SkiCountry Winter
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WINTER 2015<br />
<strong>SkiCountry</strong><br />
GUIDE TO SKIING THE SOUTHWEST<br />
Angel Fire<br />
Chama<br />
Durango<br />
Pajarito<br />
Red River<br />
Sipapu<br />
South Fork<br />
Taos<br />
Taos Ski Valley<br />
Wolf Creek
Cool gear.<br />
Hot fashion.<br />
575.377.6612<br />
Ski Reservation Hotline:<br />
575.377.6559<br />
Angel Fire’s Top Shop<br />
Near the Resort Hotel<br />
www.wintersportsskishop.com
The<br />
Secret<br />
to Health<br />
Lies in<br />
Your<br />
Shoes<br />
F<br />
R<br />
E<br />
E<br />
YOUR<br />
F<br />
E<br />
E<br />
T<br />
Douglas & Laurence Goodhart<br />
(Certified Pedorthist since 1985)<br />
Shoes that<br />
make a difference<br />
• Custom Orthotics<br />
for Ski Boots<br />
• Plantar Fasciitis resolution<br />
• Orthotics made on-site<br />
PHOTO: KATHARINE EGLI<br />
On Taos Plaza<br />
575.758.4711<br />
133 N. Plaza • Taos<br />
www.taoshoes.org<br />
www.hawk-media.com<br />
3
Contents<br />
4
Welcome<br />
Alpine Lodging<br />
Our Towns<br />
When In Doubt, Go Higher<br />
Historic Hotels<br />
Ski the Southwest<br />
Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire Resort, Sipapu Ski Resort<br />
Red River Ski Area, Durango Mountain Resort, Wolf Creek<br />
Ski Apache, Pajarito Ski Area, Enchanted Forest XC<br />
SW’s Largest Ski Operator Adds More Mountains<br />
Inspirational <strong>Winter</strong> Retreats<br />
Time To Dine<br />
Calendar of Events<br />
6<br />
8<br />
10<br />
14<br />
16<br />
19<br />
20<br />
21<br />
22<br />
23<br />
26<br />
28<br />
30<br />
Publisher/Editor Joe Haukebo<br />
Design/Production Digerati Design<br />
Advertising Sales Christine Pedler<br />
Contributing Writers John Biscello, Michele Potter<br />
Photography Steve Bundy, Chris McClennan, Janet Sailor<br />
Cover photo Jason Lombard, courtesy Wolf Creek Ski Area<br />
HighCountry and <strong>SkiCountry</strong> Visitor Guides are<br />
published by Hawk Media. All rights reserved. Material<br />
in this publication may not be reproduced in any form<br />
without written permission from the Publisher.<br />
Requests for permission should be directed to:<br />
Hawk Media<br />
PO Box 182, Angel Fire, NM 87710<br />
575 595 0575 | 575 758 4047<br />
info@hawk-media.com<br />
Scan the QR code or visit us at www.hawk-media.com<br />
for more articles, photos & e-zines<br />
5
Angel<br />
Fire<br />
866.668.7787<br />
App Store: Angel Fire App<br />
AngelFireFun.com<br />
Welcome<br />
A<br />
to the<br />
southern<br />
Rockies<br />
n early snow, two feet. Light from<br />
the swollen moon drips through<br />
bare aspen branches rattling in the<br />
wind, blowing more winter this way.<br />
This moon – couched by the harvest<br />
moon in our wake and winter solstice<br />
still ahead – must have some powerful<br />
juju: dogs around the valley are<br />
howling their heads off, coyotes too,<br />
keeping the old-timers on the edge of<br />
sleep. And any animals still stuck inside<br />
whine and scratch at doors to get out<br />
and join the choir.<br />
Dogs have it made. They do their<br />
thing, and many days it feels like they<br />
run the place: they paw at doors to get<br />
in or out – we obey; they take a bathroom<br />
break – we clean it up; they play<br />
when they want, bark when it feels right,<br />
eat when it suits them, sleep when the<br />
mood strikes.<br />
They’ve always been a part of our<br />
culture, our everyday lives and language,<br />
from children’s rhymes – “Give<br />
a dog a bone, this old man…” – to song<br />
lyrics: “Who let the dogs out!” or “Ain’t<br />
nothin’ but a hound dog.” They’re part<br />
of our speech, our slang-guage: “dog<br />
tired,” “in the doghouse,” “can’t teach an<br />
old dog new tricks,” “going to the dogs.”<br />
And it’s no different here in the<br />
Southwest – when dogs are around,<br />
they tend to liven things up. They’re<br />
great for creating stories: everybody<br />
has a few favorites.<br />
We had a lab visit the ranch, lured<br />
there after smelling the sweet juices<br />
of a huge pot roast cooling in a pan in<br />
the shed. A couple of deep whiffs and<br />
he couldn’t stand it anymore. He broke<br />
through the shed door, nudged the pan<br />
off the shelf and quickly muckled the<br />
whole thing. Shortly, he swelled up like<br />
a pot-bellied pig and was moaning and<br />
miserable for days. His drooping eyes<br />
and face said he wanted forgiveness for<br />
his gluttony, but wanted even more for<br />
the swelling to go down so he could go<br />
back to being a dog instead of a pig.<br />
A French friend of mine was caught<br />
in an avalanche in the Alps, buried ten<br />
feet under. It was a ski patrol dog who<br />
sniffed him out. The dog started frantically<br />
digging like he was after a prized<br />
bone (not a crumple of living bones),<br />
and ended up saving my friend’s bacon.<br />
My friend has loved dogs ever since.<br />
We had a small hound for a time<br />
who loved to ride in front of me on<br />
a snowmobile, paws perched on the<br />
handlebars, tongue hanging out lapping<br />
up the cold air, skillfully leaning into<br />
corners. Other dogs stared at him with<br />
hound envy.<br />
There’s the tale of a dog falling into<br />
an ice fishing hole, a large one carved<br />
out with a chainsaw. Dog-paddling under<br />
the ice, he finally found another hole<br />
which happened to be in a nearby fishing<br />
hut where an old guy sat hunched<br />
over the hole, silently waiting for some<br />
action. He got it. When the dog exploded<br />
out of his hole, the old guy exploded<br />
straight through the side of his woodwalled<br />
hut. It didn’t slow him down a bit.<br />
“He sure could make tracks for an old<br />
guy,” said a witness.<br />
Another buddy of mine had a lab<br />
named Bubba who used to “pull a Houdini<br />
and disappear for days”– go on a<br />
dog walkabout. But he always returned,<br />
little worse for the wear. This particular<br />
time, Bubba didn’t come back. Days<br />
turned to weeks. “Missing dog” signs<br />
were put up around town, neighborhood<br />
kids questioned. Nothing. Gone.<br />
6 SKICOUNTRY 2015
Bubba’s owner grew dizzy with worry. Turned out<br />
some Boy Scouts saw him at the base of Palo<br />
Flechado Pass and took him to Philmont. Bubba<br />
was fat, so they couldn’t have thought he was starving.<br />
And he wasn’t that cute at all. And he stank,<br />
and slobbered all the time. Just an honest mistake<br />
– a good deed gone bad.<br />
Bubba ended up on a month-long tour of<br />
Colorado towns, passed around until he ended up<br />
in a pound in northern Colorado. Somehow word<br />
got back, so my buddy called the pound, saying<br />
he was coming to pick Bubba up. He described his<br />
looks, his slobbering, all his attributes.<br />
“Well, but how do I know it’s your dog” the<br />
poundkeeper asked.<br />
Months of welled up worry and anger burst out.<br />
“Look, lady. You think I’m going to drive seven<br />
hours up and seven hours back to pick up a miserable<br />
mutt like that who’s somebody else’s dog”<br />
Dogs love chasing stuff; it’s in their nature. At<br />
the ranch, dogs regularly chased horses, sheep,<br />
goats, chickens, cats, other dogs and ducks.<br />
Especially ducks. There’s something about a duck<br />
dogs can’t resist – especially my neighbor’s dog<br />
Rip.Rip had a love-hate relationship with our ducks:<br />
he loved chasing them on land (where he had the<br />
upper paw), and he hated it when they reached the<br />
pond (they ruled on water). Until the ice came. At<br />
the tail end of a severe cold snap, Rip chased the<br />
ducks to the pond, now iced over. Everyone’s seen<br />
