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Get the scoop on winter recreation in the southern Rocky Mountains of New Mexico and Colorado - World-class skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, skating, snow biking, and more delights involving snow in the midst of mountain beauty. Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire Resort, Red River Ski Area, Wolf Creek Ski Area, Sipapu Ski Area, Pajarito Ski Area, Durango Mountain Resort, Ski Apache - and our towns of Taos, Angel Fire, Red River, Pagosa, Durango, Chama, South Fork... Read about Taos Ski Valley's co-founder Rhoda Blake and the new owner, Louis Bacon; plus the merger of Purgatory at Durango Mountain, Sipapu, Pajarito and Snowbowl. Info on all ski areas and calendar of events. THERE'S FRESH SNOW ON THE MOUNTAINS!
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Angel Fire
Chama
Durango
Pajarito
Red River
Sipapu
South Fork
Taos
Taos Ski Valley
Wolf Creek
SkiCountry SkiCountryW I N T E R 2 0 1 5 G U I D E T O S K I I N G T H E S O U T H W E S T
575.377.6612
Ski Reservation Hotline:
575.377.6559
Angel Fire’s Top Shop
Near the Resort Hotel
www.wintersportsskishop.com
Cool gear.Hot fashion.
3www.hawk-media.com
The Secretto HealthLies in Your Shoes
Douglas & Laurence Goodhart(Certified Pedorthist since 1985)
On Taos Plaza
575.758.4711133 N. Plaza • Taos
www.taoshoes.org
PH
OT
O: K
AT
HA
RIN
E E
GL
I
OUR Y FE EE ER TF
Shoes that make a difference• Custom Orthotics
for Ski Boots• Plantar Fasciitis resolution• Orthotics made on-site
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Welcome
Alpine Lodging
Our Towns
When In Doubt, Go Higher
Historic Hotels
Ski the Southwest
Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire Resort, Sipapu Ski Resort
Red River Ski Area, Durango Mountain Resort, Wolf Creek
Ski Apache, Pajarito Ski Area, Enchanted Forest XC
SW’s Largest Ski Operator Adds More Mountains
Inspirational Winter Retreats
Time To Dine
Calendar of Events
Con
tent
s
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Publisher/Editor Joe Haukebo
Design/Production Digerati Design
Advertising Sales Christine Pedler
Contributing Writers John Biscello, Michele Potter
Photography Steve Bundy, Chris McClennan, Janet Sailor
Cover photo Jason Lombard, courtesy Wolf Creek Ski Area
HighCountry and SkiCountry Visitor Guides are published by Hawk Media. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the Publisher.
Requests for permission should be directed to: Hawk MediaPO Box 182, Angel Fire, NM 87710575 595 0575 | 575 758 4047
[email protected] the QR code or visit us at www.hawk-media.comfor more articles, photos & e-zines
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Welcome
Alpine Lodging
Our Towns
When In Doubt, Go Higher
Historic Hotels
Ski the Southwest
Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire Resort, Sipapu Ski Resort
Red River Ski Area, Durango Mountain Resort, Wolf Creek
Ski Apache, Pajarito Ski Area, Enchanted Forest XC
SW’s Largest Ski Operator Adds More Mountains
Inspirational Winter Retreats
Time To Dine
Calendar of Events
6 SKICOUNTRY 2015
A n early snow, two feet. Light from the swollen moon drips through
bare aspen branches rattling in the wind, blowing more winter this way. This moon – couched by the harvest moon in our wake and winter solstice still ahead – must have some pow-erful juju: dogs around the valley are howling their heads off, coyotes too, keeping the old-timers on the edge of sleep. And any animals still stuck inside whine and scratch at doors to get out and join the choir. Dogs have it made. They do their thing, and many days it feels like they run the place: they paw at doors to get in or out – we obey; they take a bath-room break – we clean it up; they play when they want, bark when it feels right, eat when it suits them, sleep when the mood strikes. They’ve always been a part of our culture, our everyday lives and lan-guage, from children’s rhymes – “Give
a dog a bone, this old man…” – to song lyrics: “Who let the dogs out!” or “Ain’t
nothin’ but a hound dog.” They’re part of our speech, our slang-guage: “dog tired,” “in the doghouse,” “can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” “going to the dogs.” And it’s no different here in the Southwest – when dogs are around, they tend to liven things up. They’re great for creating stories: everybody has a few favorites. We had a lab visit the ranch, lured there after smelling the sweet juices of a huge pot roast cooling in a pan in the shed. A couple of deep whiffs and he couldn’t stand it anymore. He broke through the shed door, nudged the pan off the shelf and quickly muckled the whole thing. Shortly, he swelled up like
a pot-bellied pig and was moaning and miserable for days. His drooping eyes and face said he wanted forgiveness for his gluttony, but wanted even more for the swelling to go down so he could go back to being a dog instead of a pig. A French friend of mine was caught in an avalanche in the Alps, buried ten feet under. It was a ski patrol dog who sniffed him out. The dog started franti-cally digging like he was after a prized bone (not a crumple of living bones), and ended up saving my friend’s bacon. My friend has loved dogs ever since. We had a small hound for a time who loved to ride in front of me on a snowmobile, paws perched on the handlebars, tongue hanging out lapping up the cold air, skillfully leaning into corners. Other dogs stared at him with hound envy. There’s the tale of a dog falling into an ice fishing hole, a large one carved out with a chainsaw. Dog-paddling un-der the ice, he finally found another hole which happened to be in a nearby fish-ing hut where an old guy sat hunched over the hole, silently waiting for some action. He got it. When the dog explod-ed out of his hole, the old guy exploded straight through the side of his wood-walled hut. It didn’t slow him down a bit. “He sure could make tracks for an old guy,” said a witness. Another buddy of mine had a lab named Bubba who used to “pull a Hou-dini and disappear for days”– go on a dog walkabout. But he always returned, little worse for the wear. This particular time, Bubba didn’t come back. Days turned to weeks. “Missing dog” signs were put up around town, neighborhood kids questioned. Nothing. Gone.
Wel
com
e
to thesouthernRockies
866.668.7787 App Store: Angel Fire App
AngelFireFun.com
AngelFire
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Bubba’s owner grew dizzy with worry. Turned out some Boy Scouts saw him at the base of Palo Flechado Pass and took him to Philmont. Bubba was fat, so they couldn’t have thought he was starv-ing. And he wasn’t that cute at all. And he stank, and slobbered all the time. Just an honest mistake – a good deed gone bad. Bubba ended up on a month-long tour of Colorado towns, passed around until he ended up in a pound in northern Colorado. Somehow word got back, so my buddy called the pound, saying he was coming to pick Bubba up. He described his looks, his slobbering, all his attributes. “Well, but how do I know it’s your dog?” the poundkeeper asked. Months of welled up worry and anger burst out. “Look, lady. You think I’m going to drive seven hours up and seven hours back to pick up a misera-ble mutt like that who’s somebody else’s dog?” Dogs love chasing stuff; it’s in their nature. At the ranch, dogs regularly chased horses, sheep, goats, chickens, cats, other dogs and ducks. Especially ducks. There’s something about a duck dogs can’t resist – especially my neighbor’s dog Rip.Rip had a love-hate relationship with our ducks: he loved chasing them on land (where he had the upper paw), and he hated it when they reached the pond (they ruled on water). Until the ice came. At the tail end of a severe cold snap, Rip chased the ducks to the pond, now iced over. Everyone’s seen a dog try to run on ice – legs splayed, twisting, tip-ping over. A duck on ice doesn’t do much better. So Rip was finally able to catch, and kill, a couple. Rip’s owner was so mad – having cussed Rip countless times for chasing ducks – he decided to teach him a lesson. He took some twine and tied a dead duck on top of poor Rip’s head. It looked hilarious but it seemed to work, the message drilled continuously into Rip’s brain. Rip didn’t chase any more ducks. He looked kind of guilty all the time for killing the ducks, especially the one tied to his head. After awhile the duck bonnet slipped to the side and it looked more like a duck tumor. When Rip would lie down, guilt turned to shame and he’d put his paws over his duck-head as if to hide from the world’s eyes. Hard to hide with a duck on your head. And hard to sleep too, I imagine, unless it made for a nice down feather pillow. Anyway… hope you bring your dogs when you visit the southern Rockies. The ducks are mostly gone, south for winter, so there won’t be any need for fancy head gear. And we can always use a few new dog tales. — Joe Haukebo, Publisher
cross country
snowmobile
snowboard
sleigh ride
snowshoe
downhill
ice fish
shop
tube
dine
sled
The lifeup high
Angel Fire is
8 SKICOUNTRY 2015
EL PUEBLO LODGECome stay at the edge of town, at the edge of everything! Southwest charm with early Taos architecture. Compli-mentary wifi and HBO. Heated, sea-sonal pool, year-round hot tub. Conti-nental breakfast each morning, fresh baked cookies each afternoon. Pet-friendly. Three blocks from historic Taos Plaza; 18 miles from Taos Ski Valley. Taos Pueblo and Taos Mountain Casino two miles north. See our website for
specials and packages.
