Beware of Angel Fire Resort’s “Membership-Only” Lots
If you’ve spent any time scrolling Angel Fire real estate listings or Facebook groups, you’ve probably seen them, cheap lots for sale that promise “Angel Fire Resort Membership!” They sound like a steal. But before you click “message seller,” let’s talk about what you’re actually buying, and what you might be stuck paying for later.
What Exactly Is a “Membership-Only” Lot?
A “Membership-Only” lot is usually a small, undeveloped piece of land inside Angel Fire Resort boundaries. These lots are sold mainly so buyers can gain Resort membership privileges, because you must own property within the Resort to become a member.
The catch? Most of these lots are non-buildable. Many are tucked deep in the forest, without roads, utilities, or realistic access. You’re not buying a future homesite, you’re buying a patch of pine trees and an annual bill.
What You Get for That Membership
To be fair, the Angel Fire Resort membership does come with solid perks. Members enjoy access to:
Skiing, snowboarding, and the Chile Express lift
Golf, tennis, and mountain biking
Monte Verde Lake for fishing and boating
The country club, pool, fitness center, and family-friendly events
There are two main levels of membership: (2025 Rates)
Base Membership: about $1,695 per year
Platinum Membership: about $3,675 per year
Both include resort access for you and your entire family, plus discounts on lift tickets, dining, retail, and lodging.
Sounds Great, Right? So What’s the Problem?
Here’s where that “too good to be true” thing kicks in.
When you buy a membership-only lot, you’re also signing up for annual Resort dues and property taxes every single year, even if you never step foot on the property or build a thing.
And when it’s time to sell? That’s when things get tricky. These lots are notoriously hard to resell because… well, who wants to buy a piece of land they can’t use? Some owners even end up giving them away, often paying attorney fees just to transfer the title.
Run the Numbers
Before you buy, add up:
Annual dues ($1,640–$3,555)
Property taxes (even small lots add up)
Closing fees and lawyer costs
Possible resale loss
If you’re a large local family who lives nearby, maybe in Black Lake, Hidden Lake, Eagle Nest, or Taos Pines, and you plan to use the Resort amenities often, a membership-only lot can make sense. But if you’re hoping for a cheap “investment,” it’s rarely the golden ticket it seems.
Ask These Questions Before You Buy
Can the lot be built on, now or ever?
Are there roads, water, and utilities nearby?
How do annual membership dues + taxes compare to what you’d pay for season passes for your whole family?
How often do dues increase, and are you locked into them as long as you own the lot?
What’s my five-year total cost of ownership versus five years of simply buying passes and visits?
The Bottom Line
Buying land in Angel Fire can be an amazing investment, when you know what you’re buying. Just make sure your “deal” doesn’t turn into a yearly headache.
If you truly want the Resort lifestyle, let’s find a property that gives you the best of both worlds: access to Angel Fire Resort’s incredible amenities and a real piece of land you can use and enjoy.
If you’re thinking about buying in Angel Fire, reach out, I’ll help you sort the good from the gimmicks and make sure your mountain dreams stay grounded in reality.
Related Links:
Check out this article next
How Local Insight Beat Zillow by Over $500,000
Zillow said $1,152,400.I said, “Not even close, Zillow.”When my clients at 99 Lakeview Park Drive in Angel Fire decided to sell, they’d already checked their…
Read Article