a dog try to run on ice – legs splayed, twisting, tipping<br />
over. A duck on ice doesn’t do much better. So<br />
Rip was finally able to catch, and kill, a couple. Rip’s<br />
owner was so mad – having cussed Rip countless<br />
times for chasing ducks – he decided to teach him<br />
a lesson. He took some twine and tied a dead duck<br />
on top of poor Rip’s head. It looked hilarious but it<br />
seemed to work, the message drilled continuously<br />
into Rip’s brain. Rip didn’t chase any more ducks.<br />
He looked kind of guilty all the time for killing the<br />
ducks, especially the one tied to his head. After<br />
awhile the duck bonnet slipped to the side and it<br />
looked more like a duck tumor. When Rip would lie<br />
down, guilt turned to shame and he’d put his paws<br />
over his duck-head as if to hide from the world’s<br />
eyes. Hard to hide with a duck on your head. And<br />
hard to sleep too, I imagine, unless it made for a<br />
nice down feather pillow.<br />
Anyway… hope you bring your dogs when you<br />
visit the southern Rockies. The ducks are mostly<br />
gone, south for winter, so there won’t be any need<br />
for fancy head gear. And we can always use a few<br />
new dog tales.<br />
— Joe Haukebo, Publisher<br />
The life<br />
up high<br />
Angel Fire is<br />
cross country<br />
snowmobile<br />
snowboard<br />
sleigh ride<br />
snowshoe<br />
downhill<br />
ice fish<br />
shop<br />
tube<br />
dine<br />
sled<br />
www.hawk-media.com<br />
7
Alpine Lodges<br />
EL PUEBLO LODGE<br />
Come stay at the edge of town, at the<br />
edge of everything! Southwest charm<br />
with early Taos architecture. Complimentary<br />
wifi and HBO. Heated, seasonal<br />
pool, year-round hot tub. Continental<br />
breakfast each morning, fresh<br />
baked cookies each afternoon. Pet-friendly. Three blocks from<br />
historic Taos Plaza; 18 miles from Taos Ski Valley. Taos Pueblo<br />
and Taos Mountain Casino two miles north. See our website for<br />
specials and packages.<br />
800.433.9612 575.758.8700<br />
412 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM<br />
www.ElPuebloLodge.com<br />
KACHINA LODGE and<br />
MEETINGS CENTER in Taos<br />
Four blocks from the historic Taos Plaza, shops, galleries and<br />
museums. Full-service hotel. Includes<br />
full hot breakfast, leisure bar/lounge<br />
with pool tables, video games, and<br />
coffee shop. Southwestern dining.<br />
Outdoor seasonally heated pool, hot<br />
tub, and free high speed internet.<br />
Nightly Indian dances May-October. Near Taos Casino and Taos<br />
Pueblo. Affordable prices, friendly service staff.<br />
FIRESIDE INN CABINS<br />
Modern, deluxe one and two<br />
bedroom fully-equipped cabins<br />
with room to roam on ten<br />
acres along the San Juan River.<br />
Located on the east side of<br />
Pagosa, close to Hot Springs,<br />
toward Wolf Creek Ski Area<br />
and national forest X-country ski trails. Private river access and<br />
fishing (catch and release) on our property. Individual living<br />
area with gas fireplace, bedroom/s, kitchen, bathroom. Covered<br />
porch – Open year-round.<br />
888.264.9204 970.264.9204<br />
1600 E. Hwy 160, Pagosa Springs, CO<br />
www.FiresideCabins.com<br />
LIFTS WEST CONDOMINUM<br />
AND RESORT HOTEL<br />
Combines old world charm with modern conveniences; luxury<br />
within a warm, homey atmosphere; bustling activity – from<br />
Main Street to our own<br />
atrium lobby and shopping<br />
mall – with the quiet privacy<br />
of our well-designed<br />
rooms. In the heart of Red<br />
River, a preferred location<br />
for summer and winter and group meetings. Dramatic atrium with<br />
giant stone fireplace, perfect for concerts, dances, or lectures.<br />
75 deluxe accommodations include satellite TV, free wi-fi,<br />
non-smoking rooms. Conference rooms, souvenir shops and<br />
café on-site.<br />
800.221.1859 575.754.2778<br />
201 W. Main Street, Red River, NM<br />
www.LiftsWest.com<br />
800.522.4462 575.758.2275<br />
www.KachinaLodge.com<br />
413 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM<br />
8 SKICOUNTRY 2015
HUMANS WERE NEVER<br />
MEANT TO HIBERNATE<br />
ALL SEASONS<br />
~ SPORTS ~<br />
Serving the best since 1970<br />
SKI • SNOWBOARD • SNOWBLADE<br />
SKI & BOARD RENTALS and SALES<br />
K-2 • ROSSIGNOL • ATOMIC<br />
SPYDER, MARKER SKI CLOTHING<br />
ICELANDIC SWEATERS • BEARPAW SHOES<br />
800.686.3485 575.754.2308<br />
AllSeasonsRRNM.com<br />
600 W Main Street • Red River, NM<br />
www.hawk-media.com<br />
9
10 SKICOUNTRY 2015
<strong>Winter</strong> came down to our home one night<br />
Quietly pirouetting in on slippery-toed<br />
slippers of snow,<br />
And we, we were children once again.<br />
R<br />
— Bill Morgan, Jr.<br />
hapsody in white. A whirling ballet<br />
of flakes and flurries. Albino skin for<br />
a cloud-crowned mountain. No matter<br />
what metaphorical spin you give to<br />
snow, it remains kindling for the spirit of<br />
child’s play. Stuck-out tongues tasting<br />
snowflakes, sledding runs, the invention<br />
of snowmen, are all part of winter’s<br />
charm, yet there is also the season’s<br />
reflective side. Its deep silences, stark<br />
electric hushes, and vigilant stillness.<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> manifests in many guises—monk,<br />
merry prankster, pall-bearer, love guru<br />
(see: Snuggling with Loved Ones On a<br />
Cold Night, and Fireside Intimacy)—and<br />
its praises are sung high and low in the<br />
Southern Rockies.<br />
High desert iconoclast and quirky<br />
Casanova, Taos continues to seduce<br />
and charm and cajole imports from all<br />
walks of life. “Yuletide in Taos” is the<br />
umbrella term for the various seasonal<br />
celebrations and traditions. Historic<br />
Ledoux Street becomes the farolitoilluminated<br />
hotspot for the annual<br />
“Lighting of Ledoux” (December 6, 5-7<br />
pm), when shops and galleries open their<br />
doors and extend holiday warmth by way<br />
of food, drink and music. Charles Dicken’s<br />
A Christmas Carol will take center<br />
stage at the Taos Center for the Arts<br />
(December 10-14, 7 pm). Las Posadas,<br />
a re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s<br />
search for lodging, takes place outside<br />
the San Francisco de Assis Church—a<br />
tradition in and of itself—December<br />
14-22, 6 pm. Awe, mystery, and age-old<br />
sacredness are at the heart of the Christmas<br />
Eve Procession at Taos Pueblo, the<br />
oldest continuously inhabited community<br />
in North America. The Procession of the<br />
Virgin at sunset, tracked to rifle salutes<br />
from the 1,000-year-old pueblo rooftops,<br />
segues into the trance-inducing bonfires.<br />
On Christmas Day at 2 pm, the spirit<br />
of winter is honored through the Taos<br />
Pueblo Deer or Matachine Dances.<br />
Taos’s intimate neighbor to the<br />
north, Taos Ski Valley, is in the throes<br />
of expansion under new ownership.<br />
That being said, TSV continues to draw<br />
powder-junkies from around the globe.<br />
Yet there’s more than one way to skim a<br />
mountain, so if skiing isn’t your preferred<br />
method of travel, there’s also snowboarding,<br />
snowshoeing, tubing, sledding, and<br />
snowmobiling. Two popular events of the<br />
imbibement variety: The 19th Annual Brew<br />
Master’s Festival (December 20, 4:30-7<br />
pm), where you can enjoy a sampling<br />
of beer from around the region, and the<br />
29th Annual Taos <strong>Winter</strong> Wine Festival<br />
(January 28-31), which features seminars,<br />
wine tastings, and wine dinner hosted by<br />
vintners paired with Taos chefs.<br />
Named after its firebrand sunsets,<br />
the resort of town of Angel Fire is easy<br />
Our Towns<br />