800.433.9612 575.758.8700 412 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NMwww.ElPuebloLodge.com
FIRESIDE INN CABINSModern, deluxe one and two bedroom fully-equipped cab-ins with room to roam on ten acres along the San Juan River. Located on the east side of Pagosa, close to Hot Springs, toward Wolf Creek Ski Area and national forest X-country ski trails. Private river access and fishing (catch and release) on our property. Individual living area with gas fireplace, bedroom/s, kitchen, bathroom. Covered porch – Open year-round.
888.264.9204 970.264.92041600 E. Hwy 160, Pagosa Springs, COwww.FiresideCabins.com
Alp
ine
Lodg
es
LIFTS WEST CONDOMINUM AND RESORT HOTELCombines old world charm with modern conveniences; luxury within a warm, homey atmosphere; bustling activity – from
Main Street to our own atrium lobby and shopping mall – with the quiet pri-vacy of our well-designed rooms. In the heart of Red River, a preferred location
for summer and winter and group meetings. Dramatic atrium with giant stone fireplace, perfect for concerts, dances, or lectures. 75 deluxe accommodations include satellite TV, free wi-fi, non-smoking rooms. Conference rooms, souvenir shops and
café on-site.
800.221.1859 575.754.2778 201 W. Main Street, Red River, NM www.LiftsWest.com
KACHINA LODGE andMEETINGS CENTER in TaosFour blocks from the historic Taos Plaza, shops, galleries and
museums. Full-service hotel. Includes full hot breakfast, leisure bar/lounge with pool tables, video games, and coffee shop. Southwestern dining. Outdoor seasonally heated pool, hot tub, and free high speed internet.
Nightly Indian dances May-October. Near Taos Casino and Taos
Pueblo. Affordable prices, friendly service staff.
800.522.4462 575.758.2275 www.KachinaLodge.com413 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM
9www.hawk-media.com
HUMANS WERE NEVER MEANT TO HIBERNATE
ALL SEASONS ~ SPORTS ~Serving the best since 1970
SKI • SNOWBOARD • SNOWBLADESKI & BOARD RENTALS and SALES
K-2 • ROSSIGNOL • ATOMIC SPYDER, MARKER SKI CLOTHING
ICELANDIC SWEATERS • BEARPAW SHOES
800.686.3485 575.754.2308AllSeasonsRRNM.com
600 W Main Street • Red River, NM
10 SKICOUNTRY 2015
11www.hawk-media.com
Our
Tow
ns
Winter came down to our home one night
Quietly pirouetting in on slippery-toed
slippers of snow,
And we, we were children once again.
— Bill Morgan, Jr.
R hapsody in white. A whirling ballet of flakes and flurries. Albino skin for
a cloud-crowned mountain. No matter what metaphorical spin you give to snow, it remains kindling for the spirit of child’s play. Stuck-out tongues tasting snowflakes, sledding runs, the inven-tion of snowmen, are all part of winter’s charm, yet there is also the season’s reflective side. Its deep silences, stark electric hushes, and vigilant stillness. Winter manifests in many guises—monk, merry prankster, pall-bearer, love guru (see: Snuggling with Loved Ones On a Cold Night, and Fireside Intimacy)—and its praises are sung high and low in the Southern Rockies. High desert iconoclast and quirkyCasanova, Taos continues to seduceand charm and cajole imports from allwalks of life. “Yuletide in Taos” is the umbrella term for the various seasonal celebrations and traditions. Historic Ledoux Street becomes the farolito-illuminated hotspot for the annual “Lighting of Ledoux” (December 6, 5-7 pm), when shops and galleries open their doors and extend holiday warmth by way of food, drink and music. Charles Dick-en’s A Christmas Carol will take center stage at the Taos Center for the Arts (December 10-14, 7 pm). Las Posadas, a re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging, takes place outside the San Francisco de Assis Church—a tradition in and of itself—December 14-22, 6 pm. Awe, mystery, and age-old sacredness are at the heart of the Christ-mas Eve Procession at Taos Pueblo, the
oldest continuously inhabited community in North America. The Procession of the Virgin at sunset, tracked to rifle salutes from the 1,000-year-old pueblo rooftops, segues into the trance-inducing bonfires. On Christmas Day at 2 pm, the spirit of winter is honored through the Taos Pueblo Deer or Matachine Dances. Taos’s intimate neighbor to the north, Taos Ski Valley, is in the throes of expansion under new ownership. That being said, TSV continues to draw powder-junkies from around the globe. Yet there’s more than one way to skim a mountain, so if skiing isn’t your preferred method of travel, there’s also snowboard-ing, snowshoeing, tubing, sledding, and snowmobiling. Two popular events of the imbibement variety: The 19th Annual Brew Master’s Festival (December 20, 4:30-7 pm), where you can enjoy a sampling of beer from around the region, and the
29th Annual Taos Winter Wine Festival (January 28-31), which features seminars, wine tastings, and wine dinner hosted by vintners paired with Taos chefs. Named after its firebrand sunsets, the resort of town of Angel Fire is easy
ANGEL FIRE
CHAMA
CIMARRON
CLAYTON
DURANGO
EAGLE NEST
RED RIVER
SOUTH FORK
TAOS
TAOS PUEBLO
TAOS SKI VALLEY
PHOTO: STEVEN BUNDY
12 SKICOUNTRY 2015
ALWAYSFRESH
DOING THE LITTLEEXTRAS TO SERVE OUR CUSTOMERS
575-377-23543373 Highway 434
Angel Fire, NM 87710
OPEN 7 DAYSFast, FriendlyCheckout
Fresh Meats
Fruits & Veggies
Liquor
Wine & Beer
Cigars
Subway
BARKDog Treats
100% ALL-AMERICAN LAMB TREATSINGLE-INGREDIENT • NO PRESERVATIVES
108 Kit Carson Rd. (Cabot Plaza) in Taos, NM1-844-285-BARK [email protected]
©JA
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E C
ON
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which includes South Fork, Monte Vista and Del Norte, is rich in outdoor recreation and all-natural splendor. South Fork’s annual “Winterfest” takes place December 12 and 13. It takes a little imagination to see Clayton as a mountain town in the lit-eral sense of the word. It’s high enough in altitude, though, higher than most mountains east of the Mississippi. It was the jumping-off place for Santa Fe Trail traders, who knew that in another day from Rabbit Ears, they’d see the mountains that were their destination.
The St. James Hotel in Cimarron offers a celebrated window into an unruly past. Legendary visitors such as Blackjack Ketchum, Kit Carson, Clay Allison, Jesse James and Buffalo Bill Cody have become part of its dramatic fabric, and ghosts of all shapes and sizes have allegedly remained active occupants.
John Biscello lives and writes in Taos. His
books, Freeze Tag and Broken Land: A
Brooklyn Tale, are available through
www.amazon.com
on the eyes, with a flair for good times marking its character. There are 76 ski and snowboarding trails, suitable for all skill levels, and the resort also plays host to snowshoeing, sleigh rides and snowmobiling. The Polar Coaster, the largest tubing park in the Southern Rockies, gives children of all ages a chance to experience a live-action “polar express.” Notable events include Wild West Weekend (January 23-25), and the Angel Fire Winter Carnival and Shovel Race World Championships (February 6-8), in which participants plant their fannies in a steel shovel and race down the mountain in the name of fun, money, and bragging rights. Take the Polar Plunge New Year’s Day in icy Eagle Nest Lake. It’s been a while since anyone seriously mined Baldy, and gambling here is a thing of the past, but there’s still gold in Eagle Nest – the lake sports some of the best trout fishing in the state. Kokanee salmon join record-breaking rainbows, cutthroats and other fish in an effort to beguile locals and visitors alike. Red River, the “Little Texas” of New Mexico, known for its down-home vibe and a gold-mining past, keeps its winter fun centrally located, with the ski base in the middle of town. The bursts and flares of a fireworks spectacle are part of the 45th annual Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade, and families can usher in 2015 at the Old-Fashioned New Year’s Eve Party. Other seasonal highlights include: The Winter Carnival & Parade of Ice, January 9-19, which features ice sculptures along Main Street; and the Red River Songwriter’s Festival (January 23-25), a three-day celebration of music and song. The village of Chama lays claim to a rough and rugged boomtown past, when gold-fever possessed the hearts and minds of many would-be “lucky strikers.” Set in the breathtaking Rio
Chama Valley, winter fun includes ski-ing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice fishing on the Heron Reservoir. The Chama Chile Ski Classic, a cross-coun-try ski event, takes place on Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend in January. Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Durango’s postcard-charm and winter- friendly disposition earned it a ranking as one of America’s “Top 10 Christmas Towns” by HGTV (Home & Garden Tele-vision). Purgatory, in Durango-speak, means 35,000 acres of mountain terrain where skiers and snowboarders can
get their velocity on. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which has been in operation for over a century, plays host to the Polar Express through-out the holidays, in which children are encouraged to don their pajamas and enjoy a leisurely trip to the North Pole. Mid-winter mirth and kicks comes in the form of “Snowdown 2015,” a week-long event featuring a costume ball and street parade, with this year’s theme being “Steampunk Snowdown.” Known as the gateway to the San Juan Mountains, Rio Grande County,
PHOTO: JANET SAILOR
14 SKICOUNTRY 2015
Whe
n in
dou
bt, g
o hi
gher
“W hen in doubt, go higher.” That’s my favorite cliché.
