Ski New Mexico

Skiing and Snowboarding in the Land of Enchantment

Archives for January 2015

An Angel Fire Tradition Like No Other: The Shovel Racing Championships

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It started innocently enough. One day, workers at the Angel Fire Resort discovered that they could move more quickly from one spot on the slopes to another if they stopped carrying their large snow shovels and started riding them instead.

Of course, it didn’t take long for the competitive juices to kick in and by the 1970s organized shovel races were happening regularly at this picturesque Northern New Mexico ski area. Soon, more and more contestants were showing up to try their hand at this unique winter sport and the Shovel Racing World Championships were born.

This year’s event takes place Feb. 6-7 and is open to competitors of all levels and ages. The technique is simple — place your hindquarters in a standard, unmodified steel shovel, grab the handle, and then tear down the mountain as fast as you can. Whoever posts the best time from start to finish is the Shovel Racing World Champion!

With seven different categories based on age, gender, and skill level, plus a low registration fee, there’s room for all comers. Cash prizes and annual bragging rights add extra juice to this exciting winter tradition.

For those that just want to watch the action – admission is free!

Visit the Angel Fire Resort website for complete information and rules about the 2015 Shovel Racing World Championships.

Visitors to Angel Fire will find plenty of family friendly fun before and after the races. In addition to excellent skiing and snowboard, the resort offers tubing, sledding, scenic chair rides to the 10,677-foot mountain peak. There’s also snowmobiling, ice fishing, and sleigh ride opportunities nearby.

Back in town, the village has an array of charming and eclectic boutique shops all within an easy stroll of each other. When you’re ready to eat, there’s no shortage of proud local restaurants serving everything from fine dining to cafes, bakeries, and coffee shops. There’s also great microbreweries and lively places to grab a drink and share some laughs at the end of the day.

Make plans to visit Angel Fire this winter for a great time on the mountain and off.

Sandia Peak Opening Weekend 1/24 & 1/25

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Sandia Peak will open with 95% of the trails on an 18 inch base. Lifts 1,3,4 and the Mitey Mite will be running to take you up for some great skiing and boarding. The recent storm brought 10 inches of new snow and our crews have been hard at work getting the mountain ready.

All facilities will be open including the Double Eagle II Cafeteria, Snow Sports School, Cubby Corner Children’s Facility, Rental Shop and Sandia Peak Sports Shop. Skiing can be accessed from Highway 536 or the Sandia Peak Tramway.

We will be open this weekend January 24 and 25. The remainder of the season we will be open Thursdays through Sundays and Holidays.

Ticket Rates

Normal ticket prices will apply.

Ski Area Hours

9:00 am to 4:00pm
Half day AM – 9:00am to 12:30pm
Half day PM -12:30pm to 4:00pm

For more information visit us at www.sandiapeak.com

Pajarito Opening Weekend 1/24 & 1/25

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Pajarito Mountain Ski Area announced today that after picking up 7″ of snow on Wednesday, the Los Alamos ski area will open most of its mountain this Saturday and Sunday.

Mountain officials are reporting a 26″ base on powder and packed powder conditions. General manager Tom Long says he expects to open four lifts (Mother, Aspen, Beginner and the Mighty Mite) along with 32 of the mountain’s 44 trails, including 8 beginner trails, 8 intermediate trails and 16 expert trails.

The lifts will turn this Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and all mountain facilities will be open, including ski school and the ski area’s rental shop. Pajarito’s cafe will be open for breakfast and lunch this weekend.

Long said that the management team will determine and announce additional dates of operation after this weekend.

Lift tickets are $49 for adults (ages 21-59), $42 for students (ages 13-20), $34 for kids (ages 7-12) and $42 for seniors (ages 60-69). Kids ages 6 and younger and guests ages 70 and older receive a free lift ticket everyday.

Last spring, the Los Alamos Ski Club – which previously owned and operated Pajarito – voted and approved to transfer Pajarito Mountain Ski Area to Los Alamos County and Pajarito Recreation LP, a new partnership formed by the management group that operates Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort. Skiing in the Pajarito area dates at least to the 1930s, and a ski club was first organized in 1943.

