Here in the Land of Enchantment are many winter activities where the beautiful sunshine begs you to be out of doors even if it is winter. There are plenty of the typical winter spots such as skiing and snowboarding and ski-biking.
In the southern part of the state there is Ski Apache near Ruidoso (www.skiapache.com) and in the middle of the state just outside the capital is Ski Santa Fe (www.skisantafe.com) There are many slopes in-between as well.
www.guestlife.com/newmexico/ski/frameski.html
Cross Country Skiing and snowshoeing are also a part of New Mexico’s winter offerings.
Enchanted Forest is the state’s largest cross country ski area. It is located near Red River outside of Taos. It is open everyday from 9 am to 4:40 pm and are a reasonable 410 for adults.
www.enchantedorestxc.com
Tubing and Sledding is a must to check out in the pristine winter wonderland. of Ruidoso Winter Park and Capulin Snow Play Area in the Sandia Mountain Park area outside of Albuquerque. Angel Fire Resort has a night tubing park for the truly adventurous!
Ice skating is available indoors all year round in Santa Fe at the Chavez Community Center. But if you want to ice skate in the great outdoors you can at Montezuma Ice Pond near Las Vegas and Cloudcroft’s Sewell Pond at Zenith Park, and Blue Water Lake state Park!
What is more magical and memorable than a sleigh ride? If you call Roadrunner Tours in Angel Fire you can schedule one of these nostalgic winter rides for yourself.
Ice Hockey is alive and well in New Mexico. You can watch the New Mexico Scorpions in Albuquerque at Tingley Coliseum www.scorpionhockey.com
Broomball is an unusual way to spend time on the ice, but you can see it or play it at the Albuquerque Outpost Ice Arena.
Hiking and camping can still be winter sports in New Mexico. With such beautiful National Monuments as Bandelier, Carlsbad Caverns, and Gila National Forest the great outdoors can be enjoyed even when the temperature drops a little.
Hot Air Ballooning is another New Mexico favorite. You can explore the azure skies of the state with Skyspan Adventures of Albuquerque or skim the waters of the Rio Grande with Pueblo Balloon Company of Taos.
Instead of waiting for the lakes to thaw you can always go ice fishing? Eagle Nest Lake Park in northern New Mexico is where you can drop a line in a hole and hope to catch a salmon or trout.
Far from Cajun Country and now going into its 13 th year Red River celebrates Mardi Gras in February. In Red River you will see a parade, drinking contests and sample Cajun food. A Grand Ball ends the festivities and races, contests, and music can be enjoyed throughout.
Cross Country skiing is a great way to take advantage of New Mexico’s beauty. The Enchanted Forest is where you can do this challenging sport. At Christmas time they also offer the Luminaria Ski Tour. Special events such as the “Just desserts eat and ski” on Feb. 26th is a way to enliven all the senses and take advantage of the local restaurant’s treats.
If you are planning a trip to New Mexico come and try in the winter and taste New Mexico’s Land of Winter enchantment.
Eileen Richardson