And Taos Ski Valley’s about to crank up a new lift that definitely goes higher—up to 12,450’—just shy of the Kachina Peak summit. Otherwise, it’s a sublime hike, but strenuous. Few students are willing to take on the hour-long ski-toting trek over a rocky spine in order to experience the sweepingly open Kachina Bowl. TSV’s 96-year-old co-founder Rhoda Blake sums up just how it was: “It was an adven-ture.” It’s a life altering perspective and not just because you can gaze off across the Spanish Peaks. (My last client has set his sights on the Himalayas.) For many, Taos Ski Valley itself is a life altering experience. Thirty instructors who taught for visionary founder Ernie Blake remain; he died in 1989. “It was such fun at first, when it was small,” says Rhoda. “It was just one big family. Ernest was too good at PR; then it got big.” Trying to take a clue from Rhoda’s practical, adaptive philos-ophy, we too, remain, sucked in by the Ski Valley’s centrifugal force, molding the rest of our lives around that central core of high-altitude fun. A few years after Ernie died, I was a newly arrived ex-ski instructor with three kids in tow myself. I went back
to work; they went out to play. My six-year old skied Al’s by himself, which earned me the bad mothering award in some circles, but not Rhoda’s. She skied down it herself carrying a small child between her legs. Each of my own sons has worked at TSV, making it a family business as it has for the Blakes for more than half a century—until now. Intimate and idiosyncratic TSV may have a reputation for its passionate skiers and finally, boarders who love the steeps, its highly touted instruction, and one other thing: An enormous cast of real characters. This community celebrates diversity nonexistent in places like Vail, but they can boast about ten times our skier numbers. TSV aspires to be no one but itself. Even so, 20 years ago, there were about 30 percent more skier days than now, and that needs to change. Will possessing one of the highest lifts in North America (increasing our ski-able lift-served terrain 50 percent) turn the tide? The ridiculous, elitist, consum-erist sport known as skiing does not have to be that way, nor was it, especially in our little pseudo- Tyrolean village. We had genuine European roots that harkened back to the likes of Swiss German Ernie Blake, Frenchman Jean Mayer (still
our technical director) and so many others. Rhoda recalls living in a 16-foot trailer in the early years and carrying small kids to the outhouse. Once, a stuck door made her land outside on her head. Peter, the littlest, said, “Mommy, do that again.” Together Ernie and Rhoda crafted the place with an absurd-ist vision to build a ski area out of nothing but thin air, altitude and plenty of attitude. Ernie got the fact that “geography is destiny.” Flying in his Cessna with Pete Totemoff, Ernie discovered the bones of a great ski area where everyone else saw sheer folly. Rhoda, who had grown up in New York City, loved this “relaxed” place. Ernie made a good front man, his antics drawing true believers to a place anyone with a brain knew was too steep and too far from everything. All was not sweetness and light. There were fistfights and firings, oft-told tales chronicled in Rick Richard’s history The Ski Pioneers. By 1957 they installed a Poma lift up Al’s run. Rhoda, having worked at an airplane factory in the war, mounted leftover ski troop skis in a back room as rentals, which they bought for a buck a pair from Fort Hale. “Everyone did every-thing,” she said. She taught skiing, she raised kids, she fixed stuff, and
15www.hawk-media.com
she cooked for their many guests. “I’m a terrible cook,” she admits. Now enter new owner Louis Bacon, with a reputation as a dedicated conservationist, true Taos aficionado (who already owned real estate in the ‘hood) and perhaps most importantly, very deep pockets. He is a media-avoid-ant expert skier who has said that his vision for TSV will be “a balancing act”—a pithy definition of skiing after all. But can he still ski under the radar while owning the whole damn mountain? (Actually, the Forest Service grants permits). And what will he say the first time there’s a powder day and they crank up the iconic new lift on our old iconic mountain? I know what I’d say: “I get first tracks.”
Actually, that falls to the ski patrol. It’s a bittersweet brave new world. But Rhoda says, “I think it’ll be great. Everything changes.” She takes careful aim, lighting up another cigarette, and inhales. She tells me that she hasn’t skied since the eighties because she can’t see well enough to ski fast enough “and that’s not fun.” She won the only ski race she says she ever entered. Her love of speed is legendary, especially driving. She was known to beat Ernie’s Porsche with her Chevelle. A tough mom who carried kids up the Ski Valley road if they got stuck, she couldn’t let anything stop her. When she saw a driver in the road with both doors open putting on chains, she’d gun it. “You should see how fast they’d get out of
the way,” she says with a little smile. This year I’m psyched about taking clients to Kachina Bowl who otherwise might not get there, but whom I know can ski it. It’s quite easy—well, for a double black (expert run). There are other changes afoot, too, like renovating the base area and planning for a lift up to the lovely Wild West, right now a hike-only and entirely danceable 60 acres. Plenty of other hiking-only terrain yet remains. So…when in doubt, go higher. And now, oftener.
Longtime Taos Ski Valley ski instructor Dr.
Michele Potter’s motto is “Skiing is life; the
rest is waiting.” While waiting, she renovates
houses, teaches at UNM Taos, and writes.
PHOTO: COURTESY TAOS SKI VALLEY
16 SKICOUNTRY 201516
HOTEL LA FONDA de TAOSThe oldest hotel in Taos is new again.
In the heart of the historic district
on Taos Plaza, La Fonda offers 21st
Century amenities while preserving
its rich Southwestern roots and
ambience. Home to Mosaic Fine Dining,
Noula’s Starbucks Coffee Shop, and the D.H. Lawrence “Forbidden
Art Collection.” 19 rooms, 5 suites, and our Plaza Penthouse.
Friendly, personal service. Walking distance to galleries, museums,
shopping, entertainment, fine dining.
108 SOUTH PLAZA, TAOS, NEW MEXICO WWW.LAFONDATAOS.COM 800.833.2211 505.758.2211
PHOTO COURTESY HOTELSTFRANCIS.COM / JEFF CAVEN
THE HISTORIC TAOS INNExperience Southwestern charm and history at
The Historic Taos Inn in the heart of Taos.
Acclaimed by National Geographic Traveler as
“One of America’s Great Inns,” and listed on the
National and NM Registers of Historic Places.
44 rooms and suites, most with Pueblo-style
fireplaces. Award-winning Doc Martin’s Restaurant and The Adobe Bar on
premises. Happy hour 4-6 Monday-Friday; free live music nightly.
125 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS, NEW MEXICOTAOSINN.COM 575.758.2233
His
tori
c H
otel
s
ST. JAMES HOTELWhere western history – and the paranormal –
come alive. The historic St. James Hotel, built
in 1872, has hosted a smorgasbord of famous
outlaws and Wild West legends including Clay
Allison, William F. Cody and Wyatt Earp. Today, it
continues its tradition with fine dining and com-
fortable rooms and a restored western restaurant and bar. Ghosts, each with
their own obsessions and rituals, are said to still haunt the place.
617 SOUTH COLLISON, CIMARRON, NEW MEXICO, 87714
WWW.EXSTJAMES.COM 888.376.2664 575.376.2664
17www.hawk-media.com
Hang your hat in Clay ton for a night or two...
Clayton -Union County Chamber of Commerce& Tourist Information Center
1103 South First Street | Clayton, NM 88415 | 800 390 7858
claytonnm.org
or forever
18 SKICOUNTRY 2015
red river200A Pioneer Road
575.754.1773
angel fireFA-1 Ski Patrol Building
575.377.1805
The ONLY certifiedUrgent Care Clinics
in the Enchanted Circle
ultimed.com
No appointment necessary7 days a week
All ages welcome
Care for most illnesses & injuries
Colds and coughs
Sprains and broken bones
X-rays, prescription medications& lab tests on site
Oxygen & IV Therapiesfor Altitude Sickness
Most insurances acceptedincluding Medicare,
Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, & Humana
Lesa Fraker, MD PhD FACEPOwner/Medical Director
Board Certifi ed Emergency Medicine Physician
care you can count on
urgent medical careA Winter
Wonderland For 75 Years
Wolf CreekSki Area
Top 10 Ski Getaways—Mountain Living
Top 100 Favorite Restaurants in the World
—Robb Report
Like Stepping Intoan Alpine Fairy Tale.
