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Archives for January 2016

El Niño Is Not Over Yet

Jan 25, 2016 by monica

The all-mighty El Niño has made its presence known in New Mexico this winter and we couldn’t be more thrilled.

Brett Nichols, Marketing Manager at Ski Apache near Ruidoso agrees, “It’s great to see people so excited about the conditions and it just helps the overall feel, moral at the resort. Catch a smile at Ski Apache! With all the new snow smiles are contagious here.”

The colder and wetter weather that the National Weather Service forecasted back in November brought one powder producing storm after another, contributing to some of the best base levels in years at ski areas across the state.

Ski Apache has received “about double [base depth] from what we were at last year. Over 126 inches so far. We get fresh snowfall that the powder is refreshed very frequently over past seasons,“ Nichols said.

Ski Apache’s season got a kick-start in December when a historic storm dumped 41 inches of powder. The same storm brought 30 inches of snow to Sandia Ski Area in Albuquerque enabling the mountain to open and has remained opened since.  If Sandia Ski Area is having a great season, you can bet ski resorts in the northern half of the state have copious amounts of snow as well.

The good news is it’s not over. The snow should keep coming in the core winter months, according to the NOAA.  “January through March 2016 to trend wetter than usual over much of the southern tier of the nation, from California into the Desert Southwest to the southern and central Plains, as well as the Gulf Coast and Southeast coast, including Florida.”

This image from the Climate Prediction Center shows most of New Mexico in a zone of where temperatures to be a negative anomaly, or colder than average.

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Even Meterologist Chris Tomer at onethesnow.com predicts “better odds of a wet, stormy winter in southern California and the desert Southwest.” This image shows New Mexico right in the path of above normal snow and rain.

We can’t guarantee that there won’t be dry spells, even El Niño is prone to them, but we definitely like the odds for more powder days this winter. Take advantage of the great conditions in our beautiful state. If you’ve never skied here, this is the year to explore our beautiful mountains.

Start planning your Spring Break vacations now. The snow will surely be here.

Filed Under: Happenings, Ski New Mexico News, Weather

Winter Festivals in January

Jan 18, 2016 by monica

Yes, there’s amazing snow. Yes, this is the best time to come ski any of New Mexico’s ski areas. And yes, there’s so much to do in addition to skiing. Schedule one of these events into your visit to Taos or Angel Fire. Each of these ski towns offers a unique experiences with so much to explore. Mark your calendar for these Festival events coming up in January.

January 22-24

Big O’ Texas Weekend in Angel Fire.

Everything’s bigger in Angel Fire on this weekend where the whole town celebrates all things Texas. Come enjoy live music, discounted lift tickets, a Texas Hold’em poker tournament and a 72 oz. steak eating challenge. It’ll be party you don’t want to miss. See y’all there! Schedule of events here angelfireresort.com

January 27-31

Taos Winter Wine Festival

This four day celebration of food and wine is a can’t miss event for foodies and wine connoisseur’s. The weekend includes wine seminars, wine dinners, and tastings with local restaurants and over 40 national wineries.

Grand Tasting is Jan. 30 @ 4:00-6:30 pm | $75
The main event, the Grand Tasting, takes place on the mountain at the base of chair lift #1at Taos Ski Valley Resort Center. Get your tickets early to sample some more than 150 wines and some local flavors from a dozen of Taos’s finest restaurants at one of the most popular Apres Ski events in the state. taoswinterwinefest.com or visit their facebook page

Take the opportunity to explore the great town of Taos. Check out the Plaza, great galleries, food, shopping, and visit the Taos Pueblo.

Filed Under: Happenings, Ski New Mexico News

MLK Weekend Events

Jan 14, 2016 by monica

For many, it’s a long holiday which means more hours you can spend in the snow and on the mountain.  Get out and enjoy the best winter ski season New Mexico has seen in decades.  Here’s who’s open and what’s happening:

Sandia Peak Ski Area

Open Friday – Sunday + Monday, January 18
They’ve got snow and yes, they are open. You can fit in all your MLK-Day plans AND get in some great runs. Just hop on up the Tram and go.

Pajarito Mountain

Open Wednesday – Sunday + Monday, January 18
With school out, it might be nice weekend to get this kids on the slopes. Kids 6 and younger ski free.

