We may be having a great season here in New Mexico. The skiing and snowboarding has been awesome, but there’s much more to it than going up and down the mountain. In fact, everyone can find a reason to get out and enjoy this snow, not just skiers and snowboarders, everyone. If you’re planning a trip and want to make sure there are enough activities on the agenda, especially for the non-skiers in the group, then this list is for you. Here’s our top 10 other winter activities to enjoy while visiting New Mexico:
1. Snowshoeing
If you can walk, you can snow shoe. It’s that easy. Just strap on a pair of snowshoes, available to rent at most ski shops, and hit the backcountry. This activity can be as easy or challenging as you make it.
Where: All but these have dedicated snowshoe trails: Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area, Chama Cross Country, Angel Fire Nordic
2. Tubing
Got kids? Or do you want to feel like a kid again? Hop on a tube and fly down a hill. Works every time. Some of the ski areas have official tubing slopes or times of day that open specifically for tubing and even groomed for the activity.
Where: Angel Fire, Taos, Red River, Ruidoso
3. Sledding
See previous, only using a different vehicle. There are many dedicated sledding spots that are separate from the tube-only hills at the ski resorts. Sleds and tubes can be rented and purchased at almost any ski shops. Check out Trip Advisor for the best spots near you.
4. Ski Bike
If you love to mountain bike this could be your snow sport of choice. Part skis, part bike and a whole lot of fun.
Where: Angel Fire, Sipapu even offers ski bike lessons and rentals
5. Snowmobiling
There are lots of great areas to snowmobile near all of New Mexico’s ski area, each offering guided tours through the gorgeous scenery and backcountry. Particularly great for those who love to rev an engine. Find an open meadow and blast around and explore at your own pace.
Where: Angel Fire, Taos Ski Valley, Red River
6. Sleigh rides
Add this to your agenda for a romantic ride with your sweetie or to enjoy a jolly outing with an outgoing group. Sip hot cocoa and cuddle up while a horse drawn sleigh gently glides you through the frozen landscape.
Where: Angel Fire
7. Shopping
New Mexico is seeping with culture and you’ll want to take a piece of it home with you. While touring around any city or ski town and you’ll find shops and galleries galore to find a trinket or treasure to remind you of your trip. Browse art galleries, handmade jewelry, Native American wares and so much more.
8. Cross Country Skiing
Maybe going downhill isn’t your thing. That’s okay. Cross country skiing may help you feel more in control as you trek across the snow and into the backcountry of New Mexico. It’s also a GREAT workout.
Where: Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area, Chama Cross Country, Angel Fire Nordic
9. Terrain Parks
All 8 areas have a terrain park and there are jumps, rails, fun boxes and tabletops for all levels. This is a fun place to get some great videos and pictures to share on Instagram. Don’t forget to tag them with #SkiNewMexico.
10. Skin up and ski down
Need an extra challenge or want to burn some more calories on the hill? Skin up; it’s like cross country skiing, only up the mountain. You’ll attach a skin to the bottom your skis that allow you to slide forward, but not backward, and hike up the hill. When you reach the top you’ll take off the skins and ski back down. I mean, who needs a lift anway? That’s the lazy way!
Here is another great list of things to do for the whole family this winter.
