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Archives for December 2021

History of Skiing in New Mexico

Dec 20, 2021 by monica

New Book Released on New Mexico’s Ski History in Photos

New Mexico has one of the oldest ski cultures in the American West, going back to the miners of
the late 19th century who used skis as practical tools for accessing snow-covered terrain, and for
fun. Recreational skiing arose in the 1920s among students of the Los Alamos Ranch School,
and on the first developed ski runs in the 1930s in the Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque and
at Hyde Memorial State Park near Santa Fe.
The rich, fascinating and extensive history of the state’s ski scene has now been documented in a
just-released book from Arcadia Publishing, titled Skiing in New Mexico. The book is part of
their series titled “Images of America,” consisting of historic black and white photos run with
detailed, informative captions. It was compiled by two New Mexico natives and lifelong skiers,
seasoned ski journalist Daniel Gibson and veteran Sandia Peak Tram director Jay Blackwood.
Skiing in New Mexico includes 183 images, mostly photos, but also historic posters and other
graphic arts.
The images include perhaps the oldest image in existence of an American Indian on skis, a photo
taken circa 1900 of a Taos Pueblo Indian thought to be delivering mail to the mining community
of Twinning above Taos. It also includes a photo taken in 1896 of a woman on skis, wearing a
dress, taken in the Sandias, photos of the mining community of Twining that would later become
the base area for Taos Ski Valley, and other early images.
Photos of Los Alamos Ranch School students leading horses with skis lashed to them through
deep snow, the first skiing explorations of what would become the Santa Fe Ski Basin and
“backcountry” outings to Lake Peak, and photos of the first forays in the Sandias are also
included. The visual history of Taos Valley is amply illustrated, with numerous shots of Ernie
and Rhoda Blake, Jean Mayer, Dr. Al Rosen and other Taos founders. There’s also photos of
many other New Mexico ski pioneers like Kingsbury Pitcher (founder of Sierra Blanca, today’s
Ski Apache), Robert Nordhaus (founder of La Madera and the Sandia Peak Tram), the Abruzzo
family (long associated with both Sandia Peak and Ski Santa Fe) and many more.
The book retails for $24, and can be found in many local bookstores, in ski area gift shops, and
online book outlets, including Amazon. For additional details or to order a copy. More Information

Photo: This fine photo reveals the deck of the new Sierra Lodge at the Santa Fe Basin in the early 1950s. It looks east toward Lake Peak. The parking lot is where today’s Tesuque Peak and Millennium chairs begin, with both running up to the highest slopes seen here. At the base of the flagpole sits the ski school office. The first chairlift began just out the frame’s left edge, and ran up today’s slopes Slalom and Thunderbird. The ski area’s brochure for 1949-50 promised “skiers can choose between pleasant, easy-to-ski slopes or a number of fast, daring downhill runs from the top.” Graeme McGowan’s prediction for grand skiing here was finally a reality. (By Starr Jenkins for the USFS; courtesy Pitcher Family Collection.)



Skier Photo – Kingsbury “Pitch” Pitcher would schuss into the New Mexico ski scene after World War II, but here he’s seen as a young man racing from Stanford University in Sun Valley, Idaho in 1940. Born in Los Angeles. He told Marian Love in the Santa Fean Magazine of January-February 1980, “I learned to ski in the Sierras when I was ten years old. My skis were seven-foot boards with toe straps. It wasn’t a popular sport and ski clothes were an oddity. Once, when some friends and I went to a race, we stopped to get some food and the counterman asked, ‘Is youse guys acrobats?’” His grandfather was the famed Otto Mears, builder of the Million Dollar Highway in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, where Pitch spent his summers. (Courtesy Pitcher Family Collection.)

Filed Under: Ski New Mexico News, Skier Stories, Skiing

Warm Wishes for a Cool Holiday Season

Dec 16, 2021 by Cathryn Huff

If you are heading to New Mexico for the holidays, prepare to be dazzled. Oh sure there’s the sparkling fluffy snow against the bisbee blue skies during the days. But it’s the brilliantly illuminated evenings that put the winter version of the word “enchantment” into our state’s nickname.

No matter which town or resort you visit, and whether or not you’ll be skiing, bask in our glow of holiday lights and events:

IN SANTA FE
Christmas on the historic Santa Fe Plaza
Nothing short of magical, the downtown plaza of “The City Different” is aglow in lights and farolitos from Thanksgiving to New Years Day, as are the Guadalupe and Railyard Districts nearby. The Santa Fe Botanic Garden on Museum Hill is another luminary destination. If you’re looking for a church on Christmas Eve, Midnight Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi on the Plaza is an experience to behold.