Today, the area has six lifts — a quad, a triple, three doubles and one rope tow — 40 trails on 751 acres and a peak elevation of 10,440 feet.

Come enjoy the great snow!

Ask The Experts: Ski School For Kids

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Quality instruction at an early age is the key to a lifetime of enjoyment on the slopes. New Mexico’s ski schools offer a combination of clear technical instruction, important safety lessons, and, most importantly, a lot of fun, to ensure that your child has the best experience possible.

We recently visited with three of the state’s top ski school directors — Sue Leslie (Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort), Bill Gould (Ski Santa Fe), and Robin May (Angel Fire Resort) — to get answers to some of the most common questions parents have about registering their kids for ski and snowboard lessons.

What age should my child take their first lessons?

 

Bill Gould (Ski Santa Fe): There isn’t one answer for every child, however children age 5-6 generally have the muscle development and body control to handle sliding down snow covered hills. At this age the children have been to preschool or kindergarten. They have experiences with other children and teachers and are better prepared to handle a day in ski school.

Sue Leslie (Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort): Kids can start learning as young as 2 or 3, but at that age it is more snow play and getting them used to sliding on the equipment. For kids younger than 4, I think it’s best for parents to just go play and be with them on the snow. They may last five minutes or 50, you just never know, but the operative word is fun. If they are not having fun, they will not want to come back.

How do I decide which program to put my child in?

 

Robin May (Angel Fire Resort): Children’s programs are not all the same and children learn differently based on their age and life experience. A progressive school will consider a child’s cognitive, affective, and physical development as a guideline for how to teach different ages as well as helping develop reasonable expectations for parents and teachers. For 2-3 year olds, a hybrid snowplay-childcare-private or group session is probably the best solution. Small group lessons are usually the best for children who are socially adept and attend school or organized sports or daycare.

SL: By the time a kid is 5 or 6 they are usually ready for more formal training with ski school lessons.  Though at this age it is still recommended to do private lessons or maybe a semi-private with just two or three kids. By this age they have a longer attention span and will do much better. Around age 7 kids can definitely choose what equipment they want to try and should be encouraged to try both. Group lessons for this age and older are fine.

RM: The best thing is to let the school know what experience they have had on snow and other sports. Most ski schools will have a “Helpful Hints” section on their website with insightful suggestions and policy guidelines to help assure a successful day on snow.

How many kids are usually in a group lesson?

 

SL: Class sizes can vary with age, but on average is about five students per instructor. Most schools try to keep the ratio to under 10 if at all possible. During busy holidays periods classes will be a little bigger than average.

 

What are the major differences between group and private lessons?

 

BG: I think children like to ski and snowboard with other kids. They learn from watching the other children. So for most kids the group lesson is the way to go.With really young children though, the one-on-one experience can be the right choice. This allows for a more hands on approach for children who aren’t able to do as much for themselves.

SL: Private lessons are always a better choice for the little guys, ages 4-6, and for anyone needing or desiring lots of individual attention no matter their age. Special needs children are always better in a private lesson.

RM: More and more, hybrid private lessons or guaranteed small groups are the norm, but they do come at a higher price. Private individual or small group lessons are a wonderful way to go if you have more specific needs, special circumstances, desire exclusivity, or the ability to choose your favorite instructor for their undivided attention.For the average person, a group lesson is a great way to go. Meeting people, developing a group dynamic, and sharing your accomplishments is fun and rewarding. With a well-qualified instructor, classes even up to eight or nine in size can be effective and a great value.

My child has been skiing before — aren’t lessons just for first-timers?

 

BG: Lessons are a good idea for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The beginners need to get off to a good start and their lessons are a must. Once they are ready to leave the beginner hill though, they approach an important stage in their development. A lesson on how to handle the terrain they will encounter on the mountain is very beneficial. Often parents — with good intentions — will choose terrain that is too difficult. Their child will develop defensive habits that are hard to break. Lessons are designed to develop the variety of skills children need for continued improvement.

RM: In many cases, some schools and many parents over terrain their children. If slowly going down a steep blue/black in a Death Wedge with bracing and defensive behaviors is what you consider skiing — it isn’t. Comfortable, athletic, skidded or carved turns that flow effortlessly down the mountain with shaping and speed control is the kind of behavior you want your children to adopt, whether on a green, blue, in a wedge or open parallel stance.