ANGEL FIRE<br />
CHAMA<br />
CIMARRON<br />
CLAYTON<br />
DURANGO<br />
EAGLE NEST<br />
RED RIVER<br />
SOUTH FORK<br />
TAOS<br />
TAOS PUEBLO<br />
TAOS SKI VALLEY<br />
PHOTO: STEVEN BUNDY<br />
www.hawk-media.com<br />
11
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12 SKICOUNTRY 2015
on the eyes, with a flair for good times<br />
marking its character. There are 76 ski<br />
and snowboarding trails, suitable for<br />
all skill levels, and the resort also plays<br />
host to snowshoeing, sleigh rides and<br />
snowmobiling. The Polar Coaster, the<br />
largest tubing park in the Southern<br />
Rockies, gives children of all ages a<br />
chance to experience a live-action<br />
“polar express.” Notable events include<br />
Wild West Weekend (January 23-25),<br />
and the Angel Fire <strong>Winter</strong> Carnival and<br />
Shovel Race World Championships<br />
(February 6-8), in which participants<br />
plant their fannies in a steel shovel and<br />
race down the mountain in the name of<br />
fun, money, and bragging rights. Take<br />
the Polar Plunge New Year’s Day in icy<br />
Eagle Nest Lake.<br />
It’s been a while since anyone<br />
seriously mined Baldy, and gambling<br />
here is a thing of the past, but there’s<br />
still gold in Eagle Nest – the lake<br />
sports some of the best trout fishing in<br />
the state. Kokanee salmon join recordbreaking<br />
rainbows, cutthroats and<br />
other fish in an effort to beguile locals<br />
and visitors alike.<br />
Red River, the “Little Texas” of<br />
New Mexico, known for its down-home<br />
vibe and a gold-mining past, keeps its<br />
winter fun centrally located, with the ski<br />
base in the middle of town. The bursts<br />
and flares of a fireworks spectacle are<br />
part of the 45th annual Christmas Eve<br />
Torchlight Parade, and families can<br />
usher in 2015 at the Old-Fashioned<br />
New Year’s Eve Party. Other seasonal<br />
highlights include: The <strong>Winter</strong> Carnival<br />
& Parade of Ice, January 9-19, which<br />
features ice sculptures along Main<br />
Street; and the Red River Songwriter’s<br />
Festival (January 23-25), a three-day<br />
celebration of music and song.<br />
The village of Chama lays claim to<br />
a rough and rugged boomtown past,<br />
when gold-fever possessed the hearts<br />
and minds of many would-be “lucky<br />
strikers.” Set in the breathtaking Rio<br />
Chama Valley, winter fun includes skiing,<br />
snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and<br />
ice fishing on the Heron Reservoir. The<br />
Chama Chile Ski Classic, a cross-country<br />
ski event, takes place on Martin<br />
Luther King, Jr. weekend in January.<br />
Nestled in the San Juan Mountains,<br />
Durango’s postcard-charm and winterfriendly<br />
disposition earned it a ranking<br />
as one of America’s “Top 10 Christmas<br />
Towns” by HGTV (Home & Garden Television).<br />
Purgatory, in Durango-speak,<br />
means 35,000 acres of mountain terrain<br />
where skiers and snowboarders can<br />
get their velocity on. The Durango and<br />
Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which<br />
has been in operation for over a century,<br />
plays host to the Polar Express throughout<br />
the holidays, in which children are<br />
encouraged to don their pajamas and<br />
enjoy a leisurely trip to the North Pole.<br />
Mid-winter mirth and kicks comes in the<br />
form of “Snowdown 2015,” a week-long<br />
event featuring a costume ball and<br />
street parade, with this year’s theme<br />
being “Steampunk Snowdown.”<br />
Known as the gateway to the San<br />
Juan Mountains, Rio Grande County,<br />
which includes South Fork, Monte Vista<br />
and Del Norte, is rich in outdoor<br />
recreation and all-natural splendor.<br />
South Fork’s annual “<strong>Winter</strong>fest” takes<br />
place December 12 and 13.<br />
It takes a little imagination to see<br />
Clayton as a mountain town in the literal<br />
sense of the word. It’s high enough<br />
in altitude, though, higher than most<br />
mountains east of the Mississippi. It<br />
was the jumping-off place for Santa Fe<br />
Trail traders, who knew that in another<br />
day from Rabbit Ears, they’d see the<br />
mountains that were their destination.<br />
PHOTO: JANET SAILOR<br />
The St. James Hotel in Cimarron<br />
offers a celebrated window into an<br />
unruly past. Legendary visitors such as<br />
Blackjack Ketchum, Kit Carson, Clay<br />
Allison, Jesse James and Buffalo Bill<br />
Cody have become part of its dramatic<br />
fabric, and ghosts of all shapes and<br />
sizes have allegedly remained active<br />
occupants.<br />
John Biscello lives and writes in Taos. His<br />
books, Freeze Tag and Broken Land: A<br />
Brooklyn Tale, are available through<br />
www.amazon.com<br />
www.hawk-media.com<br />
13
When in doubt, go higher<br />
“W<br />
hen in doubt, go higher.”<br />
That’s my favorite cliché.<br />
And Taos Ski Valley’s about to crank<br />
up a new lift that definitely goes<br />
higher—up to 12,450’—just shy<br />
of the Kachina Peak summit.<br />
Otherwise, it’s a sublime hike, but<br />
strenuous. Few students are willing<br />
to take on the hour-long ski-toting<br />
trek over a rocky spine in order to<br />
experience the sweepingly open<br />
Kachina Bowl. TSV’s 96-year-old<br />
co-founder Rhoda Blake sums up<br />
just how it was: “It was an adventure.”<br />
It’s a life altering perspective<br />
and not just because you can gaze<br />
off across the Spanish Peaks. (My<br />
last client has set his sights on the<br />
Himalayas.)<br />
For many, Taos Ski Valley itself<br />
is a life altering experience. Thirty<br />
instructors who taught for visionary<br />
founder Ernie Blake remain; he died<br />
in 1989. “It was such fun at first,<br />
when it was small,” says Rhoda. “It<br />
was just one big family. Ernest was<br />
too good at PR; then it got big.”<br />
Trying to take a clue from<br />
Rhoda’s practical, adaptive philosophy,<br />
we too, remain, sucked in by<br />
the Ski Valley’s centrifugal force,<br />
molding the rest of our lives around<br />
that central core of high-altitude fun.<br />
A few years after Ernie died, I was<br />
a newly arrived ex-ski instructor with<br />
three kids in tow myself. I went back<br />
to work; they went out to play. My sixyear<br />
old skied Al’s by himself, which<br />
earned me the bad mothering award<br />
in some circles, but not Rhoda’s. She<br />
skied down it herself carrying a small<br />
child between her legs.<br />
Each of my own sons has<br />
worked at TSV, making it a family<br />
business as it has for the Blakes for<br />
more than half a century—until now.<br />
Intimate and idiosyncratic TSV may<br />
have a reputation for its passionate<br />
skiers and finally, boarders who<br />
love the steeps, its highly touted<br />
instruction, and one other thing: An<br />
enormous cast of real characters.<br />
This community celebrates<br />
diversity nonexistent in places<br />
like Vail, but they can boast about<br />
ten times our skier numbers. TSV<br />
aspires to be no one but itself. Even<br />
so, 20 years ago, there were about<br />
30 percent more skier days than<br />
now, and that needs to change. Will<br />
possessing one of the highest lifts<br />
in North America (increasing our skiable<br />
lift-served terrain 50 percent)<br />
turn the tide<br />
The ridiculous, elitist, consumerist<br />
sport known as skiing does<br />
not have to be that way, nor was it,<br />
especially in our little pseudo-<br />
Tyrolean village. We had genuine<br />
European roots that harkened back<br />
to the likes of Swiss German Ernie<br />
Blake, Frenchman Jean Mayer (still<br />
our technical director) and so many<br />
others. Rhoda recalls living in a<br />
