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 10 exciting startups together with world-class VC funds for this special event. And no, there are no elevators involved. Not the usual kind, anyway.

Alongside this year’s Platinum Sponsors, the Outdoor Recreation Division and the Technology Innovation Office of NMEDD , we welcome pre-seed and seed-stage startups from both within and outside New Mexico to apply.

Mark your calendars!

February 2–3, 2026
Taos Ski Valley, NM

Take Your Startup to New Heights—Literally!

New for this year, Ski Lift Pitch brings 5 of New Mexico’s most promising pre-seed and seed-stage startups and 5 promising startups located outside New Mexico to pitch to ski judges on the ski lift, showcasing their innovations. 2 startups in each category will win the opportunity to pitch to investors, economic developers, and industry leaders from across the U.S. for a $10,000 prize during a luncheon and program finals in the Lodge following the skiing.

2026 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.

2026 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 two finalists in each category compete for $10,000.
Deliver a polished 5-minute pitch with your deck on the main stage in front of the full audience and finalist judges

2026 Pitch Eligibility

Pre-seed and Series Seed Startups
5 NM Based Companies and 5 companies from outside of New Mexico
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.

2026 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

Limited Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Be part of the action!

2026 Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor

New Mexico Award Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Out-of-State Award Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Bronze 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.