Angel Fire NM
/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphIn the summer months, Angel Fire draws hordes of enthusiastic mountain bikers to its world-class bike park. In the winter, when the snow flies, the resort transforms into a snowy playground of the first order. But here’s the thing about Angel Fire: while the sports are top-notch, so is the rest and relaxation. You don’t have to do anything, except kick back and let the mountain air restore you.
/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphIf you do come for the skiing and riding, however, you’ll find a renowned ski and snowboard school that makes it an ideal place for newbies, and enough challenging runs to keep experts happy. What’s more, Angel Fire is the only resort in the state to offer night skiing. Add three terrain parks, a tubing and sledding hill, more than 10 miles of nordic track, snowshoe trails, and abundant slopeside lodging, and you’ve got a legit winter destination.
/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphBecause Angel Fire loves to host families, many of the amenities cater to groups. Numerous multi-room condos and spacious vacation houses dot the base area, providing easy access to lifts with all the comforts of home. For those who want to be in the very heart of it all, you can book a room at the Lodge at Angel Fire, a contemporary hotel steps from the lift with a pool, hot tub, fitness center, and pet-friendly rooms.
/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphFor those in need of additional square footage, you can find well-appointed two- and three-bedroom units that are an easy walk to the slopes. Need even more space? Dozens of vacation homes are available around the mountain, all within easy striking distance of the on-mountain action—from a large, light-filled home with stunning views that sleeps eight, to a 2,500-square foot cabin that will accommodate up to 13.
/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphIf you like to roll in your RV, even in winter, you’ll be happy to know about the deluxe Angel Fire RV Resort. The state-of-the-art facility provides more than a hundred paved and level pads, with an on-site bath house, hot tub, and wifi, along with a retail market, laundry, and even a putting green.
/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphMost of the dining options are conveniently close to Angel Fire’s base area. The Village Haus Restaurant and Bar is located on the ground floor of The Lodge, and Legends Grill, a family-friendly pub that serves gourmet burgers and other classic fare, can be found on the second floor. El Jefe, a “Fresh Mex” restaurant known for its top-shelf margaritas, can be found just across from the Chile Express Lift. During the mountain’s operating hours, make your way to the Summit Haus, at the top of Chile Express, for endless views on the wraparound deck.
/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphYou’ll find lots of casual dining options around town, from craft brewpubs to pizza and sandwich shops. And for those seeking a more upscale experience, Elements, at the Angel Fire Country Club, does excellent steaks and seafood.
/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphYou could easily spend a vacation sticking close to Angel Fire, but a few side trips are worth consideration. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway loops around Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest point at 13,159 feet, and takes you through Eagle Nest, Red River, Questa, and Taos. The scenery alone is worth the drive. But of course each town has its own share of attractions.
/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphJust north of Angel Fire, along Highway 64, you’ll find the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Opened in 1971, the chapel and site were created by Victor and Jeanne Westphall to honor veterans after the death of their son David, a First Lieutenant killed in action in 1968. It was the first major monument of its kind—and is often cited as a source of inspiration for the monument built in Washington D.C. in 1982. The New Mexico memorial sees some 45,000 annual visitors.
/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphYou may not encounter anything quite as poignant as the Vietnam memorial along the Enchanted Highway but there are many other worthy stops. Grab a bite in Eagle Nest and continue on over Bobcat Pass, the state’s highest road, before dropping down into Red River. By the time you roll through Taos, you’ll be ready for some of New Mexico’s famous red and green chile. Then it’s back to the lovely Moreno Valley, home to Angel Fire, where you can breathe deep, relax, and rest up for another day of mountain adventure.
/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphArticle by: Nick Heil
/wp:paragraph