16-foot trailer in the early years and<br />
carrying small kids to the outhouse.<br />
Once, a stuck door made her land<br />
outside on her head. Peter, the<br />
littlest, said, “Mommy, do that again.”<br />
Together Ernie and Rhoda<br />
crafted the place with an absurdist<br />
vision to build a ski area out of<br />
nothing but thin air, altitude and<br />
plenty of attitude. Ernie got the fact<br />
that “geography is destiny.” Flying in<br />
his Cessna with Pete Totemoff, Ernie<br />
discovered the bones of a great<br />
ski area where everyone else saw<br />
sheer folly. Rhoda, who had grown<br />
up in New York City, loved this<br />
“relaxed” place.<br />
Ernie made a good front man,<br />
his antics drawing true believers to<br />
a place anyone with a brain knew<br />
was too steep and too far from<br />
everything. All was not sweetness<br />
and light. There were fistfights and<br />
firings, oft-told tales chronicled<br />
in Rick Richard’s history The Ski<br />
Pioneers. By 1957 they installed a<br />
Poma lift up Al’s run. Rhoda, having<br />
worked at an airplane factory in the<br />
war, mounted leftover ski troop skis<br />
in a back room as rentals, which<br />
they bought for a buck a pair from<br />
Fort Hale. “Everyone did everything,”<br />
she said. She taught skiing,<br />
she raised kids, she fixed stuff, and<br />
14 SKICOUNTRY 2015
PHOTO: COURTESY TAOS SKI VALLEY<br />
she cooked for their many guests. “I’m<br />
a terrible cook,” she admits.<br />
Now enter new owner Louis<br />
Bacon, with a reputation as a dedicated<br />
conservationist, true Taos aficionado<br />
(who already owned real estate in the<br />
‘hood) and perhaps most importantly,<br />
very deep pockets. He is a media-avoidant<br />
expert skier who has said that his<br />
vision for TSV will be “a balancing act”—a<br />
pithy definition of skiing after all. But can<br />
he still ski under the radar while owning<br />
the whole damn mountain (Actually, the<br />
Forest Service grants permits).<br />
And what will he say the first time<br />
there’s a powder day and they crank<br />
up the iconic new lift on our old iconic<br />
mountain I know what I’d say: “I get<br />
first tracks.”<br />
Actually, that falls to the ski patrol.<br />
It’s a bittersweet brave new world.<br />
But Rhoda says, “I think it’ll be great.<br />
Everything changes.” She takes careful<br />
aim, lighting up another cigarette, and<br />
inhales. She tells me that she hasn’t<br />
skied since the eighties because she<br />
can’t see well enough to ski fast enough<br />
“and that’s not fun.” She won the only<br />
ski race she says she ever entered. Her<br />
love of speed is legendary, especially<br />
driving. She was known to beat Ernie’s<br />
Porsche with her Chevelle. A tough<br />
mom who carried kids up the Ski Valley<br />
road if they got stuck, she couldn’t let<br />
anything stop her. When she saw a<br />
driver in the road with both doors open<br />
putting on chains, she’d gun it. “You<br />
should see how fast they’d get out of<br />
the way,” she says with a little smile.<br />
This year I’m psyched about taking<br />
clients to Kachina Bowl who otherwise<br />
might not get there, but whom I know<br />
can ski it. It’s quite easy—well, for a<br />
double black (expert run).<br />
There are other changes afoot,<br />
too, like renovating the base area and<br />
planning for a lift up to the lovely Wild<br />
West, right now a hike-only and entirely<br />
danceable 60 acres. Plenty of other<br />
hiking-only terrain yet remains.<br />
So…when in doubt, go higher. And<br />
now, oftener.<br />
Longtime Taos Ski Valley ski instructor Dr.<br />
Michele Potter’s motto is “Skiing is life; the<br />
rest is waiting.” While waiting, she renovates<br />
houses, teaches at UNM Taos, and writes.<br />
www.hawk-media.com<br />
15
Historic Hotels<br />
HOTEL LA FONDA de TAOS<br />
The oldest hotel in Taos is new again.<br />
In the heart of the historic district<br />
on Taos Plaza, La Fonda offers 21st<br />
Century amenities while preserving<br />
its rich Southwestern roots and<br />
ambience. Home to Mosaic Fine Dining,<br />
Noula’s Starbucks Coffee Shop, and the D.H. Lawrence “Forbidden<br />
Art Collection.” 19 rooms, 5 suites, and our Plaza Penthouse.<br />
Friendly, personal service. Walking distance to galleries, museums,<br />
shopping, entertainment, fine dining.<br />
108 SOUTH PLAZA, TAOS, NEW MEXICO<br />
WWW.LAFONDATAOS.COM 800.833.2211 505.758.2211<br />
ST. JAMES HOTEL<br />
Where western history – and the paranormal –<br />
come alive. The historic St. James Hotel, built<br />
in 1872, has hosted a smorgasbord of famous<br />
outlaws and Wild West legends including Clay<br />
Allison, William F. Cody and Wyatt Earp. Today, it<br />
continues its tradition with fine dining and comfortable<br />
rooms and a restored western restaurant and bar. Ghosts, each with<br />
their own obsessions and rituals, are said to still haunt the place.<br />
617 SOUTH COLLISON, CIMARRON, NEW MEXICO, 87714<br />
WWW.EXSTJAMES.COM 888.376.2664 575.376.2664<br />
THE HISTORIC TAOS INN<br />
Experience Southwestern charm and history at<br />
The Historic Taos Inn in the heart of Taos.<br />
Acclaimed by National Geographic Traveler as<br />
“One of America’s Great Inns,” and listed on the<br />
National and NM Registers of Historic Places.<br />
44 rooms and suites, most with Pueblo-style<br />
fireplaces. Award-winning Doc Martin’s Restaurant and The Adobe Bar on<br />
premises. Happy hour 4-6 Monday-Friday; free live music nightly.<br />
125 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS, NEW MEXICO<br />
TAOSINN.COM 575.758.2233<br />
16<br />
PHOTO COURTESY HOTELSTFRANCIS.COM / JEFF CAVEN<br />
SKICOUNTRY 2015
Hang your hat in Clayton for a night or two...<br />
or forever<br />
Clay ton -Union County Chamber of Commerce<br />
& Tourist Information Center<br />
1103 South First Street | Clayton, NM 88415 | 800 390 7858<br />
claytonnm.org<br />
www.hawk-media.com<br />
17
urgent medical care<br />
A <strong>Winter</strong><br />
Wonderland<br />
For<br />
75 Years<br />
Wolf Creek<br />
Ski Area<br />
Lesa Fraker, MD PhD FACEP<br />
Owner/Medical Director<br />
Board Certifi ed Emergency Medicine Physician<br />
care you can count on<br />
No appointment necessary<br />
7 days a week<br />
All ages welcome<br />
Care for most illnesses & injuries<br />
Colds and coughs<br />
Sprains and broken bones<br />
X-rays, prescription medications<br />
& lab tests on site<br />
Oxygen & IV Therapies<br />
for Altitude Sickness<br />
Most insurances accepted<br />
including Medicare,<br />
Blue Cross Blue Shield,<br />
Aetna, & Humana<br />
red river<br />
200A Pioneer Road<br />
575.754.1773<br />
angel fire<br />
FA-1 Ski Patrol Building<br />
575.377.1805<br />
The ONLY certified<br />
Urgent Care Clinics<br />
in the Enchanted Circle<br />
ultimed.com<br />
Top 10 Ski Getaways<br />
—Mountain Living<br />
Top 100 Favorite<br />
Restaurants in the World<br />
—Robb Report<br />
Like Stepping Into<br />
an Alpine Fairy Tale.<br />
– New York Times<br />
575.776.8020 | TAOS SKI VALLEY, NM<br />
T H E BAVA R I A N .COM<br />
SKITAOS.ORG<br />
GENUINE<br />
BAVARIAN CUISINE<br />
GERMAN BEERS ON TAP<br />
SKI IN / SKI OUT<br />
ACCOMMODATIONS<br />
MAGNIFICENT<br />
MID-MOUNTAIN<br />
SUNDECK VIEWS<br />
NEAR WHEELER PEAK<br />
WILDERNESS<br />
WINTER RESTAURANT<br />
HOURS: OPEN DAILY<br />
LUNCH 11:30-3:30<br />
APRÉS SKI 3-5<br />
DINNER 5:30-CLOSING<br />
18 SKICOUNTRY 2015
PURGATORY<br />
AT DURANGO<br />
Durango<br />
•<br />
Chama •<br />
ou can ride almost<br />
Y anywhere in the world. But<br />
nowhere in the world do you get our<br />
magical mix of Southwestern sun and snow,<br />
culture and cuisine, wildlife and wilderness,<br />
