SAM Magazine-Ruidoso, N.M., Mar. 7, 2011-Two weeks ago, the Elk Lodge at Ski Apache became the nation's first winter resort to offer slopeside slot machines. "During the Presidents' Day weekend we had a nice turnout," said Justin Rowland, Ski Apache's director of operations. "We opened midday on Saturday, and ran Saturday, Sunday and Monday."

The resort boasts 12 multi-game (poker, keno, slots), multi-denominational (i.e., multiple price) machines. Most weeks, the casino operates Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and will be open the entire week of spring break, Mar. 11-20.

"We're looking to see how it performs," said Rowland. So far, he said, the slots have drawn skiers and non-skiers alike.

There are other unique aspects to the new Elk Lodge facility. "I think it's probably the highest casino in the U.S., or pretty close to that," said Rowland. The lodge is at nearly 10,000 feet. He added, "I believe we're also the only ski area with slopeside gambling."

Ski Apache went public with its plan to add slots back in late October. It took the National Indian Gaming Commission four months to approve the new gaming location on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. Much of Ski Apache is leased from the Forest Service, but Elk Lodge is on the reservation.