Weekend Events

BEER & BAND

January 16 at Pajarito Mountain
Apres ski, enjoy live music by Paradox Jazz Quintet and local craft beer by Bathtub Row Brewing Co-op.

RED RIVER SKIJORING

January 15-17 in Red River on River Street
Skijoring is defined as being pulled on skis by an animal; in this case skiers are pulled by horses. This competitive event is the first in the Skijor America’s cup series and is expected to draw many competitors. Come check out this thrilling spectator sport followed by parties and live music around town including Jason Boland & the Stragglers at the Motherlode Saloon on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. redriverskijoring.com

CHAMA CHILE SKI CLASS AND WINTER FIESTA

January 16-18 at Ski Chama
The 43rd annual cross country ski events include freestyle and classic style races, snowshoe races, snow bike race and more.  Events for the whole family; enter the insects/bugs themed costume contest. Live music and beer tasting. skichama.com  or facebook.com/skichama

SANTA FE BREWING HAPPY HOPS HUNT

Saturday, January 16 @ 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.at Sipapu
Join Santa Fe Brewing on a mountain-side scavenger hunt for SFB cans stuffed with prizes. Follow Sipapu’s Facebook and Twitter pages on the day of for clues and redeem prizes at the base area. This event is happening during the annual Telemark Festival which features free Telemark clinics and personal instruction. After the lifts close, be sure to stay for the Freeheel Fray (the skin-up, ski-down race). Santa Fe Brewing will be on site with beer specials all evening.

Filed Under: Happenings, Ski New Mexico News

Where to eat!

Jan 11, 2016 by monica

A full day of skiing can really work up an appetite and deciding where to go once you’re finally off the mountain can be daunting. So before you get too hungry remember we’ve already put together a list of tried and true spots near each of New Mexico’s fine ski areas where you’ll find great food and local flavor.

Red River

 

Sundance Restaurant
401 E. High Street
Red River, NM 87558
redrivernm.com/sundance

Open for dinner only, this is a great first stop after the lifts close to fill your belly with some home-style New Mexican food. Enchiladas, tacos, and chile rellenos are favorite fare of the locals. All plates are smothered in red or green chile (or both) and can be ordered as hot or mild in spiciness; go for hot and get the house specialty Agave Wine Margarita to cool you back down.

Texas Reds Steakhouse
400 E. Main St.
Red River, NM 87558
texasredssteakhouse.com

This old western steakhouse is a landmark in Red River. The menu, which caters to meat lovers, features steaks, prime rib, and burgers galore (including buffalo and elk). Vegetarians will not starve, however, with a meal easily built from their sides menu. Think baked potato, sautéed mushrooms, fried okra and more. Though the food is good, it’s the live music that draws visitors to this popular eatery on the weekends in the Lost Love Saloon.

Taos

 

Stray Dog Cantina
105 Sutton Pl
Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525
straydogtsv.com

This cozy restaurant is conveniently located at the base of the ski valley, perfect for an après bite and boozing. If you’re a chile fanatic or a fanatic-to-be, you’ll fall hard for their 100% guaranteed flame roasted red and green chile. They even serve breakfast if you need a chile fix before hitting the mountain.

El Monte Sagrado
317 Kit Carson Rd
Taos, NM 8757
elmontesagrado.com

If you’re looking for something a little upscale or romantic, De La Tierra at the hotel El Monte Segrado will fit the bill where Executive Chef Ray Naranjo has created a menu featuring “Contemporary Indigenous Gastronomy” with local inspiration. You can also enjoy the Anaconda Bar if you’re hoping to find a unique atmosphere with creative cocktails.

Ruidoso

 

Rio Grande Grill & Tap Room
441 Mechem Dr.
Ruidoso, NM 88345
sierrablancabrewery.com/rio_grande

Local brewers Sierra Blanca Brewery opened this tap room in 2013 serving all of their craft beers as well as incredible food; it’s quickly become a destination for locals and visitors alike. Try a sampler of their craft beers and even get a growler of your favorite to take home with you. A great atmosphere for winding down after a long ski day.