art and history. The landscape is stunning –<br />
from high alpine terrain above treeline to<br />
a huge rip in the earth.<br />
Our ski mountains rip – chutes, cliffs, bowls,<br />
cruisers; and in terrain parks – rails, boxes,<br />
rainbows, banks. Treks into the backcountry<br />
are beautiful and boss.<br />
Outside our quaint mountain towns you’ll<br />
discover fresh pockets of adventure and feel<br />
this winter completely, utterly alive.<br />
Nothing like it anywhere.<br />
Albuquerque<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Pagosa<br />
Springs<br />
COLORADO<br />
NEW MEXICO<br />
WOLF CREEK<br />
SKI AREA<br />
Santa Fe •<br />
SKI APACHE<br />
PAJARITO<br />
MOUNTAIN<br />
Los Alamos •<br />
RED RIVER<br />
SKI AREA<br />
• Ruidoso<br />
•<br />
South<br />
Fork<br />
Red<br />
River<br />
•<br />
• Taos<br />
ENCHANTED<br />
FOREST XC<br />
TAOS SKI<br />
VALLEY<br />
SIPAPU<br />
SKI RESORT<br />
•<br />
Eagle<br />
Nest<br />
Angel<br />
• Fire<br />
ANGEL FIRE<br />
RESORT<br />
19Ski the Southwest<br />
PHOTO: COURTESY TAOS SKI VALLEY
Ski Areas<br />
TAOS SKI VALLEY<br />
Taos Ski Valley will open Kachina Peak to<br />
lift-accessed skiing and snowboarding as<br />
well as several additional new enhancements,<br />
including new hike-to terrain.<br />
“Kachina Peak offers some of the most<br />
spectacular views and terrain in North America,”<br />
said Gordon Briner, CEO of Taos Ski<br />
Valley. “The new Kachina Peak lift provides<br />
the opportunity for everyone to enjoy this<br />
iconic terrain and have one of the most<br />
unique experiences in winter recreation.”<br />
With a summit of 12,450 feet, the<br />
Kachina Peak lift is one of the highest<br />
chairlifts in North America and increases the<br />
mountain’s lift-serviced terrain by 50 percent.<br />
For hike-to terrain, Highline Ridge and<br />
West Basin will remain accessible by foot<br />
only; new hike-to terrain this season includes<br />
the opening of The Wild West Glades.<br />
Accessible via the West Basin Ridge, The<br />
Wild West Glades consists of 35 acres.<br />
The Millennium Pass (good for 70 days),<br />
the unlimited Adult Full Season Pass, and the<br />
Family Full Pass will each include exchange<br />
days at Copper Mountain, Durango Mountain<br />
Resort, Crested Butte, Arapahoe Basin,<br />
Powder Mountain and Silverton Mountain.<br />
The Ernie Blake Snowsports School also<br />
will unveil the new Mountain Guide program,<br />
which connects guests with the valley’s top<br />
ambassadors, who share local lore and the<br />
best off-the-map runs.<br />
Taos Ski Valley has also upgraded<br />
its snowmaking system with two energyefficient<br />
compressors, plus a new drop-off<br />
area that features views of the Sangre de<br />
Cristo mountains, and a walkway with stores<br />
and services that line the path to the base<br />
area and lifts. These improvements are the<br />
first stages of the renovation of the base area.<br />
SkiTaos.org<br />
866-968-7386<br />
ANGEL FIRE RESORT<br />
Angel Fire Resort is expanding its terrain for<br />
skiers and boarders, offering new special<br />
winter discounts, and continuing its family-friendly<br />
format. The Railyard, a new terrain<br />
park, opens this winter off the side of the<br />
popular green trail Headin’ Home and will<br />
feature boxes, rails and jumps geared<br />
towards those new to skiing and boarding.<br />
This dedicated space will allow beginners<br />
a safe place to try out their tricks before<br />
attempting the more advanced terrain parks.<br />
The resort is also moving the nighttime<br />
terrain park Night Rider to Exhibition. This<br />
new location is on the front side of the<br />
mountain, which will allow the park to take<br />
advantage of the best snow on the mountain.<br />
Night Rider will be open both day and<br />
night and will offer the best lighted terrain for<br />
those who wish to stay after dark. (Available<br />
on weekends and holiday peak periods.)<br />
Several programs are being added:<br />
Ski Free Month – new this season, stay<br />
at the Lodge at Angel Fire Resort January<br />
5-29 and ski for free. (Excludes Friday and<br />
Saturday nights and January 18.)<br />
The Parenting Pass – Perfect for the family<br />
that has already developed their snow skills.<br />
This interchangeable pass allows two parents<br />
to take turns coaching and skiing with<br />
their child.<br />
High Five Learn to Ski and Ride Program –<br />
This program is designed for first-time skiers<br />
and boarders ages 13 and older to progress<br />
through a series of five lessons and earn a<br />
free season pass with their completion of<br />
the program.<br />
3-Ski Program – For the tiniest of tots<br />
just learning how to ski, the Resort offers<br />
a unique program for three-year-olds. The<br />
3-Ski Program offers little ones a short<br />
private lesson, lunch and snacks plus snow<br />
play and activities at SnowBear Camp.<br />
The Family Season Pass – New this<br />
season, a family of up to six people can<br />
purchase an unlimited ski and snowboard<br />
pass for each member of the family.<br />
5th Graders Ski Free – The only ski resort<br />
in New Mexico to offer all fifth graders a<br />
free lift ticket with their report card and a<br />
paying, accompanying adult. Kids six and<br />
under ski free.<br />
www.AngelFireFun.com<br />
866-668-7787<br />
SIPAPU SKI &<br />
SUMMER RESORT<br />
Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort is New Mexico’s<br />
fastest growing ski resort. Home to the<br />
longest ski season in New Mexico, Sipapu<br />
offers a natural mountain terrain, perfect<br />
for all ability levels. From green and blue<br />
groomed cruisers to the steeps and powder<br />
stashes found above Lift 1, this mountain has<br />
something for everyone – with almost no lift<br />
line waiting.<br />
Located just 20 miles southeast of Taos<br />
and two hours north of Albuquerque, Sipapu<br />
offers family fun to all levels of skiers and<br />
snowboarders. Sipapu’s philosophy is to be<br />
20 SKICOUNTRY 2015
the most family-friendly resort in the Rockies.<br />
Guests have been bringing their children<br />
and grandchildren to this family-owned and<br />
operated mountain since 1952. The resort is<br />
small enough so kids won’t get lost, and the<br />
laid-back style is perfect for families looking to<br />
simply enjoy a vacation they can afford. If it’s<br />
your first time on the slopes, come to Sipapu<br />
and get your first three lessons for free!<br />
Sipapu is home to New Mexico’s longest<br />
ski season (opening November 15, the earliest<br />
ever) and the best deals in the Rockies. The<br />
resort is surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo<br />
Mountains and Carson National Forest, and<br />
features over 40 trails, five lifts and four terrain<br />
parks. On-site amenities include slope-side<br />
lodging, a full-service ski shop, ski school and<br />
New Mexico’s best riverside dining experience<br />
at the Riverside Cafe.<br />
SipapuNM.com<br />
800-587-2240<br />
Reservations are required and can be made<br />
by calling 575-754-2223. The Grill at the Lift<br />
House is going through a complete remodel<br />
and you will be delighted with a new dining<br />
experience.<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> tubing is available after the slopes<br />
close for the day and tickets can now be<br />
purchased online prior to your arrival. When<br />
pre-purchasing your tickets if you book lodging<br />
with one of our Platinum Partners 72 hours<br />
prior to your arrival, your tickets (along with<br />
other RRSA products except for rentals) will be<br />
at your lodging accommodations when you<br />