– New York Times
575.776.8020 | TAOS SKI VALLEY, NM
TH E BAVA R I A N . C O M
GENUINE BAVARIAN CUISINE
GERMAN BEERS ON TAP
SKI IN / SKI OUTACCOMMODATIONS
MAGNIFICENT MID-MOUNTAINSUNDECK VIEWS
NEAR WHEELER PEAK WILDERNESS
WINTER RESTAURANTHOURS: OPEN DAILY
LUNCH 11:30-3:30APRÉS SKI 3-5
DINNER 5:30-CLOSING
SKI TAOS.ORG
CO LO RA D O
NEW M E X ICO
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ENCHANTEDFOREST XC
RED RIVERSKI AREA
ANGEL FIRERESORT
TAOS SKIVALLEY
SIPAPUSKI RESORT
SKI APACHE
WOLF CREEKSKI AREA
PagosaSprings
Chama •
Taos
RedRiver
SouthFork
• Ruidoso
Albuquerque
Eagle Nest
AngelFire
•
•
Durango•
•
•
•
Santa Fe •
•
•
Ski
the
Sou
thw
est
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PAJARITOMOUNTAIN
Los Alamos •
Y ou can ride almost
anywhere in the world. But
nowhere in the world do you get our
magical mix of Southwestern sun and snow,
culture and cuisine, wildlife and wilderness,
art and history. The landscape is stunning –
from high alpine terrain above treeline to
a huge rip in the earth.
Our ski mountains rip – chutes, cliffs, bowls,
cruisers; and in terrain parks – rails, boxes,
rainbows, banks. Treks into the backcountry
are beautiful and boss.
Outside our quaint mountain towns you’ll
discover fresh pockets of adventure and feel
this winter completely, utterly alive.
Nothing like it anywhere. PHOTO: COURTESY TAOS SKI VALLEY
20 SKICOUNTRY 2015
TAOS SKI VALLEY Taos Ski Valley will open Kachina Peak to
lift-accessed skiing and snowboarding as
well as several additional new enhance-
ments, including new hike-to terrain.
“Kachina Peak offers some of the most
spectacular views and terrain in North Ameri-
ca,” said Gordon Briner, CEO of Taos Ski
Valley. “The new Kachina Peak lift provides
the opportunity for everyone to enjoy this
iconic terrain and have one of the most
unique experiences in winter recreation.”
With a summit of 12,450 feet, the
Kachina Peak lift is one of the highest
chairlifts in North America and increases the
mountain’s lift-serviced terrain by 50 percent.
For hike-to terrain, Highline Ridge and
West Basin will remain accessible by foot
only; new hike-to terrain this season includes
the opening of The Wild West Glades.
Accessible via the West Basin Ridge, The
Wild West Glades consists of 35 acres.
The Millennium Pass (good for 70 days),
the unlimited Adult Full Season Pass, and the
Family Full Pass will each include exchange
days at Copper Mountain, Durango Mountain
Resort, Crested Butte, Arapahoe Basin,
Powder Mountain and Silverton Mountain.
The Ernie Blake Snowsports School also
will unveil the new Mountain Guide program,
which connects guests with the valley’s top
ambassadors, who share local lore and the
best off-the-map runs.
Taos Ski Valley has also upgraded
its snowmaking system with two energy-
efficient compressors, plus a new drop-off
area that features views of the Sangre de
Cristo mountains, and a walkway with stores
Ski
Are
as
www.AngelFireFun.com866-668-7787
SIPAPU SKI &SUMMER RESORTSipapu Ski and Summer Resort is New Mex-
ico’s fastest growing ski resort. Home to the
longest ski season in New Mexico, Sipapu
offers a natural mountain terrain, perfect
for all ability levels. From green and blue
groomed cruisers to the steeps and powder
stashes found above Lift 1, this mountain has
something for everyone – with almost no lift
line waiting.
Located just 20 miles southeast of Taos
and two hours north of Albuquerque, Sipapu
offers family fun to all levels of skiers and
snowboarders. Sipapu’s philosophy is to be
This program is designed for first-time skiers
and boarders ages 13 and older to progress
through a series of five lessons and earn a
free season pass with their completion of
the program.
3-Ski Program – For the tiniest of tots
just learning how to ski, the Resort offers
a unique program for three-year-olds. The
3-Ski Program offers little ones a short
private lesson, lunch and snacks plus snow
play and activities at SnowBear Camp.
The Family Season Pass – New this
season, a family of up to six people can
purchase an unlimited ski and snowboard
pass for each member of the family.
5th Graders Ski Free – The only ski resort
in New Mexico to offer all fifth graders a
free lift ticket with their report card and a
paying, accompanying adult. Kids six and
under ski free.
and services that line the path to the base
area and lifts. These improvements are the
first stages of the renovation of the base area.
SkiTaos.org866-968-7386
Angel Fire Resort is expanding its terrain for
skiers and boarders, offering new special
winter discounts, and continuing its fami-
ly-friendly format. The Railyard, a new terrain
park, opens this winter off the side of the
popular green trail Headin’ Home and will
feature boxes, rails and jumps geared
towards those new to skiing and boarding.
This dedicated space will allow beginners
a safe place to try out their tricks before
attempting the more advanced terrain parks.
The resort is also moving the nighttime
terrain park Night Rider to Exhibition. This
new location is on the front side of the
mountain, which will allow the park to take
advantage of the best snow on the moun-
tain. Night Rider will be open both day and
night and will offer the best lighted terrain for
those who wish to stay after dark. (Available
on weekends and holiday peak periods.)
Several programs are being added:
Ski Free Month – new this season, stay
at the Lodge at Angel Fire Resort January
5-29 and ski for free. (Excludes Friday and
Saturday nights and January 18.)
The Parenting Pass – Perfect for the family
that has already developed their snow skills.
This interchangeable pass allows two par-
ents to take turns coaching and skiing with
their child.
High Five Learn to Ski and Ride Program –
ANGEL FIRE RESORT
21www.hawk-media.com
Ski
Are
asDURANGO MOUNTAIN RESORTPurgatory at Durango Mountain Resort was
named the Best Ski Value in North America
by TripAdvisor for the past two seasons
(2012-2014), and is recognized as a top fam-
ily-friendly resort. Purgatory provides snow
enthusiasts many ways to enjoy the winter
wonderland with 88 trails, five terrain parks
and 1,360 skiable acres. With 10 chairlifts and
rarely any lines, it’s simple to zip around the
mountain and enjoy the spectacular scenery
amidst the rugged San Juan Mountains. Oth-
www.RedRiverSkiArea.com575-754-2223
Reservations are required and can be made
by calling 575-754-2223. The Grill at the Lift
House is going through a complete remodel
and you will be delighted with a new dining
experience.
Winter tubing is available after the slopes
close for the day and tickets can now be
purchased online prior to your arrival. When
pre-purchasing your tickets if you book lodging
with one of our Platinum Partners 72 hours
prior to your arrival, your tickets (along with
other RRSA products except for rentals) will be
at your lodging accommodations when you
check in.
Torchlight Parade and Fireworks have
been a long-standing tradition here at the
Red River Ski and Summer Area. Available
every Saturday night and on special holidays,
plus two Spring Break Torchlight Parades
are planned. Watch for Winter Carnival in
January, Mardi Gras in the Mountains in Feb-
ruary and Rail Jams and Slopestyle events
throughout the season.
More snow guns are in place and ready to
create ideal winter conditions along with
Mother Nature. Temperatures look promising
and our snow making team from New Zealand
has already returned. Linton Judycki, carrying
forward his dad’s vision, offers the best snow-
making and grooming in the region.
Season passes as well as our winter
fun activities are available on our website.
Snow Coach Dinner tours: A Cozy Mountain
Experience continues this year. This adven-
ture allows guests to leave the base of the
mountain from The Lift House aprés ski to be
transported via heated coach up our moun-
tain to The Tip Restaurant where you will be
served a three-course meal at 10,350 feet.
RED RIVER SKI AREA
the most family-friendly resort in the Rockies.
Guests have been bringing their children
and grandchildren to this family-owned and
operated mountain since 1952. The resort is
small enough so kids won’t get lost, and the
laid-back style is perfect for families looking to
simply enjoy a vacation they can afford. If it’s
your first time on the slopes, come to Sipapu
and get your first three lessons for free!
Sipapu is home to New Mexico’s longest
ski season (opening November 15, the earliest
ever) and the best deals in the Rockies. The
resort is surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo
Mountains and Carson National Forest, and
features over 40 trails, five lifts and four terrain
parks. On-site amenities include slope-side
lodging, a full-service ski shop, ski school and
New Mexico’s best riverside dining experi-
ence at the Riverside Cafe.
