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The Land of Enchantment seems to conjure up some extra magic after the leaves fall from the trees and the air turns crisp. Fall storms have provided enough snowfall for some ski spots to open early, and vacation destinations that stay open year-round have gotten frosty makeovers — signaling the shift from scorching heat and summer madness to cool, quiet tranquility. For those who want to bundle up and brave the elements while sporting their freshest cold-weather gear, or those who prefer to stay warm and admire the serene scenery from a comfortable distance, there is plenty to experience while exploring New Mexico this winter.
Skiing
Because November storms already hit the Sandia and Sangre de Cristo Mountains with some decent snowpack this year, the slopes are looking pretty promising. Even if skiing and snowboarding aren’t your cup of tea and you’d prefer to enjoy the temperature drop at a more leisurely pace, these resorts have something for everyone in the family, from young speed demons to dads who love to golf.
Sipapu
Since 1952, Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort (5224 NM-518, Vadito, NM) has been a go-to destination for affordable skiing and snow sports. Located 20 miles outside of Taos, within the Carson National Forest and open every day, Sipapu has three terrain parks and more than 40 runs. It also offers snowside lodgings that can accommodate up to 14 people for large groups or those looking to throw an unforgettable rager reminiscent of those iconic 80’s skiing movies. After an intense day on the slopes, try trout fishing on the Rio Pueblo, hiking or traveling on horseback along the 5-mile Agua Pietra trail to Indian Lake — or just vibing out with some friends and a frisbee on one of Disc Golf Digest’s top five scenic courses in the country. Kids 12 and under are eligible for a free Power Kids season pass to ski and ride for free all winter.
Santa Fe
This year, Ski Santa Fe (1477 NM-475, Santa Fe, NM) had its first early opening since 2001 — two days before its usual opening around Thanksgiving. Located about 16 miles from Santa Fe in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the trails vary in difficulty and steepness for skiers of all skill levels. Exploring the slopes by day and the city by night is the perfect way to experience all the beauty, fun, culture and holiday shopping Santa Fe has to offer.
Angel Fire
Also nestled in the Sangre de Cristos, Angel Fire Resort (10 Miller Ln., Angel Fire, NM) offers 560 acres of terrain perfect for sledding, tubing, snowshoe hiking and the only night skiing opportunity in the state. The Lodge at Angel Fire Resort is just steps from the chairlift and one of several hotels and condos located minutes from fine dining and family-friendly restaurants, with everything from seafood to burgers. Golfers can relish in the Rocky Mountain views at 8,600 feet while playing the Country Club at Angel Fire Resort’s 18-hole course.
Sandia Peak
Since thick clouds covered the Sandias throughout the week of Thanksgiving, Sandia Peak Ski Area (11 NM-536, Sandia Park, NM) — the closest skiing area to Albuquerque — should be open any day now. You can keep an eye on the snow report and plan a trip on a whim to slopes right in the big city’s backyard.
Hot Springs
Tucked away in southern New Mexico, you can find natural hot springs that offer therapeutic benefits, an escape from the cold and opportunities for adventure. Whether you’d like to soak indoors with some awesome riverside views and warm company or slide into a secluded spring surrounded by snow, miles away from the closest tourist, our state has some truly heavenly hot spots.
Silver City/Gila National Forest
The baths near the Gila Wilderness are called “sweet springs” because they don’t contain any salt or sulfur, so vacationers can take a dip without the pungent smell. Resting in a remote canyon in Glenwood, New Mexico lies an all-natural public hot spring with a dream-inducing name. Lightfeather Hot Springs, also known as Middle Fork Hot Spring is fed by a water source that pumps in 130-degree water every minute so it stays nice and hot. Just be careful to stay away from the scalding source. The spring is free for day use only. About 40 miles north of Silver City, Gila Hot Springs Campground (144 West Fork Rd., Mimbres, NM) is a privately owned camping spot that sits about 4 miles from Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Their springs pump in water — perfect for soothing creaky joints.
If a 13-mile winter hike sounds like a formidable challenge for in-shape, cold-weather warriors, a 100-degree mountain oasis buried like a sapphire in the Gila Wilderness might be a worthwhile reward at the end of the difficult trek. The Jordan Hot Springs, located in Magdalena about an hour from Silver City, contains a gravel-bottom pool surrounded by rocks concealed within a gorgeous remote landscape. Due to its ultra-private location, clothing is optional — but watch for wild animals who also enjoy the privacy of their secluded home.
For more information about hot springs in the Gila Wilderness, you can check the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument website.
Truth or Consequences
Before changing its name because of a publicity stunt involving a game show in the 1950’s, Truth or Consequences used to be called Hot Springs. The Spanish named the place Ojo Caliente de las Palomas or “Hot Springs of the Doves,” a fitting name because of its peaceful location along the Rio Grande. Hidden between the Elephant Butte and Caballo reservoirs, T or C’s historic Hot Water District is adjacent to some of the best year-round fishing and water sports in the state, authentic small-town New Mexican restaurants, museums and ghost towns. There are 38 different minerals found in the water at La Paloma Hot Springs and Spa (311 Marr St., Truth or Consequences, NM). La Paloma has 13 gravel-bottom pools, and its central bathhouse offers day spa services and a variety of massage options every day of the week. Located in the town’s historic district close to attractions, shops and restaurants, Riverbend Hot Springs (100 Austin St., Truth or Consequences, NM) is the only resort that borders the banks of the Rio Grande, and the Artesian Bath House and RV Park (312 Marr St., Truth or Consequences, NM) offers private rooms and side-by-side soaks in baths filled by natural, odorless spring water. The park has 36 full hookups for campers who want to stay for a while.
Train Rides
Northern New Mexico is gorgeous year-round, but seeing the landscape draped in blankets of snow and ice gives our mountains and valleys that extra spark during the holidays. To see a larger chunk of remote areas like gorgeous Chama and enjoy the state’s history, music and margaritas without having to battle frostbite, how does hitching a ride on a train car through winding white-capped snowscapes sound?
Sky Railway
Santa Fe’s adventure train, Sky Railway (413 W. Manhattan Ave., Santa Fe, NM) provides winter trippers with a warm, scenic voyage from the capital city to Lamy and back, and each trip has a different theme. Catch a burlesque, drag or bellydancing show on the Burlesque Express, gaze at the sky while jamming some hip numbers on the Jazz Under the Stars train, or have Mrs. Claus tell you how Pablito the dragon saved Christmas on Pablo’s Holiday Express. For those old enough to get a little sauced while they tour the countryside, their drink-themed trains — the Speakeasy Express, Ale Train and Margarita Rail — give new meaning to the term booze cruise. New this year, aspiring sommeliers can uncork a few bottles and enjoy complimentary samples from the best local wineries on the New Mexico Wine Train.
Cumbers and Toltec Scenic RailroadChug along the 64 miles between Antonito, Colorado and Chama at a leisurely pace over the 10,000-foot-high Cumbres Pass on the Cumbers & Toltec Scenic Railroad (500 S. Terrace Ave.) and educate yourself on the legends and lore of the region. Awarded National Historic Landmark status in 2012 and voted #1 Scenic Train by USA Today‘s 10Best list, go off the grid and try to spot deer, elk and bears in areas that can’t be seen any other way. Starting Dec. 7, join Santa’s helper Cinder Bear and some fun-loving elves for candy, hot cocoa and Christmas cookies aboard the Holiday Express train. Train tickets for kids start at only 20 bucks.