check in.<br />
Torchlight Parade and Fireworks have<br />
been a long-standing tradition here at the<br />
Red River Ski and Summer Area. Available<br />
every Saturday night and on special holidays,<br />
plus two Spring Break Torchlight Parades<br />
are planned. Watch for <strong>Winter</strong> Carnival in<br />
January, Mardi Gras in the Mountains in February<br />
and Rail Jams and Slopestyle events<br />
throughout the season.<br />
named the Best Ski Value in North America<br />
by TripAdvisor for the past two seasons<br />
(2012-2014), and is recognized as a top family-friendly<br />
resort. Purgatory provides snow<br />
enthusiasts many ways to enjoy the winter<br />
wonderland with 88 trails, five terrain parks<br />
and 1,360 skiable acres. With 10 chairlifts and<br />
rarely any lines, it’s simple to zip around the<br />
mountain and enjoy the spectacular scenery<br />
amidst the rugged San Juan Mountains. Othwww.RedRiverSkiArea.com<br />
575-754-2223<br />
er winter fun includes dog sledding, tubing,<br />
cross country skiing, snowshoeing, horsedrawn<br />
sleigh rides, ice climbing, snowbiking,<br />
backcountry skiing, and snowmobiling. Durango<br />
Mountain Resort is the base camp for<br />
Colorado’s largest snowcat skiing operation,<br />
San Juan Untracked, which has access to<br />
35,000 acres of pure alpine bliss.<br />
Purgatory is adding more snowmaking<br />
equipment to the front and backside of the<br />
mountain: 11 new snowmaking tower guns,<br />
and a state-of-the-art, high-output fan gun.<br />
The Resort is partnering with Burton Snowboards<br />
and expanding the way its coaches<br />
teach snowboarding. A new Burton Riglet<br />
Park will be featured in the base area allowing<br />
the youngest of riders, ages 3-6 years, to<br />
experience sliding on snow and get a jump<br />
start on learning.<br />
Purgatory Rentals is getting a facelift to give<br />
guests a seamless rental experience from<br />
start to finish, complete with new boot fitting<br />
stations, snowboard demos and an upgraded<br />
rental fleet. The redesigned shop offers guests<br />
a more efficient experience with less time<br />
spent in the shop and more time on the slopes.<br />
Take advantage of value packages with a<br />
“Buy 3, Get the 4th Free,” Stay and Ski Getaway<br />
Package, plus discounted lift tickets.<br />
Information and tickets available online:<br />
SkiPurg.com<br />
800-525-0892<br />
Ski Areas<br />
RED RIVER SKI AREA<br />
More snow guns are in place and ready to<br />
create ideal winter conditions along with<br />
Mother Nature. Temperatures look promising<br />
and our snow making team from New Zealand<br />
has already returned. Linton Judycki, carrying<br />
forward his dad’s vision, offers the best snowmaking<br />
and grooming in the region.<br />
Season passes as well as our winter<br />
fun activities are available on our website.<br />
Snow Coach Dinner tours: A Cozy Mountain<br />
Experience continues this year. This adventure<br />
allows guests to leave the base of the<br />
mountain from The Lift House aprés ski to be<br />
transported via heated coach up our mountain<br />
to The Tip Restaurant where you will be<br />
served a three-course meal at 10,350 feet.<br />
DURANGO<br />
MOUNTAIN RESORT<br />
Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort was<br />
WOLF CREEK<br />
Wolf Creek Ski Area is ready to fire up its 75th<br />
season of epic powder skiing! This 2014–2015<br />
ski season, the Elma Lift, named after the<br />
Pitcher family’s faithful lab, will become a part<br />
of the mountain, adding more variety and<br />
www.hawk-media.com<br />
21
Ski Areas<br />
character to the mountain and providing an<br />
alternate route back to the base area from the<br />
Alberta Lift. The new Race Hutch comes to life<br />
this season, with an observation area for the<br />
crew and storage area for race equipment.<br />
Kingsbury “Pitch” Pitcher, owner of Wolf<br />
Creek Ski Area and New Mexico Ski Hall Of<br />
Famer, was inducted into the Colorado Ski and<br />
Snowboard Hall of Fame this year. Pitch, who<br />
celebrated his 95th birthday in July, was one of<br />
the first certified instructors of the Rocky Mountain<br />
Ski Instructors Association. The life-long<br />
skier raced for the Stanford University Ski Team<br />
and was a ski school instructor, supervisor<br />
North America, Ski Apache sprawls out under<br />
the 12,000-plus foot peak of Sierra Blanca.<br />
The Snow Sport School Learning Center<br />
has plenty of programs for the family—kids<br />
and adults, even mixtures of the two with the<br />
popular Mom and Me, Dad and Me programs.<br />
Or you can kick it on a trikke or rip down the<br />
tubing hill. Boasting over 300 days of sunshine<br />
each year. You can even take a break<br />
and hit the slot machines slopeside in The<br />
Lodge. Visit us for info and events online:<br />
SkiApache.com<br />
575-464-3600<br />
free lift tickets at more than 20 mountains in<br />
the southwest and throughout the country.<br />
Pajarito offers several other affordable season<br />
pass options, all of which are available<br />
online at thepowerpass.com, skipajarito.com<br />
and sipapunm.com, and at lift ticket offices<br />
for both Pajarito and Sipapu.<br />
Several options for securing water for<br />
snowmaking (and also fire mitigation in the<br />
summer) are being investigated, including<br />
adding new water collection points and drilling<br />
a test well. The project is ongoing, to be<br />
launched later this year if weather cooperates.<br />
During the summer season, Pajarito<br />
and ski area operator for many years. Pitch<br />
Mountain is home to an extensive mountain<br />
has been a ski industry consultant over the<br />
years and has played a role in the development<br />
of many ski resorts including Snowmass,<br />
Buttermilk Mountain, Arrowhead, Ski Apache,<br />
biking trail system with lift-served access.<br />
SkiPajarito.com<br />
505-662-5725<br />
Santa Fe Ski Basin, Big Sky, Wolf Creek and ski<br />
properties near Telluride.<br />
The Wolf Creek Ski School is introducing<br />
a new pilot snowboard program called the<br />
Wolf Riders for children age five to eight<br />
that teaches the basics and beyond of<br />
snowboarding.<br />
A mobile friendly version of the website<br />
will be available so smartphones and electronic<br />
tablets will have easy access.<br />
WolfCreekSki.com<br />
1-800-754-9653<br />
PAJARITO MOUNTAIN<br />
Located in Los Alamos, New Mexico, and<br />
SKI APACHE<br />
Mescalero, New Mexico’s Ski Apache—the<br />
country’s southernmost ski resort—offers<br />
bumps, bowls, cruisers, a terrain park and the<br />
only slopeside gondola in the state. Touted<br />
as the best warm-weather powder capital in<br />
30 minutes northwest of Santa Fe, Pajarito<br />
Mountain Ski Area offers 40 trails, 6 lifts and<br />
two terrain parks, all located on 751 acres on<br />
the eastern edge of the Jemez Mountains.<br />
Known for its spectacular views of the Rio<br />
Grande Valley and the Valles Caldera National<br />
Preserve, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area was<br />
founded and developed in the late 1950s by<br />
the Los Alamos Ski Club. The fall line and<br />
bump runs are heralded as some of the best<br />
in the state, and the mountain offers a ski<br />
school, restaurant, and ski rental facility.<br />
The big news this year is that the Managing<br />
Partner at Pajarito Mountain Ski Area<br />
and Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort is now the<br />
owner of Purgatory at Durango Mountain<br />
and Arizona Snowbowl. Read more about the<br />
Southwest’s largest mountain collective in<br />
the article on the next page.<br />