SipapuNM.com800-587-2240
SkiPurg.com800-525-0892
WOLF CREEK Wolf Creek Ski Area is ready to fire up its 75th
season of epic powder skiing! This 2014–2015
ski season, the Elma Lift, named after the
Pitcher family’s faithful lab, will become a part
of the mountain, adding more variety and
er winter fun includes dog sledding, tubing,
cross country skiing, snowshoeing, horse-
drawn sleigh rides, ice climbing, snowbiking,
backcountry skiing, and snowmobiling. Du-
rango Mountain Resort is the base camp for
Colorado’s largest snowcat skiing operation,
San Juan Untracked, which has access to
35,000 acres of pure alpine bliss.
Purgatory is adding more snowmaking
equipment to the front and backside of the
mountain: 11 new snowmaking tower guns,
and a state-of-the-art, high-output fan gun.
The Resort is partnering with Burton Snow-
boards and expanding the way its coaches
teach snowboarding. A new Burton Riglet
Park will be featured in the base area allowing
the youngest of riders, ages 3-6 years, to
experience sliding on snow and get a jump
start on learning.
Purgatory Rentals is getting a facelift to give
guests a seamless rental experience from
start to finish, complete with new boot fitting
stations, snowboard demos and an upgraded
rental fleet. The redesigned shop offers guests
a more efficient experience with less time
spent in the shop and more time on the slopes.
Take advantage of value packages with a
“Buy 3, Get the 4th Free,” Stay and Ski Get-
away Package, plus discounted lift tickets.
Information and tickets available online:
22 SKICOUNTRY 2015
Ski
Are
as
SKI APACHEMescalero, New Mexico’s Ski Apache—the
country’s southernmost ski resort—offers
bumps, bowls, cruisers, a terrain park and the
only slopeside gondola in the state. Touted
as the best warm-weather powder capital in
character to the mountain and providing an
alternate route back to the base area from the
Alberta Lift. The new Race Hutch comes to life
this season, with an observation area for the
crew and storage area for race equipment.
Kingsbury “Pitch” Pitcher, owner of Wolf
Creek Ski Area and New Mexico Ski Hall Of
Famer, was inducted into the Colorado Ski and
Snowboard Hall of Fame this year. Pitch, who
celebrated his 95th birthday in July, was one of
the first certified instructors of the Rocky Moun-
tain Ski Instructors Association. The life-long
skier raced for the Stanford University Ski Team
and was a ski school instructor, supervisor
and ski area operator for many years. Pitch
has been a ski industry consultant over the
years and has played a role in the develop-
ment of many ski resorts including Snowmass,
Buttermilk Mountain, Arrowhead, Ski Apache,
Santa Fe Ski Basin, Big Sky, Wolf Creek and ski
properties near Telluride.
The Wolf Creek Ski School is introducing
a new pilot snowboard program called the
Wolf Riders for children age five to eight
that teaches the basics and beyond of
snowboarding.
A mobile friendly version of the website
will be available so smartphones and elec-
tronic tablets will have easy access.
PAJARITO MOUNTAINLocated in Los Alamos, New Mexico, and
30 minutes northwest of Santa Fe, Pajarito
Mountain Ski Area offers 40 trails, 6 lifts and
two terrain parks, all located on 751 acres on
the eastern edge of the Jemez Mountains.
Known for its spectacular views of the Rio
Grande Valley and the Valles Caldera Nation-
al Preserve, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area was
founded and developed in the late 1950s by
the Los Alamos Ski Club. The fall line and
bump runs are heralded as some of the best
in the state, and the mountain offers a ski
school, restaurant, and ski rental facility.
The big news this year is that the Man-
aging Partner at Pajarito Mountain Ski Area
and Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort is now the
owner of Purgatory at Durango Mountain
and Arizona Snowbowl. Read more about the
Southwest’s largest mountain collective in
the article on the next page.
Also new this year is the New Mexico
Power Pass, the only season pass in the state
that offers unlimited skiing and snowboard-
ing at two ski areas, Pajarito and Sipapu, plus
North America, Ski Apache sprawls out under
the 12,000-plus foot peak of Sierra Blanca.
The Snow Sport School Learning Center
has plenty of programs for the family—kids
and adults, even mixtures of the two with the
popular Mom and Me, Dad and Me programs.
Or you can kick it on a trikke or rip down the
tubing hill. Boasting over 300 days of sun-
shine each year. You can even take a break
and hit the slot machines slopeside in The
Lodge. Visit us for info and events online:
SkiApache.com575-464-3600
ENCHANTED FOREST XC SKIGetting on the right trail is easy stuff at New
Mexico’s oldest full-service cross-country ski
and snowshoe area, Enchanted Forest, a few
miles east of Red River. Back country bliss in
a groomed, signed and patrolled area: Cross
Country? Over 33 km (600) acres of prime
forest groomed 12-foot wide tracks for ad-
ditional skiing and a wide skate lane for the
freestylers. Snowshoe? Old growth forests,
aspen groves, wildlife—a cool nature trek.
Warm up with a snack at the hit where
you can rent the stuff you need. Group and
individual lessons. Got a dog? Bring ‘em.
Five km are dog-friendly. Need a night? How
about a mountain yurt? Midweek is easier to
book. Visit the website for more information
and events:
EnchantedForestXC.com800-966-9381 575-754-6112
free lift tickets at more than 20 mountains in
the southwest and throughout the country.
Pajarito offers several other affordable sea-
son pass options, all of which are available
online at thepowerpass.com, skipajarito.com
and sipapunm.com, and at lift ticket offices
for both Pajarito and Sipapu.
Several options for securing water for
snowmaking (and also fire mitigation in the
summer) are being investigated, including
adding new water collection points and drill-
ing a test well. The project is ongoing, to be
launched later this year if weather cooperates.
During the summer season, Pajarito
Mountain is home to an extensive mountain
biking trail system with lift-served access.
SkiPajarito.com505-662-5725
WolfCreekSki.com1-800-754-9653
23www.hawk-media.com
SW’s
larg
est s
ki o
pera
tor a
dds
mor
e m
ount
ains
Sipapu managing partner James Coleman adds Pajarito, Durango
Mountain Resort and Arizona Snowbowl to the fold, forming the largest ski mountain collective in the Southwest.
After nearly 15 years as the man-aging partner at Sipapu (near Taos, NM), Coleman understands how
to successfully operate ski resorts. Since his arrival at Sipapu, he has doubled the ski area terrain and quadrupled skier visits to launch this modest mountain to the fastest growing resort in New Mexico. His commitment to snowmaking has also helped Sipapu to earn a dis-tinct reputation for being the first ski area open in New Mexico (Sipapu is scheduled to open Nov. 15, which will mark the 12th consecutive time the NM ski area opens before any other) as well as having the state’s longest ski season. “I have spent most of my life skiing, working and living in this re-gion, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to continue the visionary leadership of Arizona Snowbowl’s General Partner, Eric Borowsky, Purgatory’s Chairman Chuck Cobb and the Dun-can family,” Coleman said. “Skiing is my first priority and, like many of our guests, I’m always eager to get the winter season started,” Coleman said. “I’m com-mitted not only to opening these mountains early but also creating an exceptional experience for skiers and snowboarders – be it local or destination resort guests – while making each of these ski areas the most family-friendly,
family-fun resorts in the Southwest and the best value in the nation.” Last May, the Los Alamos Ski Club – which had previously owned and operated Pajarito – voted and approved to transfer Pajarito Moun-tain Ski Area to Los Alamos County and a new partnership formed by the Sipapu Group. As part of their commitment to snowmaking, Los Alamos County, Pajarito staff, the Los Alamos Ski
Club and the Sipapu Group have been working to secure approvals for a temporary pipeline, which will transport water (to be used for snowmaking purposes in the winter and fire mitigation in the summer) to the ski area’s holding pond. In addition to investing in water and snowmaking, the Sipapu Group plans to enhance both the winter and summer on-mountain experi-ence through trail, lift, terrain park, tree skiing, and mountain biking trail expansions and improvements. Skiing in the Pajarito area dates at least to the 1930s, and a ski club was first organized in 1943. Today,
the area has six lifts – a quad, a triple, three coubles and one rope tow – 40 trails on 751 acres and a peak elevation of 10,440 feet. This summer, Sipapu and Pajari-to unveiled the New Mexico Power Pass, New Mexico’s only season pass with unrestricted access to two ski areas plus free skiing at more than 25 partner mountains in New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and throughout the country. Coleman
said that Purgatory and Snowbowl will maintain their existing pass partnerships. The ski industry was buzzing earlier this year when Purgatory chairman Chuck Cobb announced he – together with the resort share-holders, including the mountain’s founding family – was looking for an outside investor to take over majority ownership of the 1,360-acre ski area. Cobb was the majority owner since 2000 and secured the approvals for Purgatory’s master development plan that will allow for extensive improvements through the end of the decade.