What is actually taught in a children’s ski lesson?

 

SL: All lessons will combine the skills needed for skiing and snowboarding at the student’s level. For example, balance, edging, rotary, and pressure control to learn to turn the equipment they are on. Each skill may then be broken down into several different drills based on the student’s skill level to help them advance from, say, easy terrain to steeper terrain. Each lesson will also stress the mountain safety codes of skiing and snowboarding.

How would you describe the atmosphere in an average youth lesson?

 

BG: The motto for all our lessons is “Safety, Fun and Learning.” We want the atmosphere to be fun! Fun is what skiing and riding is all about. If the kids enjoy themselves, they will want to go again and again. Like so many of us have discovered, winter sports in the mountains become a life-long passion.

 

For pricing and reservations please visit the resort pages.

Angel Fire Resort

Pajarito

Red River Ski Area

Sandia Peak

Sipapu

Ski Apache

Ski Santa Fe

Taos

 

Start 2015 Right With Two Weekends of Fun In Northern New Mexico!

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Winters in New Mexico are all about enjoying good times with family and friends. While there’s plenty of fun to be had on the slopes and resorts, there are a pair of upcoming events later this month that are worth planning a trip for themselves.

One of the best weekends for locals and visitors alike is the Taos Winter Wine Festival (Jan. 28 – Feb. 1), which is now in its 28th year. With more than 150 different wines from 40 participating wineries, and tastes from a dozen of Taos and Taos Ski Valley’s finest restaurants, there’s ample opportunity to indulge your taste buds. Plus, with a convenient schedule and shuttle bus transportation to and from the ski area, you’ll have more than enough time to enjoy the snow in the morning and experience the region’s best food and drink in the evening.

Chris Stagg, Vice President of Taos Ski Valley, Inc.,said he has fond memories of how the event began. “I was invited to Napa Valley and was able to meet some of the valley’s talented winemakers,” Stagg said. “I thought I’d return the favor by inviting them back to New Mexico to ski and this was how the Winter Wine Festival was born.”

Stagg said what began as a simple gathering of wine and ski enthusiasts has blossomed into something truly special. “In the years since we’ve had some of the best and most famous wine personalities participate,” he said. “It’s a wonderful event for this area because it involves both Taos and Taos Ski Valley, while highlighting the area’s excellent food traditions during an event that both skiers and non-skiers look forward to each year.”

Meanwhile, just a short drive from Taos, the Angel Fire Resort will be toasting the Lone Star State during the 11th Big Ol’ Texas Weekend (Jan. 23-24). Whether you’re from Amarillo or Amsterdam, everyone is a Texan for this fun-filled weekend, featuring live music by Curtis Grimes, discounted lift tickets, a Texas Hold’em poker tournament, and, of course, the 72 oz. steak eating challenge!

28th Taos Winter Wine Festival

All guests must be age 21+ (ID required).

Reserve Tasting | Thursday, Jan. 29 (4 – 6:30 p.m.) | El Monte Sagrado Resort (Taos) | $20

Wine Country comes to the historic town of Taos with a dozen of Taos’ best restaurants serving signature appetizers alongside tastes of reserve wines from owners and winemakers from 40 participating wineries.

Apres Ski Tasting | Friday, Jan. 30 (4 – 6 p.m.) | Taos Ski Valley Resort Center | $75

Join a dozen of Taos Winter Wine Festival participating wineries for a fun and intimate tasting of their best and most recent releases in a casual walk around tasting.

Grand Tasting | Saturday, Jan. 31 (4 – 6 p.m.) | Taos Ski Valley Resort Center | $75

Features more than 150 different wines from 40 participating wineries and tastes from a dozen of Taos and Taos Ski Valley’s finest restaurants. A silent auction of rare North American pinot noirs and chardonnays adds to the fun.

Super Sunday Champagne Brunch | Sunday, Feb. 1 (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.) | El Monte Sagrado Resort (Taos) | $75

El Monte Sagrado’s Executive Chef will pair four successive plates with four unique French sparkling wines, introduced by Linda Torbica from Hand Picked Selections.

