RUIDOSO, N.M. -- The slopes are open at ski apache.

The Mescalero, N.M., resort boasts 55 trails for skiers and snowboarders.

The two beginner slopes opened Thursday.

Sitting atop the Sierra Blanca, the slopes usually see more than 15 feet of snow each year, though should the weather not cooperate, there is a state-of-the-art snowmaking system.

If you're not a skier there are plenty of events in Ruidoso to take advantage of.

"The village will be lit up this Saturday. It's beautiful. We have hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights downtown, big snowflakes. It's the festive time of the year, and it’s the most wonderful time of the year, by the way. And the walk through Bethlehem is happening Friday night, Saturday night, Sunday night; it's free to the public," said Charles Meeks from Inn of the Mountain Gods.

First-time skiers can take advantage of the snow sports learning center or a newly opened tubing hill.