Best winter vacation spots in new mexico

The article showcases the best winter vacation spots in new mexico which is located in the USA. It would emphasis on a place called New Mexico. This is a great place to travel to in winter season with your family because this place has got numerous great attractions and people would prefer visiting this place during winter vacation.

Deciding to go on a winter vacation can seem intimidating, especially if you live in an area that doesn’t see a lot of snow. But it doesn’t have to be this way — after all, there’s no better way to get out and see the world than by hitting the highway during one of the coldest months of the year. You may think there aren’t a whole lot of places to go in your own country but you’d be surprised. Today we’re going to take look at, from my point of view, the best winter vacation spots in new mexico.

New Mexico has two great reasons to visit in wintertime: the beautiful Pueblo Revival architecture and the wonderful snow-capped San Juan Mountains. No other state offers two key ingredients for a perfect winter vacation: authentic pueblo home-stays, which are chock full of truly unique and fascinating aspects; and a stunning mountain backdrop – not just jagged Rockies but San Juans, as well.

New Mexico has a lot to offer in the winter. If you are looking for a place where you can enjoy the snow and get out of the cold, then New Mexico is the place for you. The state offers many fun activities for families and friends to enjoy together. Here are some of the best winter vacation spots in New Mexico.

Taos Ski Valley

Taos Ski Valley is located in Taos, New Mexico. It is one of the oldest ski areas in North America, and it has been open since 1936. The resort has three mountains: Pajarito Mountain, Hermit Peak, and Kit Carson Peak. There are more than 30 ski runs available at Taos Ski Valley, as well as four terrain parks and two tubing runs that are open during the winter months.

White Sands National Monument

White Sands National Monument is located near Alamogordo on Highway 70 West in New Mexico. It spans over 200 square miles and contains gypsum sand dunes that reach up to 300 feet high. Visitors can explore White Sands by hiking or by renting bikes from one of their rental shops within the park boundaries; there are also guided tours available for those who want to see specific parts of White Sands without having to worry about getting lost or

New Mexico is a state rich in culture, history and natural beauty. From the dusty, desert landscape of the southwest to the majestic mountains of Santa Fe and Albuquerque, there are many things to see and do in New Mexico that make it an ideal destination for a winter vacation. Here are our top 5 picks for best winter vacation spots in New Mexico:

1. Santa Fe: Known as the City Different, Santa Fe is one of the oldest cities in North America. It has been inhabited by Native Americans for over 10,000 years and was originally called “Po-ho-ken” which means “place where water flows through rocks.” Santa Fe has many museums including the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum which features her works as well as those by other artists such as Alfred Maurer, Georgia’s husband. There are also many shops along Canyon Road where you can find unique jewelry made from silver or turquoise stones as well as pottery handcrafted by Native Americans who live on nearby reservations. Another highlight of Santa Fe is its vibrant cultural scene which includes both indoor and outdoor performances of dance and music throughout the year including classical ballet at The Lensic Performing Arts Center or folk music at El Rodeo de Santa Fe

Taos Ski Valley, Taos, NM

Connect with two, three or four friends and ride the chair lifts to a variety of mixed-level skiing. First-timers can hit the very gentle bunny slopes at the base of the mountain. For the more advanced skier, the upper mountain trails are long and challenging, both in stamina and expertise. With 1,294 acres of terrain, wide open groomers and glades, moguls and bowls and powdery, pristine snow, the schussing factor at this mountain resort is out-of-bounds. Lifts are open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weather is always a factor, so plan ahead!  

Ski Apache, Mescalero, NM

Snowboarders flock to the three terrain parks here, the southernmost resort in the state, for the challenging jumps, rails and tubes and to practice tricks like grabs, grinds and stalls. Owned and operated by the Mescalero Apache Tribe, this second-largest ski area of New Mexico has 750 acres of skiable land with more than 55 trails served by 11 lifts. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Sunday. Snowmaking adds to the 180 plus inches of snowfall that comes every year, so snowboarders are guaranteed a fun, challenging day on the slopes.

Cloudcroft Ice Rink, Cloudcroft, NM

The James Sewell Ice Rink is the only natural ice, ice rink in all the Southwest. James Sewell, for whom the rink is named, opening this popular winter spot in the 1960s by filling a low spot in town with water and letting it freeze overnight. Put your skates on a take a slide back in time for a day or evening of fun for the whole family. It’s open from mid-December through the beginning of March in this historic town, high in the Lincoln National Forest. Brave the cold with hot cocoa from the snack bar or roast some s’mores for warmth.

Pueblo Feast Days, Bernalillo, NM

Bundle up if you’re planning on attending a feast day at one of the 19 pueblos just outside of Albuquerque. The all-day dancing takes place in the square in celebration of both the Native American culture and Catholic traditions and rituals brought by the Spanish in the 1500s. The rhythmic cadence of the drums and the aroma of pinon smoke permeate the air as the native dancers’ feet beat against the cold ground. This is not a performance, but a prayer, so reverence for what’s taking place is a must. No pictures allowed.

Christmas on the Pecos, Carlsbad, NM

A river runs through the heart of Carlsbad and those who live on its shores create a Christmas light show extravaganza. This annual event showcases about 100 homeowners who decorate their boat docks and backyards with millions of lights. Visitors drift down the river through a magical world that only happens once a year in this desert town. Tours are 40 minutes long and take place through the end of December. It’s a sight you won’t soon forget.