Cornerstone Bakery & Cafe Co
359 Sudderth Dr,
Ruidoso, NM 88345
cornerstonebakerycafe.com

This friendly bakery is a favorite in Ruidoso for breakfast, lunch, and for their superior sweet treats.

Come in for a warm breakfast – traditional or with a New Mexican flair – before hitting they slopes. You can’t visit New Mexico without having at least one plate of Huevos Rancheros (or five) and theirs won’t disappoint. The cinnamon rolls and pecan pastries with piñon coffee are delectable and share-worthy.

Angel Fire

 

Hail’s Holy Smoked BBQ & More
3400 NM-434
Angel Fire, NM 87710
hailsholysmokedbbq.com

What’s more satisfying after a cold day on the slopes than some good ol’ Texas BBQ. This low-key, locally owned and operated restaurant serves up a balanced blend of Texas style barbecue and New Mexico fare that receives high accolades from our Texas visitors and beyond. Just try one of the burritos and you’ll see why.

Santa Fe

 

Secreto Lounge
210 Don Gaspar Avenue, Suite A
Santa Fe, NM 87501
secretolounge.com

Slide off the slopes into the heart of Santa Fe at the bar in the Hotel St. Francis for premier craft cocktails and appetizers, where everything including drinks are made fresh, local and organic. The New Mexican inspired bites pair delightfully with a unique menu of award-winning cocktails including their signature drink, the Spicy Secreto or the very popular Smoked Sage Margarita.

Old House Restaurant
309 W San Francisco St.
Santa Fe, NM 87501
eldoradohotel.com/dining-nightlife/old-house

Hotel Eldorado, located just a short walk from the Santa Fe Plaza, houses this award-winning restaurant serving contemporary global cuisine. Known for their dry-aged rib eye steaks and green chile mac and cheese, this cozy destination serves the freshest seasonal and local ingredients from nearby farms. The outstanding menu will curb your hunger after a long day on the mountain.

Albuquerque

 

Sandiago’s Mexican Grill & High Finance Restaurant and Tavern
40 Tramway Rd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87122
sandiapeakrestaurants.com

If you are lucky enough to get to ski Sandia Ski Area this year, then you just might want to work one or both of these into your day. Both restaurants are located on the city side of the Sandia mountains; one is one top, the other the bottom. Both have remarkably beautiful views of Albuquerque.

High Finance resides at the top, two miles above the city, and serves tram-goers and skiers alike. The restaurant serves a satisfying lunch with fine sandwiches, burgers, and fresh Green Chile Beef Stew. Skiers love to hit the bar for appetizers and a beer before, during or after their runs.

At the end of your day, take the tram to the base of the mountain to Sandiago’s to enjoy dinner with the best view of the city’s breathtaking sunsets. Coastal Mexican fare is on the menu along with refreshing specialty drinks; try the Blood Orange Margarita.

 

Filed Under: Tips

KOAT Learn to Ski Program

Jan 8, 2016 by monica

KOAT 7 in cooperation with Ski New Mexico and all eight of its alpine resorts are pleased to again join the nationwide efforts of “Learn a Winter Sports Month” this January.

More than 6,000 children have benefited from the KOAT Kids Learn to Ski & Snowboard program— now entering its fifth year. For $50.00 per day, participating children age 6 to 12 receive a lesson, ski lift ticket, and all equipment rentals. It’s an affordable way for children to learn a winter sport. This program is for first time “beginners”. The program starts on Jan. 1, 2016 and runs through Jan. 31, 2016.

Reservations are required and are being taken from January 1, 2016 through January 31, 2016. Those wanting to make a reservation must contact the desired resort directly. Participating resorts are:

Angel Fire Resort: 1-844-218-4107
Pajarito Mt.: 505-662-5725
Red River Ski Area: 575-754-2223 x 602
Sandia Peak Ski Area: 505-242-9052
Sipapu Ski Resort: 800-587-2240
Ski Apache: 575-464-3643
Ski Santa Fe: 505-992-5084
Taos Ski Valley: 575-776-2291 ext. 2240

 

Read the proclamation signed by the Governor of New Mexico. Declaring January the learn a snowsport month in New Mexico.  2016.LEARN.A.SNOW.SPORT.MONTH

Filed Under: Happenings, Ski New Mexico News

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