 

11th Big Ol’ Texas Weekend

 

Denim and Diamonds Dinner | Friday, Jan. 23 (6 p.m.) | Elements at the Country Club | $49 + tax, gratuity

A three-course prime rib dinner, featuring a Jim Beam whiskey tasting and live music by Curtis Grimes and his 5-piece band. Second act starts at 8:30 p.m. (tickets: $10 per person, $15 per couple). Reservations recommended. Call (575) 377-3055.

Texas Tailgate | Saturday, Jan. 24 (11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) | on the deck at the base of the mountain

Texas barbecue, beer tasting, and 72 oz. Steak Eating Challenge. Click here to sign up!

Texas Hold-Em Tournament | Saturday, Jan. 24 (5 p.m.) | Garden Court, next to Legends Grill | FREE entry!

Sponsored by the Big Texan and Jim Beam (must be age 21+). Big Ol’ Bacon Buffet opens at 5 p.m. Tournament doors open at 5:40 p.m. with the first hand at 6 p.m.

Saturday Night Neon Rail Jam | Saturday, Jan. 24 (5:30 p.m.) | $5

Sponsored by K2. Register from 4-5 p.m. for a chance to win a pair of top skis and one park board.

Saturday Night Concert | Saturday, Jan. 24 (7-10 p.m.) | Village Haus | $5

Featuring Curtis Grimes.

Discover Pristine NM Cross Country Skiing

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Discover Pristine Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing in Northern New Mexico!

Breathtaking natural beauty and the quiet stillness of a snow covered trail are just part of the appeal of cross country skiing and snowshoeing in New Mexico. The Land of Enchantment offers a wealth of outstanding landscapes, trails, and events that focus on these simple, but demanding winter sports.

At the unforgettable Valles Caldera — a 13.7-mile wide national preserve in the Jemez Mountains of Northern New Mexico — you’ll discover one of the most pristine winter landscapes in North America. Created during the eruption of a super volcano over 1 million years ago, today you can immerse yourself in the quiet tranquility of this premier Nordic skiing and snowshoeing destination.

There are miles of professionally groomed trails for all levels of experience. Adventurous cross-country skiers and snowshoers may also trek off the beaten path to break their own trails within the 5,000-acre Valle Grande – the largest of several grassy valleys within the Valles Caldera. Depending on the snow depth, you might spot some elk wintering on the Preserve, coyotes, or perhaps a few bald eagles feeding along the East Fork of the Jemez River.

Reservations are not required, but check in at the Valle Grande Information Center and Gift Shop to pay for your Day-Use Permit. Snowshoe rentals are available and two warm lodges complement the amenities.

One of the highlights of the season are the Moonlight Events, which allow you to experience the magic of the Preserve after the sun goes down. Purchase your permit as late as 8 p.m. on the day-of, then enjoy the full moon, bonfires, and stars until 9 p.m. Be sure to take advantage of the final two Moonlight dates on Jan. 31 and March 7.

Click the below to start planning your trip to the Valle Caldera National Preserve: Skiing/Snowshoeing

For those looking to get their competitive juices flowing, New Mexico’s premier cross country ski event — the 42nd Chama Chile Ski Classic and Winter Fiesta — will be held Jan. 17 & 18 at Windy Point (just below Cumbres Pass on Highway 17, 12 miles north of Chama).

The event will feature both freestyle and classic style cross country races, a snowshoe race, and combined ski/snowshoe competitions. All races are held on pristine forest property course with rolling hills at close to 10,000-foot elevation and a special half-mile stretch along the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad tracks.

This year’s course has been modified slightly to improve the track by creating more smooth curves and better approaches to hills resulting in a better ski and snowshoe experience. The 12K Classic course is two loops of the 6K course and 18K Skate Skiing ski course is three loops of the 6K. The 6K-snowshoe course is the same as the 6K ski and will start shortly after the start of the 6K ski, to preserve the “classic” tracks.