Also new this year is the New Mexico<br />
Power Pass, the only season pass in the state<br />
that offers unlimited skiing and snowboarding<br />
at two ski areas, Pajarito and Sipapu, plus<br />
ENCHANTED<br />
FOREST XC SKI<br />
Getting on the right trail is easy stuff at New<br />
Mexico’s oldest full-service cross-country ski<br />
and snowshoe area, Enchanted Forest, a few<br />
miles east of Red River. Back country bliss in<br />
a groomed, signed and patrolled area: Cross<br />
Country Over 33 km (600) acres of prime<br />
forest groomed 12-foot wide tracks for additional<br />
skiing and a wide skate lane for the<br />
freestylers. Snowshoe Old growth forests,<br />
aspen groves, wildlife—a cool nature trek.<br />
Warm up with a snack at the hit where<br />
you can rent the stuff you need. Group and<br />
individual lessons. Got a dog Bring ‘em.<br />
Five km are dog-friendly. Need a night How<br />
about a mountain yurt Midweek is easier to<br />
book. Visit the website for more information<br />
and events:<br />
EnchantedForestXC.com<br />
800-966-9381 575-754-6112<br />
22 SKICOUNTRY 2015
Sipapu managing partner James<br />
Coleman adds Pajarito, Durango<br />
Mountain Resort and Arizona<br />
Snowbowl to the fold, forming the<br />
largest ski mountain collective in<br />
the Southwest.<br />
After nearly 15<br />
years as the managing<br />
partner at<br />
Sipapu (near Taos,<br />
NM), Coleman<br />
understands how<br />
to successfully operate ski resorts.<br />
Since his arrival at Sipapu, he has<br />
doubled the ski area terrain and<br />
quadrupled skier visits to launch<br />
this modest mountain to the fastest<br />
growing resort in New Mexico. His<br />
commitment to snowmaking has<br />
also helped Sipapu to earn a distinct<br />
reputation for being the first ski<br />
area open in New Mexico (Sipapu<br />
is scheduled to open Nov. 15, which<br />
will mark the 12th consecutive time<br />
the NM ski area opens before any<br />
other) as well as having the state’s<br />
longest ski season.<br />
“I have spent most of my life<br />
skiing, working and living in this region,<br />
and I couldn’t be more thrilled<br />
to continue the visionary leadership<br />
of Arizona Snowbowl’s General<br />
Partner, Eric Borowsky, Purgatory’s<br />
Chairman Chuck Cobb and the Duncan<br />
family,” Coleman said.<br />
“Skiing is my first priority and,<br />
like many of our guests, I’m always<br />
eager to get the winter season<br />
started,” Coleman said. “I’m committed<br />
not only to opening these<br />
mountains early but also creating<br />
an exceptional experience for<br />
skiers and snowboarders – be it<br />
local or destination resort guests<br />
– while making each of these ski<br />
areas the most family-friendly,<br />
family-fun resorts in the Southwest<br />
and the best value in the nation.”<br />
Last May, the Los Alamos Ski<br />
Club – which had previously owned<br />
and operated Pajarito – voted and<br />
approved to transfer Pajarito Mountain<br />
Ski Area to Los Alamos County<br />
and a new partnership formed by<br />
the Sipapu Group.<br />
As part of their commitment to<br />
snowmaking, Los Alamos County,<br />
Pajarito staff, the Los Alamos Ski<br />
Club and the Sipapu Group have<br />
been working to secure approvals<br />
for a temporary pipeline, which<br />
will transport water (to be used for<br />
snowmaking purposes in the winter<br />
and fire mitigation in the summer) to<br />
the ski area’s holding pond.<br />
In addition to investing in water<br />
and snowmaking, the Sipapu Group<br />
plans to enhance both the winter<br />
and summer on-mountain experience<br />
through trail, lift, terrain park,<br />
tree skiing, and mountain biking trail<br />
expansions and improvements.<br />
Skiing in the Pajarito area dates<br />
at least to the 1930s, and a ski club<br />
was first organized in 1943. Today,<br />
the area has six lifts – a quad, a<br />
triple, three coubles and one rope<br />
tow – 40 trails on 751 acres and a<br />
peak elevation of 10,440 feet.<br />
This summer, Sipapu and Pajarito<br />
unveiled the New Mexico Power<br />
Pass, New Mexico’s only season<br />
pass with unrestricted access to<br />
two ski areas plus free skiing at<br />
more than 25 partner mountains in<br />
New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and<br />
throughout the country. Coleman<br />
PHOTO: COURTESY DURANGO MOUNTAIN RESORT<br />
said that Purgatory and Snowbowl<br />
will maintain their existing pass<br />
partnerships.<br />
The ski industry was buzzing<br />
earlier this year when Purgatory<br />
chairman Chuck Cobb announced<br />
he – together with the resort shareholders,<br />
including the mountain’s<br />
founding family – was looking for<br />
an outside investor to take over<br />
majority ownership of the 1,360-<br />
acre ski area. Cobb was the majority<br />
owner since 2000 and secured the<br />
approvals for Purgatory’s master<br />
development plan that will allow for<br />
extensive improvements through<br />
the end of the decade.<br />
SW’s largest ski operator adds more mountains<br />
www.hawk-media.com<br />
23
The Family Vacation of<br />
a Lifetime…<br />
Any Time<br />
of Year!<br />
T<br />
he Riverside sprawls<br />
comfortably over three<br />
acres of beautifully landscaped<br />
grounds, only 50<br />
feet from the Copper Chairlift.<br />
Families love our wonderful playground, lawn games, BBQ area and hot<br />
tub. Amenities include telephones, kitchens, fireplaces, satellite TV, DVD<br />
players and free wireless internet at very reasonable rates. We now have<br />
laundry services, too. Ask about our off-season and Wednesday Free<br />
packages!<br />
800.432.9999 575.754.2252<br />
www.RedRiver-NM.com<br />
24 SKICOUNTRY 2015
Simply the best liquor store in northern NM<br />
Competitive Prices<br />
Largest Selection • Friendly Staff<br />
Temperature-Controlled Wine Cellar<br />
505.455.2219<br />
kokoman@cybermesa.com<br />
34 Cities of Gold Road, Pojoque, NM 87506<br />
Hwy 84-285, Pojoaque, NM 12 miles N. of Santa Fe<br />
OVER 3,500 WINES • 1000 BEERS • 390 VODKAS<br />
222 TEQUILAS • 105 SINGLE MALT SCOTCHES • 157 RUMS<br />
UNLIMITED Trails<br />
UNCROWDED Slopes<br />
Lots of LODGING Choices<br />
Lots of FUN<br />
filled with Recreation,<br />
Rich History and Affordability.<br />
Come play with us, where<br />
It’s OK to have too much fun!<br />
Small Town . . .<br />
World Class<br />
Adventure<br />
www.SOUTHFORK.org<br />
www.hawk-media.com<br />
25
Inspirational <strong>Winter</strong> Retreats<br />
VERMEJO PARK RANCH<br />
Nestled among the southern Rockies,<br />
Vermejo Park Ranch is a beautiful and<br />
unique resort-ranch with a touch of<br />
Southwest enchantment. Operating as a<br />
remote getaway for outdoor enthusiasts<br />
since the early 1900s, the ranch offers<br />
an unparalleled opportunity to recreate<br />
and explore the largest tract of privately<br />
owned property in the West.<br />
Looking for a winter reprieve From<br />
January to March, <strong>Winter</strong> Escape season<br />
at Vermejo’s Costilla Lodge is the<br />
ideal blend of modern-day comforts and<br />
unspoiled natural beauty.<br />
Perfect for families, business<br />
groups, couples or friends, <strong>Winter</strong><br />
Escape includes a full range of outdoor<br />
activities including snowshoeing, Nordic<br />
skiing, wildlife viewing, unparalleled ice<br />
fishing and ample opportunity for rest<br />
and relaxation.<br />
Nature not calling to you The<br />
spacious lodge is a perfect environment<br />
for escape from the winter elements.<br />
The Great Room boasts a floor to ceiling<br />
sandstone hearth, perfect for warming<br />
your bones. Enjoy our in-room massage<br />
services, or relax by the fire with a good<br />
