When the snow is good, Angel Fire is as good a place to ski or snowboard as anywhere in New Mexico - especially if you like cruisng runs or are there with the whole family. However, the base elevation here is lower than several other New Mexico ski areas, so sometimes slush, mud, and bare spots can be a problem if the weather is warm. Paradoxically, during cold snaps, the narrow valley where Angel Fire is located tends to trap the cold air at night, so temperatures can fall well below zero.
Upsides: High-speed lifts, great intermediate terrain, slopeside lodging (see below), family-oriented atmosphere, variety of terrain parks, if that's your thing.
Downsides: Low altitude means slush and mud are sometimes problems, especially on the front side. Location is a bit remote. Can get very cold during cold spells. Perhaps due to the low elevation, Angel Fire is routinely one of the last NM ski areas to open at the start of the season.
Info notes: Angel Fire is about 40 minutes (in good weather) over a mountain pass from the city of Taos, and about 30 minutes from Red River. Thus, if you are at either of those places for a ski week, you can easily ski a day at Angel Fire. But don't do it on a stormy day, as the passes you must cross from either Taos or Red River can be difficult during storms.
There are various other activities for non-skiers, as Angel Fire is a year-round resort. Also nearby are the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and some of New Mexico's best ice-fishing at Eagle Nest Lake. These activities and some others require cars, however.
Lodging: There is slopeside lodging at the Angel Fire Resort Hotel, and some slopeside condos as well. There are also lots of condos and ski houses that are a short walk or drive from the slopes. Another option is to stay in Taos or Red River, but you will probably only want to do this if you are also skiing Taos Ski Valley or Red River Ski Area. Limited lodging is also available in Eagle Nest, about 15 minutes away.
I will get some pictures of Angel Fire up on this page ASAP!