6K Freestyle – 1 loop around the race course

18K Freestyle – 3 loops

6K Classic & 6 K Snowshoe – 1 loop

12K Classic Ski – 2 loops

6K/6K Combined – 2 loops

12K/6K Combined – 3 loops

Each day also includes live music, beer & wine tasting, dinners, special clinics, etc. Learn more registration, detailed race info, and an overview of all the weekend action below:

42nd Chama Chile Ski Classic and Winter Fiesta

 

Mardi Gras in the Mountains

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The week is filled with costume balls, bead tossing, singing and dancing, Cajun and Creole gourmet delights, parades, kids costume contest, cajun cook-off, crawfish boils, downhill gator race, great deals and more!

Red River

February 12-17, 2015

 

Krewe Krawl & Burning of the Wild Tchopitoulas

When: Thursday 7:00 pm
Where: Motherlode Saloon

The Wild Tchopitoulas is a fictional character that serves as a mascot for Mardi Gras in the Mountains. Mardi Gras kicks off with a foot parade down Main Street (Krewe Krawl) leading the Tchopitoulas to his final moments. Spectators are encouraged to write down their troubles and worries and toss them into the fire as the Tchopitoulas is burning. Once that is done, Mardi Gras in the Mountains can officially begin!

Drink Making Contest

When: Friday 7:30 pm
Where: Motherlode Saloon

In what has become one of the most competitive events during Mardi Gras in the Mountains, various krewes show off their abilities to make a great drink and put on an even better show. Judges for the drink contest are often chosen at random before the contest begins, so get there early to find a seat and be entered in the drawing. Each krewe is judged on their presentation, actual drink, and overall performance.

Mardi Gras Parade

When: Saturday 4:00 pm
Where: Main Street Red River

Red River’s Mardi Gras krewes, local businesses, and various families and individuals participate with wild floats and elaborate costumes, as spectators line both sides of Main Street cheering for beads and candy. This is when much of the creativity surrounding the annual theme come out.

Mardi Gras Grand Ball & Costume Contest

When: Saturday 7:00 pm
Where: Motherlode Saloon

Though there is a costume ball each night during Mardi Gras, the Grand Ball is the most magnificent of them all. Everyone is invited to the Red River Conference Center for live zydeco music, dancing, and the official Mardi Gras costume contest. Dress up for your chance to win Chamber Cash from the Chamber of Commerce (good at any chamber member in Red River).

Children’s Ball

When: Sunday 6:45 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Black Mountain Playhouse

Red River is known for it’s family friendly atmosphere year-round so it’s only fitting that we have a ball especially for kids. Kids are also encouraged to wear their costumes and beads!

Cajun Cookoff

When: Tuesday 6:00 pm
Where: Timbers Restaurant

Get your taste buds ready for this fun event! Everyone is welcome to enter and show off their Cajun cooking skills, or just come have a beer and sample the tasty treats. There is no fee to enter and you could win fantastic prizes! Call the Chamber of Commerce to register at (575)-754-2366.

Angel Fire

February 13- 17, 2015

The Big Easy is coming to the mountains. Celebrate the best of Mardi Gras with Angel Fire Resort. Eat, drink and catch some beads! Enjoy live music, a Mardi Gras Day parade and more!

Friday, February 13, 2015

3-6 p.m. Live music at the Village Haus

6-9 p.m. Live music at the Legends Grill

Saturday, February 14, 2015

4-5 p.m. Mask making for kids at the Village Haus. Free for kids of all ages, all materials are provided, just bring your creativity.

3-6 p.m. Live music at the Village Haus

6-9 p.m. Live music at Legends Grill

Sunday, February 15, 2015

3 p.m. Mardi Gras Parade presented by the Angel Fire Rotary Club, starts at the Chile Express

3-6 p.m. Live music at the Village Haus

6-9 p.m. Live music at Legends Grill

Monday, February 16, 2015

3-6 p.m. Live music at the Village Haus

6-9 p.m. Live music at Legends

6-9 p.m. Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball: Dress in your best  to fit the theme, “A Night on the Orient Express.” The masquerade will be held at Elements. Reservations required, call (575) 377-6775

FAT TUESDAY, February 17, 2015

3-6 p.m. Live music at The Village Haus

7-11 p.m. Mardi Gras Grande Ball with The Ry Taylor Band in the Garden Court. Dress up, bring your beads and get ready for a grande good time!