PHOTO: COURTESY DURANGO MOUNTAIN RESORT
24 SKICOUNTRY 2015
The Family Vacation of a Lifetime…Any Time of Year!
800.432.9999 575.754.2252www.RedRiver-NM.com
T he Riverside sprawls comfortably over three
acres of beautifully land-scaped grounds, only 50
feet from the Copper Chairlift. Families love our wonderful playground, lawn games, BBQ area and hot tub. Amenities include telephones, kitchens, fireplaces, satellite TV, DVD players and free wireless internet at very reasonable rates. We now have laundry services, too. Ask about our off-season and Wednesday Free packages!
25www.hawk-media.com
UNLIMITED Trails
UNCROWDED Slopes
Lots of LODGING Choices
Lots of FUN
�lled with Recreation, Rich History and A�ordability.
Come play with us, where It’s OK to have too much fun!
World Class Small Town . . .
Adventure
www.SOUTHFORK.org
[email protected] Cities of Gold Road, Pojoque, NM 87506
Hwy 84-285, Pojoaque, NM 12 miles N. of Santa Fe
Simply the best liquor store in northern NM
Competitive PricesLargest Selection • Friendly Staff
Temperature-Controlled Wine Cellar
OVER 3,500 WINES • 1000 BEERS • 390 VODKAS222 TEQUILAS • 105 SINGLE MALT SCOTCHES • 157 RUMS
505.455.2219
26 SKICOUNTRY 2015
Insp
irat
iona
l Win
ter
Ret
reat
s
VERMEJO PARK RANCH Nestled among the southern Rockies,
Vermejo Park Ranch is a beautiful and
unique resort-ranch with a touch of
Southwest enchantment. Operating as a
remote getaway for outdoor enthusiasts
since the early 1900s, the ranch offers
an unparalleled opportunity to recreate
and explore the largest tract of privately
owned property in the West.
Looking for a winter reprieve? From
January to March, Winter Escape™ sea-
son at Vermejo’s Costilla Lodge is the
ideal blend of modern-day comforts and
unspoiled natural beauty.
Perfect for families, business
groups, couples or friends, Winter
Escape™ includes a full range of outdoor
activities including snowshoeing, Nordic
skiing, wildlife viewing, unparalleled ice
fishing and ample opportunity for rest
and relaxation.
Nature not calling to you? The
spacious lodge is a perfect environment
for escape from the winter elements.
The Great Room boasts a floor to ceiling
sandstone hearth, perfect for warming
your bones. Enjoy our in-room massage
services, or relax by the fire with a good
book, brandy, or house-made hot cocoa.
OJO CALIENTE MINERAL SPRINGSDeemed sacred by Native Americans of
Northern New Mexico, Ojo Caliente
Mineral Springs has been a gathering
place and a source of healing for
thousands of years.
Soaking in these sacred waters can
be traced back to the earliest human
migrations in the region. In the 1500’s
the Spaniards, in their quest for gold and
the Fountain of Youth, also discovered
the Springs. One explorer’s record cites,
“The greatest treasure that I found these
people to possess are hot springs which
burst out at the foot of a mountain… so
powerful are the chemicals contained
in this water that the inhabitants have a
belief that they were given to them by
their gods. These Springs I have named
Ojo Caliente” (“hot eye”).
Generations continue to make the
pilgrimage year-round to Ojo to soak
This high country setting offers the
perfect getaway from the crowds. Each
morning witness the namesake of the
Sangre de Cristo range, as the sun stains
the peaks in blood-red beauty. Each
night, more stars than you can count fill
the sky. Delightfully far from the hustle
and bustle, Vermejo’s Costilla Lodge is
the destination to relax and unwind.
Located 65 miles from Raton,
Costilla Lodge provides visitors sweep-
ing views of the Costilla Basin, well
known for Rocky Mountain wildlife,
fishing and outdoor opportunities.
Prices start at $350 per person
and include guided activities and meals.
Whether it’s outdoor adventure or
peaceful escape you seek, our staff can
tailor an adventure to suit any variety of
skill or desire. For more information go to
www.VermejoParkRanch.com
27www.hawk-media.com
VISTA VERDE RETREAT CENTERVista Verde Retreat Center is a vacation
rental located on 32 acres in the rural
high desert forest of northern New
Mexico, close to the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument. This beauti-
ful abode is tucked among old-growth
junipers and piñon pines. If you like
being in nature but prefer not to rough
it, this place is for you. A sense of
serenity is pervasive as you wind your
way through the compound. The retreat
is designed for you to deepen your
connection with the land and allow the
tensions from daily life to dissolve.
The location of Vista Verde Retreat
is ideal. The three miles of dirt roads to
the retreat center are passable year-
round and give the feeling that you are
“out there.” A 4-wheel drive vehicle is
in the four unique, sulfur-free, healing
mineral waters: Lithia, Iron, Soda and Arsenic. Ojo’s 11 geothermal mineral
pools include 3 private outdoor pools
with kiva fireplaces and a new Mud Area where guests 13 and older slather
mud all over their bodies and lay in the
sun until the special blend of clay dries.
Toxins are released from the pores of
your skin and when the clay is washed
off you come away feeling cleansed and
refreshed.
In addition to the healing waters,
Ojo offers a wide array of soothing
and nurturing spa services including
massage and body treatments such as
the Native American Blue Corn & Prickly
Pear Salt Scrub, Ancient Echoes (based
on East Indian Head Massage), and face,
skin and body care.
While Ojo is very popular in summer
and fall, winter is especially attractive to
skiers looking to defrost their bones. The
Skier’s Special offers those who bring
their lift ticket or season pass from any
New Mexico ski resort 20% off soaking
or lodging. Additional winter packages
including the two-night Girls’ Getaway
and Couples’ Romance Retreat offer
lodging, spa treatments, yoga classes and
private pools. Another great bargain is
Triple the Warmth, which gives guests
who stay two nights their third night free.
Ojo’s Artesian Restaurant and Wine
Bar provides a casual dining experience
and charming atmosphere, serving
seasonal Southwestern favorites and a
variety of international dishes.
Ojo is located 45 minutes south of
Taos and an hour north of Santa Fe. For
more information, visit us online at
www.OjoSpa.com
recommended in the snow and in the
springtime mud. The “town” of Carson
consists of about 150 residents, a general
store, a post office and a fire department.
The remote, peaceful area provides a
respite for the most harried of individuals.
Owner Elizabeth Brownrigg is an
artist/designer, metaphysical healer, and
nature lover, whose vision has long been
to create a sanctuary in this incredible
land for like-minded individuals. It is truly
an oasis in the high desert forest and a
haven for artists and healers.
The heritage of the ancient Indian
culture and the expansiveness of the
land and sky create a sense of ground-
ed spirituality. The sound of the wind
blowing through the pines and the sweet
smell of sage is intoxicating. The nearby
mountains provide an incredible back-
drop. When you need an urban fix, Taos
and Santa Fe are not far.
Vista Verde Retreat Center is avail-
able for special events, group rentals, or
private retreats. Vista Verde is a wonder-
ful place to host your workshop – be it a
day, a week or a month.
The Studio, a beautiful 37’ x 27’
space, has a sprung dance floor. This
floor can be completely covered with
yoga mat material or protected –
ideal for dance, yoga retreats, Tai Chi,
movement, corporate training, art and
other types of creative and/or healing
workshops.
In addition to the 1,800 sq. ft. Main House, the Adobe Casita, Straw Bale Casita, Stick Casita, and The Q are
also available. Lastly, there are two Tipis
which sleep 2-3 each (bring your
sleeping bag).