Elephant Butte Luminaria Beach Walk and Floating Parade of Lights, Elephant Butte, NM

The sight of 4,000 luminarias lighting the path along a beach in the New Mexican desert is certainly a bucket list event. Sponsored by the town’s Chamber of Commerce, the luminarias, a small paper bag with a votive candle in it, get lit at dusk as a kick-off to the floating parade of lights by local boat owners. Complimentary treats, caroling, hay rides, camp fires, hot cider and a visit with Santa Claus round out the evening’s activities.

Montezuma Hot Springs, Las Vegas, NM

These therapeutic geothermal springs, filled with minerals like lithium and sulfur, have been a gathering place for healing since the first peoples lived in this area. The three, open-air cement-lined springs, right along the side of the road, are accessible to anyone wanting to dip their toe in the water’s warmth. The old Montezuma Hotel is now the headquarters for United World College which maintains the pools. The soaks vary in temperature: The “Lobster Pot” is hot at 120 degrees, “Africa,” shaped like the continent, a mild 103 degrees. Access is free. Bathing suits are required. Relaxation essential.

Sandia Peak Ski and Tramway, Albuquerque, NM

You don’t have to be a skier or snowboarder to ride a gondola to the top of a mountain, you just can’t be afraid of heights! This gondola travels 2.7 miles up and over deep canyons to an elevation of 10,378 feet and the observation deck on Sandia Peak. The surrounding panoramic views of the Rio Grande Valley are breathtaking and sunrise or sunset at the peak are awe-inspiring. Winter above the snow-dusted Sandia Mountains brings new perspective to the desert scene below. The tram runs every 20 to 30 minutes from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; the ride is about 15 minutes. This gives you plenty of time to wander the trails of Cibola National Forest.

Ice Fishing at Eagle Nest Lake

Pack your auger and a fishing line for some crazy-cold winter fishing. As you slip-slide across the creaking ice, just ignore the moaning and groaning the ice makes—it’s all part of the experience. Fishermen have been fishing (and catching) at this lake for years. Trout, salmon and perch are the best of the lake, but the non-native pike is part of the pool, too. You need a license so check in with the Department of Game and Fish before you head out and make sure the lake is fully-frozen—the water is cold.

Snowshoeing at Valles Caldera National Preserve

You don’t have to stop hiking the snow-covered trails in winter, you just have to strap on a pair of snowshoes. The modern, lightweight construction of these shoes makes tramping through the snow a walk in the park, and there’s no better place to try it than here, deep in the Jemez Mountains. The crater, remnants of an ancient volcano, has miles of pristine snow just waiting to be stepped on. Open Friday through Sunday in winter, from mid-November to mid-March. A highlight: moonlight snowshoeing with bonfires and hot chocolate!

Snowmobiling in Carson National Forest

With more than 50 miles of snowmobile-accessible trails, this is the place to open up the throttle. Whether you have your own, or hook up with a guided tour, this is just a straight-up fun activity. Beautiful landscapes and not-too-cold temps make this a great outing for families for a day, or weekend, of high-spirited fun. Before heading out, stop by the Visitors Center for a trail map and for the rules of the snow.

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

The lights of Santa Fe never shine so brightly as they do at this annual Christmas event on Canyon Road. Thousands of farolitos, small paper lanterns, illuminate the gardens and courtyards and adobe walls all along this road. With the addition of luminarias, small pinon bonfires, and twinkle lights, the glow is ever so heart-warming. What began as a neighborhood activity in the 1970s has grown into a celebration that brings carolers, street musicians, artists, friends and strangers out on to the streets to share hot chocolate and the joy of the season. This free activity only happens on one day of year: Christmas Eve. Don’t miss it.

Enchanted Forest Ski Area, Red River, NM

At 10,000 feet, the panoramic mountain vistas merge with meandering forest trails for a high-elevation adventure. The state’s only full-service cross country ski area has 20 miles of well-marked and widely-groomed, patrolled trails. It has 20 miles of 16-foot wide groomed trails. Cross-country skiing, part of a trio of Nordic skiing activities is the original and, perhaps, the hardest way to ski. You use every muscle in your body, with swinging arms and gliding legs, propelling you across the powdery trails. Open seven days-a-week from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Ruidoso Winter Park, Alto, NM

Looking for an exhilarating ride down a snow-covered slope that isn’t gear heavy? Tubing is the ticket. Tubing is like sledding only easier and more fun because you get to sit and slide on, basically, a pillow of air. This park has tubing areas with twists, turns, bump, jumps and bobsled curves. This is a fun-for-the-whole family activity. Tubes can carry as many as six riders. Build a train by linking tubes together and connect family and friends. Open November through March, most days 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Ask about the Giant Tube, you’ll be glad you did.

White Sands National Monument, Alamogordo, NM

Sledding is a year-round sport here. It’s not quite the same experience as on snow, but the powdery white gypsum, the gentle slope of the dunes, the waxed plastic snow saucer that you slide on, the close to freezing winter temperatures and a little imagination can make it seem so. This exhilarating activity is a great family adventure. Winter hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Christmas Day.