Taos - American Southwest - page 224

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Not far from Taos Ski Valley is Red River Ski & Snowboard Area, P.O. Box 900, Red
River, NM 87558 ( & 800/331-7669 for reservations; 575/754-2223 for information;
www.redriverskiarea.com). One of the bonuses of this ski area is that lodgers at Red River
can walk out their doors and be on the slopes. Two other factors make this almost
50-year-old, family-oriented area special: First, most of its 58 trails are geared toward the
intermediate skier, though beginners and experts also have some trails; and second, good
snow is guaranteed early and late in the year by snowmaking equipment that can work
on 87% of the runs, more than any other in New Mexico. However, be aware that this
human-made snow tends to be icy, and the mountain is full of inexperienced skiers, so
you really have to watch your back. Locals in the area refer to this as “Little Texas”
because it's so popular with Texans and other Southerners. A very friendly atmosphere,
with a touch of redneck attitude, prevails.
There's a 1,600-foot vertical drop here to a base elevation of 8,750 feet. Lifts include
four double chairs, two triple chairs, and a surface tow, with a capacity of 7,920 skiers
per hour. The cost of a lift ticket for all lifts is $55 for adults for a full day, $40 half-day;
$48 for teens 13 to 19 for a full day, $35 half-day; and $39 for children ages 4 to 12 and
seniors 60 through 69 for a full day, $28 half-day. Free for seniors 70 and over. All rental
packages start at $20 for adults, $13 for children. Lifts run daily 9am to 4pm Thanksgiv-
ing to about March 28. Ask about their lesson packages.
Also quite close to Taos (approx. 20 miles) is Angel Fire Resort , P.O. Drawer B,
Angel Fire, NM 87710 ( & 800/633-7463 or 575/377-6401; www.angelfireresort.com).
If you (or your kids) don't feel up to skiing steeper Taos Mountain, Angel Fire is a good
choice. The 73 trails are primarily oriented to beginner and intermediate skiers and
snowboarders, with a few runs for more advanced skiers and snowboarders. The moun-
tain has received over $7 million in improvements in past years. This is not an old village
like you'll find at Taos and Red River. Instead, it's a Vail-style resort, built in 1960, with
a variety of activities other than skiing. The snowmaking capabilities here are excellent,
and the ski school is good, though I hear it's so crowded that it's difficult to get in during
spring break. Two high-speed quad lifts whisk you to the top quickly. There are also three
double lifts and one surface lift. A large snowboard park contains a banked slalom course,
rails, jumps, and other obstacles. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowbiking are
also available. All-day lift tickets cost $59 for adults, $49 for teens (ages 13-17), and $39
for children (ages 7-12). Kids 6 and under and seniors 70 and over ski free. It's open
from approximately mid-December to March 29 (depending on the weather) daily 9am
to 4pm.
The oldest ski area in the Taos region, founded in 1952, Sipapu Ski and Summer
Resort, HC 65, Rte. Box 29, Vadito, NM 87579 ( & 575/587-2240; www.sipapunm.
com), is 25 miles southeast of Taos, on NM 518 in Tres Ritos Canyon. It prides itself on
being a small local ski area, especially popular with schoolchildren. It has two triple chairs
and two surface lifts, with a vertical drop of 1,025 feet to the 8,200-foot base elevation.
There are 31 trails, half classified as intermediate, and two terrain park trails have been
added. It's a nice little area, tucked way back in the mountains, with excellent lodging
rates. Be aware that because the elevation is fairly low, runs can be icy. Lift tickets are $40
for adults for a full day, $26 half-day; $26 for children 12 and under for a full day, $22
half-day; $22 for seniors (ages 60-69) for a half- or full day; and free for seniors 70 and
over, as well as for children 5 and under. A package including lift tickets, equipment
rental, and a lesson costs $53 for adults and $42 for children. Sipapu is open from about
the end of November to April 1, and lifts run daily from 9am to 4pm.

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