These include Ski Apache, one of the largest and best equipped ski areas in the Southwest. The Inn seasonally employs up to 300 people, one third of whom are tribal members, as well as others coming from Ruidoso, Capitan and Tularosa. Modern life and traditional values are reconciled by the Mescalero Apache Tribe, whose members are very active workers, take advantage of housing and shopping facilities, are involved in various commercial activities, and the majority of whom are registered voters. The Tribal Government consists of an eight member Tribal Council, which is a self-governing organization. The Council has an elected president and vice president.
Officials serve a two year term.
Four Council members are elected each year by secret ballot. The Council approves fiscal matters and policies for operations, law and order, and business enterprises. The Secretary of the US Department of the Interior may review legal or budget decisions.