Winter Activities

Winter is a great time to visit Red River, New Mexico because there are a lot of fun things to do here in the winter. Red River sits in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, a subrange of the Rocky Mountains, putting it in prime position for some of the best skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling in New Mexico. Guests of the Alpine Lodge will have a bevy of options to consider during the winter months. This winter guide of things to do will get you started on some of the great experiences you can have during a New Mexico winter in Red River.

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Skiing/snowboarding
Overview: Red River is home to one of the best places to ski in New Mexico and it's a short walk from the Alpine Lodge. Red River Ski and Summer Area offers about 67 runs with varying difficulties. The ski resort features wide open groomers, park laps and steep powder-filled trees. The ski resort aims to have short lift lines and fresh powder stashes shortly after storms. This resort is a great way to enjoy your visit to New Mexico during the winter.

Rentals: There are no shortage of places in Red River to rent skis or snowboards for your adventure on the slopes. Red River Ski and Summer Area does offer rentals on site but there are also numerous other ski rentals in Red River. All Seasons Inc. and BigHorn Sports and Rental are just some of the options for ski rentals.

Snowmobiling
Overview: Red River is home to some of New Mexico's best natural beauty. When visiting during the winter, snowmobiling is a great way to enjoy that beauty. Alpine Lodge guests can either rent a snowmobile or use their own to visit some of the sights such as Sawmill Canyon or Greenie Peak. The Carson National Forest is home to many snowmobile-specific trails you can explore on your own. Some of the rental shops offer guided tours to make exploring easy. Snowmobiling in New Mexico does require a day-use permit for all vehicles, required for both in and out-of-state sleds. To learn more, visit the state's Department of Game and Fish website.

Rentals: Many of the following snowmobile rental shops also offer guided tours for winter visitors. Some of the top rental companies in Red River include Weezie's Wild Rides, Bobcat Pass Wilderness Adventures, Red River Back Country Adventures, and Red River Sled Shed.

Snowshoeing/cross-country skiing
Overview: Wanting to enjoy the natural beauty of Red River at a slower pace? Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing may be for you. There are trails for both near Red River along with a host of rental shops. A popular place to visit is the Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area, which has trails for both snowshoers and cross-country skiers. Carson National Forest is another great place to explore on your winter visit to New Mexico.

Rentals: Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area and BigHorn Sports and Rental both offer cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals.

Tubing/sledding
Overview: Snow tubing and sledding are similar activities and are easy to do anywhere around town. Be sure to make sure it's permissible to do either on any designated hill. Some popular spots in Red River are areas next to St. Edwin's Catholic Church, Mallet Park, the Playhouse and the public library. Red River Ski and Summer Area also offers some tubing sessions but be sure to check with the resort for details.

Rentals: Red River Ski and Summer Area have offered winter tube rentals in the past. Be sure to check for availability. While there aren't many places to rent a sled, they are affordable and available at many retailers during the winter months.

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