Chef Mathias serves up his famous Shrimp and Chicken Ettouffe and Traditional Gumbo. Available in Elements Bar and Dining Room.

Sipapu

February 14, 2015

 

Discover Sipapu’s most popular–and FREE–family event. The celebration includes a giant snow castle, a costume contest and parade, treasure hunts, games, prizes and more!

Snow Castle Opening

When: Saturday, February 14  @ 9 am

Sipapu builds its trademark snow castle every year: a huge structure filled with stairs, slides, flags and plenty of places to play. Join us as we unveil this year’s creation and open the castle for all to explore!

Treasure Hunt

When: Saturday, February 14 @ 9 am – 4 pm

Our treasure hunt is part scavenger hunt and all adventure! Search our mountain for laminated letters, and when you find enough to spell CLOWN, return them to our store for a prize!

Ski New Mexico Brew Ski Events 2015

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Skiing. Local Beers & Fun.

All our ski resorts boast entertaining, beer-centric events that cater to both the serious connoisseur and the casual taster.

Check out some of the upcoming “BrewSki” events below!

Sipapu

 

SANTA FE BREWING HAPPY HOPS HUNT

Santa Fe Brewing sends you on a mountain-wide scavenger hunt in search of SFB cans stuffed with prizes. Redeem your prizes at the base area. And while you’re here, FREE telemark clinics and personal instruction are available all day as part of our annual Telemark Festival sponsored by Black Diamond Equipment. And don’t miss Freeheel Fray, the skin-up, ski-down race after the lifts close. Plus, Santa Fe Brewing will be at the finish line with beer specials all evening.

Date & Time:  January 17 & February 14 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cost:  FREE

 

Taos Ski Valley

 

THE 19TH ANNUAL BREW MASTER’S FESTIVAL

Come enjoy an afternoon sampling beer from around the region and local food as Taos Ski Valley presents the 19th Annual Brew Master’s Festival on Saturday, December 20, 2014 from 4:30-7pm. The event will be held in Tenderfoot Katie’s and the Martini Tree, located at the base of Chair 1. The Brew Master’s Festival is a 21 and over event, no infants or children.

Date & Time:  December 20 | 4:30 – 7 p.m.

Cost:  Admission is $25, includes souvenir sampling glass, food and fun! Tickets may be bought at the door the day of the event.

SPRING BEER FESTIVAL

Bring your friends and sample beers from across the Southwest and sample food from some of Taos’ best restaurants. Located in Tenderfoot Katie’s Cafeteria and the Martini Tree Bar from 4:30 to 7 p.m., this is a 21 and over event, no infants or children.

Date & Time:  March 7 | 4:30 – 7 p.m.

Cost:  $25 entry fee.

 

Santa Fe

 

WINTERBREW

New Mexico Brewers Guild celebrates a new year for craft beer at the 4th Annual WinterBrew. Join 16 local breweries and a half dozen food vendors for a cozy winter evening inside the Santa Fe Farmers Market hall. Tickets for WinterBrew 2014 sold out one week before the event, so grab them early.

https://nmbeer.org/events/

Date & Time:  January 23 | 4-9 p.m.

Cost:  $25

BEATS ON THE BASIN

Beats on the Basin is celebrating 10 years of bringing music to your Ski Santa Fe experience.  The first of 6 concerts scheduled at Totemoff’s, our mid-mountain bar and grill.  Your lift ticket or season pass is your pass to the music.  Local beers including Santa Fe Brewing company will be featured at Totemoff’s bar.

https://skisantafe.com/events/

Date & Time:  January 10, 24, February 7, 21 & March 7 | 12-3 p.m.

Cost: Free

 

Albuquerque

 

BIKE & BREW BIKE TOUR

Take a VIP Tour of Albuquerque’s Best Microbreweries. Join Routes Bicycle Rentals & Tours for a unique bicycle experience that combines the spectacular scenery of Albuquerque’s bike paths with professionally guided beer sampling, local culture, and VIP back-room brewery tours.

https://www.visitalbuquerque.org/abq365/events/detail/Bike-Brew-Bike-Tour/23513/

Date & Time:  December 21 & January 18 | 1 p.m.

Cost:  $60 with Bike Rental; $50 BYO(B)ike