Christmas Eve Canyon Road Farolito Walk
Dec. 24, 2021 | 5:00-9:00 pm
Join the tens of thousands of people who turn out for this slow promenade in the heart of Santa Fe. Enjoy farolitos and carolers. Many of the galleries and restaurants are open; some serve hot drinks and offer a warm, welcome shelter from the cold.

IN ALBUQUERQUE
56th Annual Luminaria Tour
Dec. 24, 2021
Take a self-guided tour or join an ABQRIDE tour through the Old Town plaza and several surrounding neighborhoods to view the city’s most impressive light and luminaria displays. (You can also stroll through Old Town any night of the month of December to see the picturesque white lights, but without the luminarias.)

River of Lights
Through Dec. 30, 2021 | 6:00 – 9:30 (Closed Dec. 24 & 25)
ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden hosts New Mexico’s largest walk-through light show featuring millions of twinkling lights.

There’s plenty of holiday cheer for the whole family at and around the ski areas as well. From Santa to fireworks, there’s something for everyone. Several ski areas host traditional torchlight parades. These breathtaking displays on the slopes of the mountains are celebrations put on by the host ski area and skiing community and are considered a gift to the visitors who attend.

SKI APACHE
Christmas at the Flying J Ranch
Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021 | 5:30-9:00 pm
Celebrate Christmas at the Flying J Ranch with a Christmas show, holiday lights, a delicious cowboy supper and a winter hayride, New Mexico-style.

Christmas Eve Luminarias at Lincoln Historic Site
Friday, Dec. 24, 2021 | 4:00-8:00 pm
The town will be adorned with luminarias. Santa Claus arrives on a longhorn steer. Hot chocolate will be served.

ANGEL FIRE
Ski and Snowboard with Santa
Dec. 24 & 25, 2021 | 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Come ski and snowboard with Santa and Mrs. Claus on the mountain. Don’t forget a camera; this is one photo op you don’t want to miss. You can get a picture with Mr. and Mrs. Claus following this event in the Lodge Lobby too!

Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks
Dec. 24, 2021 | 6:00-7:00 pm
Bundle up the family and join us at the base of the ski mountain for our annual Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks.

TAOS SKI VALLEY
New Year’s Eve Fireworks and Torchlight Parade
Dec. 31, 2021 | 6:00-7:00 pm
Ring in the 2022 New Year in style with our torchlight parade and fireworks display. Watch as skiers make their way down the mountain in the dark with flares as their only means of light. Following the torchlight don’t miss the spectacular fireworks display by Gemini Fireworks. Torchlight Parade will begin around 6pm and fireworks will follow.

RED RIVER
Christmas Luminaria Ski & Snowshoe
Dec. 25, 2021 | 6:30-9:30 pm at the Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area
Enjoy Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Area under the warm glow of candlelight. Luminarias are placed along a one-way three-kilometer loop for a self-guided nighttime tour. This is, quite possibly, the most beautiful cross-country ski (or snowshoe) experience in North America. There is plenty of light to see the trails and if it begins to snow, the effect is just incredible. It truly is like skiing in a dream. Join us inside for complimentary food and (non-alcoholic) drinks!

Christmas Eve’s Eve Fireworks and Torchlight Parade
Dec. 23, 2021 | 7:00 pm
See Red River ski area’s instructors, patrol, and local residents ski and snowboard down the mountain carrying flares. This beautiful show is a 45-plus year tradition and is accompanied by fireworks. You don’t have to be on the slopes to enjoy this—it can be seen from almost anywhere in town. If you miss it, come back any Saturday night during ski season for the same spectacle.

IN LOS ALAMOS
Christmas Eve at Ashley Pond
Dec. 24, 2021 | 4:45-5:30pm
Experience a Christmas in Los Alamos that is so unique and special for the entire family and hosted by Freedom Church.

Filed Under: Happenings Tagged With: Christmas, Christmas Lights, Holidays, Luminarias, Torchlight Parade

A Mining Town Strikes Adventure Gold

Dec 15, 2021 by monica

Red River, NM

Red River might be New Mexico’s most authentic ski town. Tucked into a scenic river valley in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and surrounded by the Carson National Forest, winter stays cold and snowy. Lift-served skiing began in the 1950s, but these days Red River Ski & Summer Area is a full-blown ski resort, with seven lifts and 64 trails, a world-class ski school, and superior snowmaking. There’s a reason USA Today named it the top ski town in North America, declaring it the “perfect getaway for skiers of all ages.”

