15 Best Winter Activities to Do in New Mexico!

If you want to make the most of your winter in New Mexico, there are plenty of winter activities to enjoy. The landscape transforms into a magical wonderland of white snow, crisp air, and enchanting festivals. Here are 15 winter activities to do in the Land of Enchantment.

Taos Ski Valley, Taos, NM

Taos Ski Valley is the destination for all outdoor enthusiasts looking for an adrenaline-filled retreat. In the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where the Rockies begin, Taos Ski Valley offers impressive scenery and significant exploration in Northern New Mexico. With many outdoor recreation opportunities, it's no wonder this area has become the Ski/Snowboard Capital of the Southern Rockies.

Ski Apache, Alto, NM

Ski Apache, New Mexico's top-tier ski and snowboard destination, is deep in Alto. Get ready to hit the slopes and have the most scintillating winter escape. With fresh powder and plenty of thrills, Ski Apache is the place to be this snow season.

Cloudcroft Ice Rink, Cloudcroft, NM

Come to the Cloudcroft Ice Rink to skate on natural ice in the stunning locale of Historic Cloudcroft. Whether you're an expert skater or taking your first steps towards icy stardom, you're sure to have a memorable venture that you won't find anywhere else in the Southwest.

Pueblo Feast Days, Bernalillo, NM

See the mysterious beauty of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico and discover a commemoration of heritage and tradition. Visit and know traditional dances and cultural activities, such as polychrome pottery, mosaics, and basketry, and be surrounded by the sweet smell of piñon smoke. Be amazed by the centuries-old rituals that continue to take place in this sacred land.

Christmas on the Pecos, Carlsbad, NM

Take a magical boat tour through a glittering winter wonderland on the 32nd Annual Christmas on the Pecos. Climb aboard the Pecos Express Train and Elf Town, or go through the festive Light Maze. Take a family photo inside a Snow Globe decoration, then marvel at the spectacle of the 26ft musical Christmas tree, where lights dance to holiday tunes. Enjoy a festive holiday occasion to remember.

Elephant Butte Luminaria Beachwalk & Floating Lights Parade, Elephant Butte, NM

Head to The Luminaria Beachwalk this weekend and have a magical night. With 3000 luminaria lighting the way, your family and friends will have a night to remember strolling along the beach. Enjoy tasty snacks like posole, chile, cocoa, cookies, and s'mores sponsored by the community. Don't miss out on this fun-filled evening at Elephant Butte Lake.

Montezuma Hot Springs, Montezuma, NM

Unwind and restore your senses with a soothing spa day at Montezuma Hot Springs. Only 6 miles Northwest of Las Vegas, these warm mineral pools will refresh and energize you. Enjoy the many blessings of Mother Nature while relaxing in open-air cement pools, and let the healing waters wash away your worries.

Sandia Peak Tramway, Albuquerque, NM

Take a thrilling tram ride up the Sandia Peak and be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley and the Land of Enchantment. Hit the slopes this winter and grab some fresh powder downhill skiing and snowboarding. Venture all of this and more from the observation deck atop 10,378-foot Sandia Peak in the Cibola National Forest, located near the eastern edge of Albuquerque.

Ice Fishing at Eagle Nest Lake, Eagle Nest, NM

Eagle Nest Lake in Northern New Mexico is the perfect destination for adventurous anglers. With the icy season running strong into mid-March, it's a great chance to try out the sensational sport of ice fishing. Escape the cold weather by spending the day on the lake, where the ice fishing venture will no doubt impress.

Snowshoeing at Valles Caldera National Preserve, Jemez Springs, NM

Snowshoeing is becoming an increasingly popular winter activity. With no training necessary and minimal equipment needed, it's the best method to see nature, even in the snow. Thanks to snowshoes, winter hikes are no longer off-limits, so grab a pair of snowshoes, a couple of poles, and some waterproof boots and hit the trails at Valles Caldera National Preserve.

Snowmobiling in Carson National Forest, Taos, NM

The Carson National Forest is the destination for heart-pumping winter adventures. Snowmobiling is a favorite activity here, with loads of opportunities for exploration. But it's important to remember to stay safe; avalanches are a risk in many areas, and it's best to avoid certain terrain after heavy snowfalls or windy periods.

Christmas Eve Farolito Walk on Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM

The iconic Canyon Road in Santa Fe will be transformed this Christmas Eve into an enchanting holiday wonderland. Thousands of locals and visitors will join the beloved Farolito Walk, making merry around warm piñon bonfires and singing festive songs. Be sure to visit this miraculous and magnificent spectacle.

Enchanted Forest Ski Area, Red River, NM

Enchanted Forest Ski Area is an outdoor adventurer's dream. Located only 3.5 miles from Red River, this spectacular trail system boasts 30 kilometers of groomed trails for classic skiing and skate skiing and 15 kilometers of snowshoe trails for a truly enchanting venture. Plus, with equipment rental, ski lessons, snowshoe tours, fun events, and picnic spots, there's nothing you can't do.

Ruidoso Winter Park, Alto, NM

Ruidoso Winter Park is a gorgeous winter playground. Go for a spot of snow tubing to the next level with exhilarating zip lines and a mountain coaster, giving you breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Kids 3 and under even get to ride free daily.

White Sands National Park, Alamogordo, NM

White Sands National Park offers something special for adrenaline-seekers looking for a take on sledding. With its soft-sanded dunes, White Sands is the perfect spot to prove yourself and safely have a ball. Bring your sled and hit the dunes.

This text was created by the author with the assistance of GPT-3, a large-scale language generation model developed by OpenAI. The author reviewed, edited, and revised the draft language to their satisfaction and is fully responsible for the content of this publication.

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