Red River
This family-oriented ski resort is one of the great hidden gems of the New Mexico snow scene. Previously a mining boomtown that went bust in the 1930s, Red River evolved into a winter retreat with a Main Street feel that National Geographic Adventure declared one of the best places to live in 2010.

Though less vertical and situated at a lower elevation than nearby Taos Ski Valley (see next entry) and its Olympic-caliber runs, Red River offers a better mix of beginner and intermediate skiing (about 70 percent of the mountain, compared to 49 percent at Taos) with three terrain parks for various levels of expertise. Its chairlift drops skiers off in the middle of town, within a short walk from its cowboy-style steakhouse and watering holes.

From the lift house, take the Red Chair to the top and turn left toward a series of blues to shake hands with the mountain. After the introduction, head toward the middle of the mountain and drop into Broadway – where Red River hosts ski races – or Downtown for pleasantly challenging runs with some space to spread out and carve. Once acclimated, try the mountain’s Cat Skinner, Powder Keg or Miners Alley runs. All are black-diamond-rated, so make sure you’re paying attention.

This winter, Red River is reviving its old winter carnival event on the weekend of January 14. It features live music, snow sculpture contests and ski races in town and at the mountain. If winter solitude without the work is your thing, consider a two-hour snowmobile tour of the mountain ($70 for a single driver, $50 for a passenger).



Taos Ski Valley
Olympic skiers train here, and in the 2007-2008 ski season, Taos Ski Valley finally ended years of debate and allowed snowboarders access to the slopes (yes, there is a terrain park). It wasn’t easy, but then again, neither is the mountain: About 51 percent of the peak is rated for expert skiers, followed by 25 percent for intermediate skiers (for some folks, Taos’ “intermediate” runs would be considered black-diamond). This also accounts for why Taos has one of the best ski schools in the country.

The ski resort has a rich history of family ownership that dates back to 1954. Its skiable space covers 1,294 acres, and the highest lift tickles an altitude of 12,000 feet. Taos Ski Valley is famous for its steep runs, harrowing glades, narrow chutes and mogul fields, which are more conducive to group outings of experts. Resort operators have the ability to cover all of the beginner and intermediate runs with manmade snow.

Events include wine tastings, beer festivals, competitions and music festivals. Don’t miss the annual pond-skimming contest at the end of the ski season, in which participants ski or board across ice-cold pond water in the vain hope of making it to the other side. (Spoiler: They never do.)

From the main lift at the resort, head up Lift No. 1 to the junction of the Whitefeather (green) and Porcupine (blue) ski runs for a leisurely warm-up. Once you’ve got your ski legs, don’t dawdle by ogling the vertical ridges. Instead, hop over to Blitz and run the black-diamond shoot down into Lower Stauffenberg (blue) for a trip along the foot of these beautifully steep slopes.

This winter, adrenaline junkies can go Mach 2 with their hair on fire on Ernie’s, a new double-black diamond with a 1,400-foot-long vertical drop, varied pitches and no trees. Recently, the base area got a makeover to make it more accessible and offer better mountain views to watch the hotshots cruise to victory (or get ski patrolled out).

Tired of long waits for a whiff of northern Arizona snow? Then try these destinations. With pleasant or challenging skiing, quirky events and killer outdoor scenery, even the worst day on the mountain is just this close to heaven.

GUIDEBOOK
Angel Fire Resort
10 Miller Lane, Angel Fire,
800-633-7463,
angelfireresort.com
Average annual snowfall: 210 inches
Ski season: Dec. 16-March 27
Lift tickets (half/full day): $48-$64 adults, $42-$54 teens, $36-$44 kids 7 to 12, $47 active duty military, free for kids 6 and under and seniors 70 and older, $24 for night skiing, $12 with day pass
Deals: $326 for two nights in the lodge and four one-day lift tickets

Red River Ski Area
400 Pioneer Road, Red River
575-754-2223,
redriverskiarea.com
Average annual snowfall: 218 inches
Ski season: Nov. 24-March 23
Lift tickets (half/full day): $49-$64 adults, $44-$58 teens, $36-$49 kids 4 to 12 and seniors 64 to 69
Deals: $35 lift tickets for college students with valid ID Jan. 1-15; half-price lift tickets on weekends in early December; 25 percent off lift tickets in January when skiing three days or more; discounts for families and military personnel

Ski Santa Fe
2209 Brothers Road, Santa Fe
505-982-4429,
skisantafe.com
Average annual snowfall: 225 inches
Ski season: Nov. 25-April 3
Lift tickets (half/full day): $48-$63 adults, $48 for teens, $43 kids 12 and under and seniors 62 to 71
Deals: Package-deal passes are available, with discounts greatest if purchased before Nov. 21.

Taos Ski Valley
State Highway 150 and Firehouse Road, Taos
866-968-7386, skitaos.org
Average annual snowfall: 305 inches
Ski season: Nov. 25-April 3
Lift tickets (half/full day): $60-$75 adults, $45-$65 teens, $35-$45 kids 7 to 12, $45-$65 seniors 65 to 69
Deals: Discounted lift tickets Nov. 24-Dec. 16 and March 26-April 8; buy a Taos Card ($20-$30) and receive $17 off a lift ticket during regular season, a seventh day of skiing for free and discounts on food, rentals and lessons.

More Information
Ski New Mexico: 505-858-2422, skinewmexico.com
New Mexico Tourism Department: 505-827-7400, newmexico.org
Santa Fe Convention & Visitors Bureau: santafe.org