Originally built by miners (the local paper is the Red River Miner), this village with a full-time population of around 500 has retained a quaint feel while growing and polishing the things that matter—a quality mountain experience, good food, comfy lodging, and a fun atmosphere for the whole family. Activities abound throughout the season, but the action culminates at the end of February with Red River’s main event: the legendary Mardi Gras in the Mountains. Started in 1992 with support from the Chamber of Commerce, the weeklong event is an alpine version of New Orlean’s famous fete, albeit with a family friendly spin, including parades, costume contests, and a children’s ball. Interested visitors will want to book well in advance as this popular event always fills up and spills over.

You won’t be scrambling to make reservations at stuffy resort restaurants here; Red River is casual and welcoming. Sidle up to the bar, or grab a table, at the legendary Bull o’ the Woods Saloon—“the Bull,” as locals call it—which has been around since 1939, serving burgers and sandwiches, and featuring one of the best beer lists in town. For a more contemporary vibe, stop by the Red River Brewing Company, which opened in 2018. The brewery produces its own craft beer and serves up pit-smoked barbecue, among other tasty menu items. Want more variety? The chicken fried steak at Brett’s Bistro is a perennial crowd-pleaser; Anchovies Pizzaria does great pie; dive into filet mignon and a baked potato at Texas Red’s; or try the enchiladas and rellenos at the Sundance Restaurant.

Start your day of winter play with a hearty breakfast, like the plate-size pancakes, at Old Tymers Cafe. For a lighter bite, grab an espresso and pastry at the Major Bean Coffee and Sandwich Shop. Or try Steam Coffee Co. or Peak Espresso for your caffeine fix.

While the ski area is the main attraction—the lifts whisk you onto the slopes from the edge of town—the area also offers numerous diversions and side trips. Among the most notable is the Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area, a must for anyone interested in skinny skiing. The Enchanted Forest is one of the only dedicated nordic areas in the state, maintaining more than 20 miles of groomed skate and classic trails, nine miles of snowshoe track, and 3 miles of dog-friendly mixed-use terrain. For the truly adventurous, the Enchanted Forest also rents yurts—rigid tents with beds and wood stoves—for a true taste of winter glamping.

The Red River Sled Shed runs snowmobile tours to nearby Bobcat Pass and the surrounding area, offering views all the way to Colorado. Or, you can keep things close to town strolling the shops and galleries, including the Kenneth Wyatt Gallery and the Red River Museum of Fine Arts. Because Red River loves to host families, you’ll discover lots of kid-friendly entertainment around town, too. Every Saturday, staff from the ski area hold a torchlight parade, capped with fireworks. And live music is a staple almost every night, from local folk singers to traveling acts, like The Rocketz and David Graham and the Eskimo Brothers.

One of Red River’s best attributes is its affordability, especially for a ski town. And because the town is compact—just a mile long and a few blocks wide—and situated along the Red River, hotels, condos, and lodges all provide easy convenience to lifts, shops, and restaurants.

Try the Copper King Lodge or Three Bears Lodge for a rustic experience. Billing itself as the “only true ski-in, ski-out experience in Red River,” Copper King has one, two, and three bedroom units, some with full kitchens. At Three Bears, you’ll find cabin-style accommodations just steps from the chairlifts.

If you want a more European flavor, Sitzmark Lodge, in the heart of downtown, offers comfy rooms at a great value in a Tyrollean-style lodge. For those who skew toward familiar brands, the Best Western River’s Edge offers rooms for around $100 that are just a few steps from the water (and just a few more from the chairlifts). 

Wherever you settle in, you won’t be too far from the action. Whether it’s a full day of skiing and riding, a lively aprés experience, live music deep into the night, or all of the above, Red River provides.

Filed Under: Tips, Travel

A Day in The Life of a Sandia Peak Ski Patroller

Dec 7, 2021 by monica


Have you ever heard the maxim, “You should love your job so much you’d do it for free”?

Well, that seems to apply to the ski patrollers at Sandia Peak Ski Resort, and it’s almost time to clock in.


There are two kinds of ski patrollers — Pro patrollers are usually employed on a full-time basis by a resort for an entire ski season. Volunteer patrollers dedicate their time for the love of skiing in addition to their day jobs, which makes sense at Sandia Peak, since they only open three days a week — the BEST three days of the week for the entire Sandia Peak Ski Patrol.