The surrounding landscape is
natural, with a large fenced area and
gravel walkways. There are numerous
walking trails in the surrounding forest
with beautiful views of the Sangre de
Cristo mountain range. For details on
accommodations, rates, and amenities visit
www.VistaVerdeRetreat.com
28 SKICOUNTRY 2015
TAOSBENT STREET CAFE & DELI – 120 Bent Street, Taos. 575-758-5787. A local favorite with menu selections to satisfy every palate. Served in a relaxed atmosphere featuring a year-round heated patio and outdoor terrace. Omelettes, eggs Benedict, gourmet French toast, excellent sandwiches, creative salads and homemade soups and desserts. Daily specials, chicken or beef burrito and tamales plates. Vegetarian & vegan friendly. Beer & wine. Open 7 days for breakfast, lunch, and Sunday brunch. BentStreetDeli.com
DOC MARTIN’S RESTAURANT – 1/2 block N of Taos Plaza in the Historic Taos Inn, 575-758-1977. Fresh, casual dining in a historic setting. Winner of Wine Spectator’s “Best Of Award Of Excellence” for 26 consecutive years. Innovative Regional New American Cuisine using the freshest local ingredients, specializing in organic vegetables, meats and fish, includingfavorites like buffalo, elk, trout. Home-made desserts. Lunch, dinner, weekend brunch. Reservations recommended. DocMartinsRestaurant.com
FARMHOUSE CAFE AND BAKERY – Three miles north of Taos Plaza at Overland Ranch. 575-758-LOVE (5863). Farm-to-table, serving local organic cuisine. Legendary grass-fed
burger, green chile chicken stew, daily quiche. House-made soups, salads and a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Incredible assort-ment of artisan breads, croissants, tarts, muffins, cheesecakes, cookies and more. Specialty coffees and fresh organic grab-and-go items. Open 8 am-5 pm daily. Sunday Brunch. Call or visit online for winter dinner hours: FarmhouseCafeAndBakery.com
GUADALAJARA GRILL – Two locations in Taos: Southside – 1384 Paseo del Pueblo Sur. 575-751-0063. Northside – 822 Paseo del Pueblo Norte. 575-737-0816. “Our secret sauce makes the difference!” Authentic Mexican food in New Mexico. Seafood, Chile Relle-nos, Azteca Quesadilla, Camarones a la Diabla, Ceviche and so much more. Beer, Wine, Agave Margaritas. Nominat-ed by the NM Restaurant Association for best NM restaurant 2014. Winter hours: Sun 10:30-8:30 pm. Fri-Sat 10:30 to 9 pm. Open 7 days a week. See our full menu: GuadalajaraGrillTaos.com
RICKY’S – Located 2 1/2 blocks south of Taos Plaza at 312 Paseo del Pueblo Sur. 575-758-1156. A locals’ favorite. Breakfast, lunch and dinner specials daily. Great New Mexican and Amer-ican dishes at family oriented prices. Gluten-free and vegetarian chiles. Burgers made with fresh local beef
daily. Kid’s menu. 80% of our dishes available vegetarian. Dine in or take out. Open 7 days, 7 am to 8 pm.
TAOS PIZZA OUT BACK – 712 Paseo del Pueblo Norte. 575-758-3112. We start each morning with organic flour and fresh produce to create our acclaimed hand-rolled pizzas. Our reclaimed adobe abode is the perfect setting for fun, foam and feasting. Enjoy a unique Taos experience where the three local cultures relax & mingle with international travelers. Open daily 11 am. TaosPizzaOutback.com
A LA CART – 625 Paseo del Pueblo Norte. 575-758-7503. A food cart serving affordable meals inspired by street food from around the world. Garden patio or express takeout at our drive-through window. Moroccan: grilled beef, red peppers and onions served on a flat bread pita or over rice with a yogurt mint sauce. Indian: grilled chicken with a spicy peanut sauce and a chickpea, tomato, cucumber salad. Ethiopian: lentil curry with yams, peas and potatoes on rice with warm pita bread and salad, served mild, medium or spicy. Americans classics, soups, stews, salads, sandwiches, Nathan’s hot dogs. From $5.50 to $9.
LA CUEVA CAFE – 135 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos. 575-758-7001. The best flavor of Mexican food and New Mexico. Rellenos, combination plate, fajitas and much more. Gluten free, vegetarian and seafood dishes. Open 7 days a week, 10 am–9 pm. TripAd-visor and Yelp awarded. Full menu online: LaCuevaCafe.com
THE GORGE BAR and GRILL – 103 East Taos Plaza. 575-758-8866. Stop by The Gorge and try our juicy burgers, hand-shaken Margaritas, or fresh oysters – something for everyone in your family. Enjoy the Best Happy Hour in Taos while sitting on our patio overlooking the Taos Plaza. We feature TWO happy hours: Monday thru Friday 3–5:30 pm and again 9-10 pm. Coming
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early in 2015: Our new Wine Store, downstairs in the shops. Visit us online:TheGorgeBarAndGrill.com
THE BAVARIAN LODGE and RESTAURANT at TAOS SKI VALLEY – Located at 100 Kachina Road, Taos Ski Valley. 888-205-8020. Fine German-inspired dining in the heart of New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Authentic German beers on tap, fresh local foods and delicious mixed sausage platters that showcase the tastes of Bavaria! Don’t miss our beautiful sun deck views, ski in and ski out location and fabulous Tuesday night fondue dinners. Reservations recommended. Call for info or visit: www.TheBavarian.com
RED RIVERSUNDANCE – High Street at Copper King. 575-754-2971. Same great food, same great service. Celebrating our 41st year. Steaks, salads, excellent Mexican food. Great sopaipillas! Specials include shrimp fajitas and quesadillas. Frozen wine Margaritas. Reservations welcome. Call for to-go orders. Open nightly 5 pm.
ANGEL FIREANGEL FIRED PIZZA – Located on the second floor of the Mountain View Mall (next to the Lowe’s Valley Market). 575-377-2774. Voted “Best of Angel Fire.” We serve specialty pizzas, baked pastas, calzones, and salads all in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Gluten-free options are available. A wide selection of handcrafted beers and fine wines also available. Dine in or take out. Open Tues-Sun 11 am-9 pm. Daily Happy Hour.
ELEMENTS at THE COUNTRY CLUB – Located on the upper level of the Angel Fire Resort Country Club. 575-377-3055. Open to the public year-round. Enjoy mountain-view fine dining, great appetizers, a full bar and wine selection, private dining rooms and group event spaces. Dining room
is open Tuesday-Saturday 5 pm - 9 pm. Bar and lounge is open Tuesday-Sat-urday 4 pm - close. Extended hours during peak periods.
H2 UPTOWN – 48 North Angel Fire Road. 575-377-1200. Casual mountain style dining with an upscale experience, where you’re treated like family. Serving specially seasoned charbroiled steaks, wild game, pastas, fine wine, draft beer and much more. An unforgettable experience at an affordable price. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations for dinner are suggested. Also visit Café Expresso 575-377-6669 for hearty breakfast and lunch, or Hatcha’s Grill 575-377-7011 for homemade red or green chile enchiladas!
PUB ‘N GRUB – Located at the Village Center Plaza, 52 N. Angel Fire Road. 575-377-2335. A family-friendly pub with 20 craft brews on tap including a draft style root beer. Gourmet dining in a rustic and casual environment. Best steaks in town. Open every day during winter ski season, 5 to 9 pm.
SUNSET GRILL – 10 Five Springs Road across from Chile Express Chairlift. 575-377-6681. Lunch menu includes appetizers, homemade soups, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Dinner entrées include steak, chicken, fish, and pasta dishes. Full bar, fine wine, and beers on tap. Kid’s menu.
CIMARRONSAINT JAMES HOTEL – 17th and Collison in Cimarron. Reservations rec-ommended. 575-376-2664. Landmark on the Santa Fe Trail, the St. James has been known for its fine dining since 1872. Menu includes hand cut steaks, New Mexico favorites, homemade soups and desserts. Select from a variety of beers, fine wines or a spec-ially-made cocktail, all served from the antique bar. New breakfast menu. Open daily 7 am–9 pm. Visit us online at ExStJames.com
LODGING, DINING & LIVE MUSIC NIGHTLY
at The HISTORIC TAOS INN
taosinn.com575.758.2233
Take a little trip.
