Skip the Elevator.
Take the Ski Lift.

Entrepreneurs and investors alike are all-too-familiar with a typical elevator pitch. We think New Mexico is known more for its elevations than its elevators. Ski Lift Pitch brings New Mexico’s best startups and world-class VC funds together for a special event. And no, there are no elevators involved. Not the usual kind, anyway.

Alongside this year’s Platinum Sponsor, NMEDD: Outdoor Recreation Division and Office of Strategy, Science, and Technology, we welcomed pre-seed and seed-stage startups headquartered in or growing in New Mexico to apply.

Mark your calendars!

February 2–3, 2026
Taos Ski Valley, NM

Take Your Startup to New Heights—Literally!

Ski Lift Pitch brings New Mexico’s most promising pre-seed and seed-stage startups together with investors, economic developers, and industry leaders from across the U.S. Pitch on the ski lift, showcase your innovation, and compete for $10,000 at the Ski Lodge Finals.

2025 Information

What To Expect at Ski Lift Pitch

A Mountain Full of Opportunity

Connect with investors, economic developers, entrepreneurs, peers, and potential customers from across the U.S.—all gathered to discover and support New Mexico’s most promising startups.

High-Caliber Judges

Investor leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and economic developers evaluate pitches—bringing deep expertise and connections.

2025 Semi-Finals on the Slopes to Finals in the Lodge

Semi-Final Ski Lift Pitches

Pitch your company during a ski lift ride alongside investor judges.
After your pitch, ski or snowboard down the mountain (required—Taos Ski Valley does not allow riding down).
Three rounds of pitches determine who advances.

Final Ski Lodge Pitches

The top three finalists compete for $10,000.
Deliver a polished 5-minute pitch with your deck, followed by a 3-minute Q&A.
Present on the main stage in front of the full audience and finalist judges (skiing not required).

2025 Pitch Eligibility

Pre-seed and Series Seed Startups
NM Based Companies
High-growth and Scalable Companies
- Companies must represent scalable businesses with proven potential for significant high growth potential.
- High Growth means the business can achieve significant and rapid expansion in terms of revenue, customer base, market share, or other key performance indicators in large addressable markets.
- Scalable means your business should showcase the ability to expand operations and increase revenue without incurring a corresponding rise in operational costs.

2025 Pitch Judging Criteria

Team

The founder is clear and compelling; other core team members’ experience, skills, and network instill confidence that they can execute the vision

Product

The company’s product, service, platform, network, etc., is disruptive and timely, addressing an interesting and important problem.

Market 

The company is focused on a sizable and underserved market that presents an opportunity for ROI.

Traction

The company’s growth in the last year is impressive and shows that relative to their stage, they have great velocity and potential for scale. 

Competitive Advantage / Differentiation

The company has a strong advantage over competition or alternatives both now and in the future thanks to strong IP, a hard-to-replicate approach, or other “unfair advantage(s)

Past Ski Lift Pitch Winners

2025 Sponsors

To sponsor, email [email protected] or download our Ski Lift Pitch 2025 Sponsorship Packet

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Monday Dinner Sponsors

Day-of Sponsors

Judges

Our panel brings together investors, successful entrepreneurs, and economic leaders who know what it takes to build and scale. These judges aren’t just evaluating pitches—they’re offering insights, connections, and opportunities that can take your startup further.