Texas has nearly every possible landscape, from mountains and forests to oceans and deserts, but the one thing our sprawling, 269,000-square-mile state doesn’t have? Skiing and snowboarding. Luckily, it’s easy to get to resorts in the Rocky Mountains from every major city in the Lone Star State. Whether you’re looking to ski, snowboard, or participate in any number of other winter sports (including our favorite, après ski time and town exploration), you’re only a few hours away from snow angels and icy toes. Glove up and head to one of these nearby ski destinations.

Ruidoso, New Mexico
Located just over 100 miles from the Texas border, the quaint resort town of Ruidoso is a great home base for winter adventurers, with accommodations including Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino, as well as numerous private cabins for rent. And a few miles away 12,000 feet up Sierra Blanca, Ski Apache is the closest ski resort to Texas from nearly anywhere in the state. It’s got 11 ski lifts granting skiers access to 55 runs on more than 750 acres of skiable terrain. Ski Apache may be smaller than most, but it’s also one of the most affordable options, too. Check out the live webcam for up-to-the-second conditions.

How to get there: Fly directly to El Paso (ELP) from Dallas (DAL, DFW), Houston (HOU, IAH), Austin (AUS), or San Antonio (SAT). It’s a three-hour drive to the resort from the airport.

How to book: Full-day lift tickets can be purchased online and half-day tickets…