30 SKICOUNTRY 2015
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r DEC 3, 5–Festival of Trees and Wreaths, Taos 5–Lighting the Christmas Tree, Taos Plaza 5-7–Annual Race Camp with UNM, Red River Ski Area 5-14–Deal Daze at Red River Ski Area 6–Moonlight Ski & Snowshoe Dinner Tour, Enchanted
Forest XC Ski 6–Taos Feeds Taos Benefit Concert, Taos 6–Moonlight Hike & Campfire, Sipapu Ski Resort 6–Annual Lighting of Ledoux Street, Taos 6–Christmas Festival in the Mountains, Chama 7–College Day, Wolf Creek 7–Ski & Snowboard Academy, Taos Ski Valley 10–Community Blood Drive, Red River 10–Local Appreciation Day, Wolf Creek Ski Area,
Pagosa, CO12–Winterfest, South Fork, CO12–Angel Fire Resort Opening Day 12–Night Skiing begins, Angel Fire Ski Resort12–Red River Ski Area open for daily operations13–Bonfires on Bent Street, Taos13–International Women’s Ski Day, Taos Ski Valley13–Pagosa Nordic Season Opener, Wolf Creek13–Fun Race, #1 of 9 through the season at Wolf Creek14-22–Las Posadas, Historic Ranchos de Taos Church15-19–College Days at Red River Ski Area20–Never Summer Snowboard Demo, Sipapu Resort20–On-Snow Demo Days, Taos Ski Valley20–Breakfast with Santa, Angel Fire Community Center20–19th Annual Brewmaster’s Festival, Taos Ski Valley20–Dummy Gelunde Jump, Ski Apache 20–Torchlight Parade, Ski Apache20-21–Demo Days, Taos Ski Valley20–Polar Coaster Tubing, Angel Fire Resort (ongoing)21–Messiah Sing-A-Long, St. James Episcopal, Taos21–World Snowboard Day, Sipapu Ski Resort21, 27 & ongoing–Snowshoe Alpenglow Evening Tour,
Durango Mountain Resort23–Ski & Snowboard with Santa, Angel Fire Resort23-25–Ski and Snowboard with Santa, most ski areas24–Annual Christmas Eve Party, Sipapu Ski Resort24–Christmas Eve torchlight parades and fireworks,
all ski areas24–Christmas Eve Vespers, Taos and Picuris Pueblos25 –Christmas Luminaria Ski/Snowshoe Tour,
Enchanted Forest XC Ski Area25–Deer or Matachines Dance, Taos Pueblo26–Deer Dance, San Juan Pueblo31–New Year’s celebrations & torchlight parades,
all ski areas 31–Old Fashioned New Year’s Eve Party, Red River
JAN 1–Turtle Dance, Taos Pueblo 1–Polar Bear Plunge, Eagle Nest Lake 1-31–January Bargain Days, Red River Ski Area 3–USASA Gold Rush Rail Jam, Red River Ski Area 3–Moonlight Ski & Snowshoe Dinner Tour,
Enchanted Forest XC Ski Area4, 10–College Ski & Ride Week, Durango Mtn. Resort4, 11–College Days, Wolf Creek Ski Area 4-14–College Days at Red River Ski Area 5-16–College Days, Angel Fire Ski Resort
6–Buffalo Dance, Taos Pueblo 6–King’s Day, Picuris Pueblo 7, 21, 25–Local Appreciation Days, Wolf Creek Ski Area 9-11, 16-19–Winter Carnival Parade of Ice, Red River 9-11–SheRide Snowboard Camp, Durango Mtn. Resort10–Remember the ‘80s Dance Party, Angel Fire Resort10–Camp Robbers, Saturday #1 of 4, Wolf Creek 11–Telemark Clinic, Wolf Creek Ski Area13–Baby Boomer Clinics, Wolf Creek Ski Area (ongoing)14–United Way Day, Wolf Creek Ski Area17–Winter Carnival Snowmobile Hill Climb, Red River17–SkiBike Demo Day, Sipapu Ski Resort17–USSC Ultimate Ski & Snowboard Challenge, Red River17–Telemark Festival, Sipapu Ski Resort17–Santa Fe Brewing Happy Hops Scavenger Hunt,
Sipapu Ski Resort17–Freeheel Fray Telemark Race, Sipapu Ski Resort17-18–Winterfest Celebration, Durango Mtn. Resort16-18–Annual Chama Chile Ski Classic, Chama, NM18–MLK Jr. Giant Slalom Race, Wolf Creek 19-25–Home School Week Bargain Days, Red River22-24–Red River Songwriters Festival23-25–Not Forgotten Veterans Appreciation, TSV23-25–Wild West Weekend, Angel Fire Resort24–UNM Ultimate Ski and Snowboard Challenge,
Angel Fire Resort24–King of the Hill Terrain Park Competition, Sipapu24-25–USASA Snowboard Slalom & Giant Slalom,
Red River Ski Area24-25–Low O2 Challenge Race, Enchanted Forest XC28-1–Snowdown Winter Fest, Durango, CO30-31–UNM Lobo NCAA Invitational Home Meet: Red
River Ski Area, Enchanted Forest XC Ski Area31–Winter Wine Festival Grand Tasting, Taos Ski Valley
FEB 1–Super Bowl Race, Wolf Creek Ski Area 1–Superbowl Celebration, Sipapu Resort 1, 11, 25–Local Appreciation Days, Wolf Creek Ski Area 6-8–Angel Fire Winter Carnival and Shovel Race
Championships, AF Resort 7-8–NM SkiBike Festival, Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort 7–Ice Fishing Tournament, Eagle Nest Lake State Park 8–USASA Slopestyle Competition, Angel Fire Resort 6-7–UNM Invitational Home Meet & Collegiate Races,
Red River Ski Area, Enchanted Forest Ski Area10–Mardi Gras Celebration, Eagle Nest12-17–Mardi Gras in the Mountains, Red River Ski Area13-17–Mardi Gras Celebration, Angel Fire Resort14–Big Little Brew Day, Sipapu Ski Resort14–RRSA Children’s Parade and Bead Toss, Red River14–Santa Fe Brewing Happy Hops Hunt 2, Sipapu14–Love On The Lift, Sipapu Ski Resort14-16–February Fun Fest, Sipapu Ski Resort15–Presidents Day Race, Wolf Creek Ski Area20-22–Not Forgotten Outreach Veterans Appreciation,
Angel Fire Resort20-22–Purgatory Ski Bike Festival, Durango Mtn. Resort21–Wolf Creek Ski Team Invitational21–Lloyd Bolander Memorial Day, Sipapu21–Breast Cancer Awareness Day, Taos Ski Valley21–Telemark Clinic, Wolf Creek Ski Area
21-22–Back Country Babes Weekend / Deep In The Steeps, Wolf Creek Ski Area
21-21–Snow-Ball Balloon Rally, Chama, NM22–Washington’s Day Race, Wolf Creek Ski Area26-28–Salomon Extreme Freeride Championships, TSV28–Just Desserts Eat & Ski, Red River Ski Area28–USASA Red River Rampage Slopestyle, Red River28–Retro Weekend, Angel Fire Resort
MAR 4, 29–Local Appreciation Days, Wolf Creek Ski Area 6-15–Spring Break Celebration, Angel Fire Resort 7–SkiBike Demo Day, Sipapu Ski Resort 7–USASA Snowboard Slalom & Giant Slalom, Red River 7–Ski Bum Ball, Angel Fire Resort 7–Ernie Blake’s Birthday Torchlight Parade & Fireworks,
Taos Ski Valley 7–Spring Beer Festival, Taos Ski Valley 7-8–Hawaiian Days, Sipapu Ski Resort 8-21–Beach Weeks, Red River Ski Area11–Spring Break Torchlight Parade, Red River Ski Area13–Kids Glow Stick Parade, Red River Ski Area14–Annual Cardboard Derby, Sipapu Ski Resort14–New Belgium Scavenger Hunt, Taos Ski Valley14–Spring Fling Race, Wolf Creek Ski Area14–We Be Jammin’ Rail Jam, Red River Ski Area14–Pi Day, Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort14-15–SkiBike Demo Weekend, Sipapu16-20–Springtacular Family Funfest at Purgatory17–St. Patrick’s Day Party, Angel Fire Resort20-21–Ben Myers Ridgeathon, Taos Ski Valley21–Ongoing – Rail Jam & Torchlight Parades, Red River
Ski Area22–Mountain Biking Competition, Angel Fire Resort22, 28–Telemark Clinics, Wolf Creek Ski Area22–End of Season Pond Skim, Red River Ski Area27-29–Dog Days at The Enchanted Forest XC, Red River28–Moonlight Ski & Snowshoe Dinner Tour, Enchanted
Forest XC Ski Area28–Pond Skimming Contest, Sipapu
APR 1, 5–Local Appreciation Days, Wolf Creek 4–College Day, Wolf Creek Ski Area 4-5–Season Celebration Party at Purgatory 5–Closing Day, Taos Ski Valley 5–Easter Day Race, Wolf Creek25–Tierra Wools Spring Harvest, Chama
INFO Angel Fire 800-446-8117Chama Valley 800-477-0149 Durango 970-247-3500Eagle Nest 800-494-9117Pagosa Springs 800-252-2204Red River 800-348-6444Ruidoso 877-784-3676Santa Fe 800-777-2489South Fork 800-571-0881 Taos County 800-732-8267Taos Pueblo 575-758-1028
Dates subject to change. Check with local chambers for updated info.
31www.hawk-media.com
Crafting comfort for 37 years.
575.377.6456 ph 575.377.3822 fx
po box 303 angel fire nm 87710
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32 SKICOUNTRY 2015
kids love fun.parents love FREE.
Sipapu proudly welcomes Pajarito Mountain to its family of ski areas! This winter, families
can enjoy the combined 81 trails, 10 lifts, nearly 1,000 acres and the best deals in the Rockies
at these family-friendly mountains. Visit our websites to learn how to score FREE lift tickets,
FREE ski school lessons, FREE lodging* and more.
Two MounTainS. MoRE wayS To Ski FREE.
* Available on select dates. See SipapuNM.com
sipapunm.comSKIPAJARITO.COM
WWW.THEPOWERPASS.COM
s i pa p u i s 2 0 m i l e s s o u t h o f ta o s • pa j a r i to i s 5 m i l e s w e s t o f l o s a l a m o s