The 2026 New Mexico Senior Olympics State Winter Games kick off the 2026 competition year, bringing together athletes age 50 and better from New Mexico and beyond for four days of spirited competition, fitness, and camaraderie.

The State Winter Games will be held February 23–26, 2026, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with events hosted at the Santa Fe Convention Center, Genoveva Chavez Community Center, Fort Marcy Recreation Center, the Santa Fe Fairgrounds, and additional local venues.

Why Compete in the State Winter Games?

The first State Games event of the 2026 season
Open to in-state and out-of-state athletes
Part of New Mexico’s Unique Qualification System, offering athletes additional opportunities to qualify for the 2027 National Senior Games in Tulsa, Oklahoma
A wide variety of indoor and winter-friendly sports
Official State Games medals awarded by age division and gender

Dates & Location

February 23–26, 2026
Santa Fe, New Mexico

Athlete Check-In and Game Headquarters will be located at the Santa Fe Convention Center.

Sports Offered

The State Winter Games will offer 13+ sports, including (but not limited to):

Air Gun
Badminton
Basketball Skills (Free Throw & 3-Point)
Billiards (8-Ball)
Cornhole
Frisbee Accuracy & Distance
Ice Hockey (Exhibition)
Pickleball
Powerlifting
Shuffleboard
Swimming
Table Tennis
Tai Chi (Exhibition)

CLICK HERE FOR A LINK OF THE STATE WINTER GAMES SPORTS SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

Who Can Participate

Open to athletes age 50 and older
Five-year age divisions (50–54 through 100+)
Out-of-state athletes are welcome
Athletes may register for up to five (5) sports

Registration Information

Online and paper registration available
Registration fee includes the official State Games T-shirt
Registration deadlines apply — no late registration
Athletes must register in advance and sign the required liability waiver

New for 2026:
Athletes registering for both State Winter Games and State Summer Games receive a discounted combined registration rate.

Athlete Experience

In addition to competition, athletes can enjoy:

Opening Ceremony
Athlete Social (ticketed event)
Health Fair
Sport information tables and on-site support

Qualifying for National Senior Games

The 2026 State Winter Games serve as a qualifying event for the 2027 National Senior Games.
New Mexico’s Unique Qualification System allows athletes to qualify at two State Games sites, increasing opportunities for advancement while maintaining fair competition.

Registration, schedules, and updates will be posted on this page as they become available.
For full event details, rules, and registration access, visit www.nmseniorolympics.org

Details

Start: February 23
End: February 26