However much fun it is to spend your days on skis, being a ski patroller is serious business. Their most important responsibility is serving as first responders for any incidents, medical or otherwise, on the mountain. Typically, ski patrollers are trained to the National Ski Patrol’s (NSP) Outdoor Emergency Care certification, or they have Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license. There are additional certifications that allow toboggan transport and avalanche mitigation, among other things. After a patroller gets their certifications, they participate in pre-season refresher courses every year on about 1/3 of the NSP book in addition to brushing up on basic skills (like splinting). Every three years, they have covered the course completely.


Long before the season starts, the Sandia team is up on the mountain practicing their lift evacuation skills, learn-ing medical protocol changes, and getting hands-on experience with new equipment. Kim Linder, a ski enthusiast who has been a patroller, OEC Instructor AND a ski instructor for more than 23 years, calls the day “On the Hill”, and she says it’s usually the first time everyone gets together in anticipation of the new season.


“We are really like one big family on and off the mountain,” she says. “It’s important that we work together like clockwork when the season is in swing, so we have a lot of respect and responsibility to one another.”
So what’s a day in the life of a Sandia Ski Patroller like? The 12-15 patrollers start the day by 8:30 before the lifts are open to the public. They all ride up and take different trails down, looking for debris that may have fallen during the night, signs that might need to be cleared after a new snowfall, and making sure boundary ropes are in place and visible.


Throughout the day, they take turns manning the upper and lower patrol rooms and constantly skiing the trails, making sure someone is always in the right place at the right time and able to respond as fast as possible to incidents.


At the end of the day, they all start together at the top and do an evening “sweep” looking for straggling skiers, clearing boundaries for the snowcats, and making notes of trail conditions. They meet at the bottom to account for everyone, and they call it a good day.


“The important thing for me, “says Kim,” is the opportunity to give back to the ski community and a sport that has given me so much joy throughout the years. I love to help people discover a passion for skiing and provide a safe and enjoyable experience for them.”


An off-season activity that is unique and critical to the operation of the Sandia Peak Ski Patrol is their sponsor-ship of the annual Ski Swap in Albuquerque every October. They are their own nonprofit, and they raise all of their own funds for new equipment and supplies exclusively through the Ski Swap. It’s an incredibly well-organized event where skiers can exchange or consign outgrown or unused equipment and clothing.


If spending your winter days on skis is your idea of a great job, you can find out more at the NSP website, and Sandia Peak is now taking applications for the 2021-22 season.

Filed Under: Ski New Mexico News, Skier Stories, Tips

Red River, NM named BEST SKI TOWN 2021

Dec 3, 2021 by monica

Beyond convenient access to the slopes, what makes the best ski town? For some, it’s having access to fantastic restaurants, bars, and shops. For others, it’s about great accommodations, a small-town vibe, or a historic atmosphere. To find the best ski towns for 2021, a panel of experts selected 20 nominees, then our readers voted for the 10 best.

Red River NM

Red River invites visitors to visit the “Ski Town of the Southwest” and take a skiing vacation in this community located in the Southern Rockies just north of Taos, New Mexico. Their ski schools offer learning experiences for everyone, and the ski area promises minimal lift lines and fresh powder that lasts days after a storm. With an average annual snowfall of over two hundred inches, over fifty trails for intermediate, expert, and beginners, and Saturday night torchlight parades and fireworks, Red River offers the perfect getaway for skiers of all ages and expertise.

The top 10 winners in the category Best Ski Town are as follows: 

  1. Red River, New Mexico
  2. North Conway, New Hampshire
  3. Rossland, British Columbia
  4. Stowe, Vermont
  5. Banff, Alberta
  6. Bethel, Maine
  7. Breckenridge, Colorado
  8. Salt Lake City, Utah
  9. Nelson, British Columbia
  10. Park City, Utah

Congratulations to all these winning towns!

Article – https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-ski-town/

Best Ski Town (2021)

“Ski Town of the Southwest” named Best Ski Town

Photo courtesy of Town of Red River

Filed Under: Ski New Mexico News, Tips Tagged With: red river ski & summer area

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    We are constantly in awe of the photos taken of our beautiful state! Thanks @kevinrebholtzphotography for letting us share this beautiful picture of @skitaos! 

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    Gotta keep warm during these snowy days! Where's your favorite place to stop after a day in the snow? ❄️ ⛷️ 

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    Incredible weekend on the slopes! Thank you to all the great staff keeping us safe and happy! 

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