrific snow day, where at least 15" had fallen and really
enjoyed ourselves. We stayed at the lodge the night before and had surf and turf (steak and trout) at the restaurant. I
have my SKI RIO pin on my ski hat and a SKI RIO poster tacked up in my garage. I fly over the area frequently on
trips from KC to LA and have always enjoyed NM. I had the snowmobile trip of my life while looking over the area
when they were trying to sell real estate. I wish I'd have bought the whole thing. SKI RIO is cool and I hope it can find
a way to reopen someday. It's beautiful."
-Dan from KC.

"We found Ski Rio in about 94 or 95. The 1st time we went, my husband couldn't get away so just my 16 yr old son
and myself went. It was AMAZING. We could ski from top to bottom without seeing anyone. We were there on
weekdays. We stayed at one of the lodges, but we could still walk down to the lifts with no problem. Have pictures of
the lifts and not a soul in another chair. We went back every year till they closed. I also check every year to see if it has
reopened. Keeping our fingers crossed still...!"
Brenda

"My wife and I found Ski Rio in 1996 and made the drive from Albuquerque several times. We fell in love with the
place so much we actually put a down payment on property there. We found a parcel on the trail called Smart Money.
Unfortunately we had to relocate out of state and were able to get our money back. In hindsight that was probably for
the best. I wonder what happened to all the people that bought into property there? Now were back in New Mexico
and it's a shame Ski Rio is still down and out."
-Ian and Robyn

"I remember taking the back roads up to ski this resort from our ranch which is located on the backside and North of
ski Rio. I had an uncle who was a general contractor building the cabins high up on the mountain for the owners at that
time. I remember it being the perfect ski resort, not crowded and easy to ski. Also remember the Texans and their
bright snow suits while the locals were in sweats and Levi's the snow was so dry. Being raised in the area and still
having a lot of family there, I was sorry to hear that it has gone through so much trouble over the years and is not open."

-Ken

"I skied at Rio during the winter 1988. I remember it especially since it was the first time I had my son on skis. He
didn't actually ski but sorta scooted around. Rio was a great place for families and we had a great time their with our
friends and family. Sorry to see it isn't open now."
-Don E.

I grew up in Northern New Mexico, and went skiing in Costilla a couple times a year for about 5 years, late middle
school and all high school. Learining on Sipapu and skiing Taos regularly, Rio was by
far, my most favorite. I wish it were open now, so my family could see how wonderful a ski area it is!!!
-Bennie

"We stumbled upon Ski Rio in the mid '90s, while living in Raton, and it was fabulous. I remember one specific day trip
with another couple. My ex and my friend took off from the top of the mountain down the expert runs. My friend's
husband and I took off the other direction (I was NOT an expert skier!). Very shortly after getting off the lift, we split
up, as he wanted to ski some trees and said we'd meet up a short way down. I tell you.... I did not encounter another
human being all the way down the mountain. It was incredible!!! If the resort ever got it together and opened again, I'd
definitely be back."
-Laura

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Bravo services all levels of terrain and was Ski Rio's first chairlift.

Pictures of lower portions of Bravo

The loading station for the Charlie Lift