book, brandy, or house-made hot cocoa.<br />
This high country setting offers the<br />
perfect getaway from the crowds. Each<br />
morning witness the namesake of the<br />
Sangre de Cristo range, as the sun stains<br />
the peaks in blood-red beauty. Each<br />
night, more stars than you can count fill<br />
the sky. Delightfully far from the hustle<br />
and bustle, Vermejo’s Costilla Lodge is<br />
the destination to relax and unwind.<br />
Located 65 miles from Raton,<br />
Costilla Lodge provides visitors sweeping<br />
views of the Costilla Basin, well<br />
known for Rocky Mountain wildlife,<br />
fishing and outdoor opportunities.<br />
Prices start at $350 per person<br />
and include guided activities and meals.<br />
Whether it’s outdoor adventure or<br />
peaceful escape you seek, our staff can<br />
tailor an adventure to suit any variety of<br />
skill or desire. For more information go to<br />
www.VermejoParkRanch.com<br />
OJO CALIENTE MINERAL<br />
SPRINGS<br />
Deemed sacred by Native Americans of<br />
Northern New Mexico, Ojo Caliente<br />
Mineral Springs has been a gathering<br />
place and a source of healing for<br />
thousands of years.<br />
Soaking in these sacred waters can<br />
be traced back to the earliest human<br />
migrations in the region. In the 1500’s<br />
the Spaniards, in their quest for gold and<br />
the Fountain of Youth, also discovered<br />
the Springs. One explorer’s record cites,<br />
“The greatest treasure that I found these<br />
people to possess are hot springs which<br />
burst out at the foot of a mountain… so<br />
powerful are the chemicals contained<br />
in this water that the inhabitants have a<br />
belief that they were given to them by<br />
their gods. These Springs I have named<br />
Ojo Caliente” (“hot eye”).<br />
Generations continue to make the<br />
pilgrimage year-round to Ojo to soak<br />
26 SKICOUNTRY 2015
in the four unique, sulfur-free, healing<br />
mineral waters: Lithia, Iron, Soda and<br />
Arsenic. Ojo’s 11 geothermal mineral<br />
pools include 3 private outdoor pools<br />
with kiva fireplaces and a new Mud<br />
Area where guests 13 and older slather<br />
mud all over their bodies and lay in the<br />
sun until the special blend of clay dries.<br />
Toxins are released from the pores of<br />
your skin and when the clay is washed<br />
off you come away feeling cleansed and<br />
refreshed.<br />
In addition to the healing waters,<br />
Ojo offers a wide array of soothing<br />
and nurturing spa services including<br />
massage and body treatments such as<br />
the Native American Blue Corn & Prickly<br />
Pear Salt Scrub, Ancient Echoes (based<br />
on East Indian Head Massage), and face,<br />
skin and body care.<br />
While Ojo is very popular in summer<br />
and fall, winter is especially attractive to<br />
skiers looking to defrost their bones. The<br />
Skier’s Special offers those who bring<br />
their lift ticket or season pass from any<br />
New Mexico ski resort 20% off soaking<br />
or lodging. Additional winter packages<br />
including the two-night Girls’ Getaway<br />
and Couples’ Romance Retreat offer<br />
lodging, spa treatments, yoga classes and<br />
private pools. Another great bargain is<br />
Triple the Warmth, which gives guests<br />
who stay two nights their third night free.<br />
Ojo’s Artesian Restaurant and Wine<br />
Bar provides a casual dining experience<br />
and charming atmosphere, serving<br />
seasonal Southwestern favorites and a<br />
variety of international dishes.<br />
Ojo is located 45 minutes south of<br />
Taos and an hour north of Santa Fe. For<br />
more information, visit us online at<br />
www.OjoSpa.com<br />
VISTA VERDE<br />
RETREAT CENTER<br />
Vista Verde Retreat Center is a vacation<br />
rental located on 32 acres in the rural<br />
high desert forest of northern New<br />
Mexico, close to the Rio Grande Del<br />
Norte National Monument. This beautiful<br />
abode is tucked among old-growth<br />
junipers and piñon pines. If you like<br />
being in nature but prefer not to rough<br />
it, this place is for you. A sense of<br />
serenity is pervasive as you wind your<br />
way through the compound. The retreat<br />
is designed for you to deepen your<br />
connection with the land and allow the<br />
tensions from daily life to dissolve.<br />
The location of Vista Verde Retreat<br />
is ideal. The three miles of dirt roads to<br />
the retreat center are passable yearround<br />
and give the feeling that you are<br />
“out there.” A 4-wheel drive vehicle is<br />
recommended in the snow and in the<br />
springtime mud. The “town” of Carson<br />
consists of about 150 residents, a general<br />
store, a post office and a fire department.<br />
The remote, peaceful area provides a<br />
respite for the most harried of individuals.<br />
Owner Elizabeth Brownrigg is an<br />
artist/designer, metaphysical healer, and<br />
nature lover, whose vision has long been<br />
to create a sanctuary in this incredible<br />
land for like-minded individuals. It is truly<br />
an oasis in the high desert forest and a<br />
haven for artists and healers.<br />
The heritage of the ancient Indian<br />
culture and the expansiveness of the<br />
land and sky create a sense of grounded<br />
spirituality. The sound of the wind<br />
blowing through the pines and the sweet<br />
smell of sage is intoxicating. The nearby<br />
mountains provide an incredible backdrop.<br />
When you need an urban fix, Taos<br />
and Santa Fe are not far.<br />
Vista Verde Retreat Center is available<br />
for special events, group rentals, or<br />
private retreats. Vista Verde is a wonderful<br />
place to host your workshop – be it a<br />
day, a week or a month.<br />
The Studio, a beautiful 37’ x 27’<br />
space, has a sprung dance floor. This<br />
floor can be completely covered with<br />
yoga mat material or protected –<br />
ideal for dance, yoga retreats, Tai Chi,<br />
movement, corporate training, art and<br />
other types of creative and/or healing<br />
workshops.<br />
In addition to the 1,800 sq. ft. Main<br />
House, the Adobe Casita, Straw Bale<br />
Casita, Stick Casita, and The Q are<br />
also available. Lastly, there are two Tipis<br />
which sleep 2-3 each (bring your<br />
sleeping bag).<br />
The surrounding landscape is<br />
natural, with a large fenced area and<br />
gravel walkways. There are numerous<br />
walking trails in the surrounding forest<br />
with beautiful views of the Sangre de<br />
Cristo mountain range. For details on<br />
accommodations, rates, and amenities visit<br />
www.VistaVerdeRetreat.com<br />
www.hawk-media.com<br />
27
Time to Dine<br />
TAOS<br />
BENT STREET CAFE & DELI – 120<br />
Bent Street, Taos. 575-758-5787. A<br />
local favorite with menu selections<br />
to satisfy every palate. Served in<br />
a relaxed atmosphere featuring a<br />
year-round heated patio and outdoor<br />
terrace. Omelettes, eggs Benedict,<br />
gourmet French toast, excellent<br />
sandwiches, creative salads and<br />
homemade soups and desserts. Daily<br />
specials, chicken or beef burrito and<br />
tamales plates. Vegetarian & vegan<br />
friendly. Beer & wine. Open 7 days for<br />
breakfast, lunch, and Sunday brunch.<br />
BentStreetDeli.com<br />
DOC MARTIN’S RESTAURANT – 1/2<br />
block N of Taos Plaza in the Historic<br />
Taos Inn, 575-758-1977. Fresh, casual<br />
dining in a historic setting. Winner of<br />
Wine Spectator’s “Best Of Award Of<br />
Excellence” for 26 consecutive years.<br />
Innovative Regional New American<br />
Cuisine using the freshest local<br />
ingredients, specializing in organic<br />
vegetables, meats and fish, including<br />
favorites like buffalo, elk, trout. Homemade<br />
desserts. Lunch, dinner, weekend<br />
brunch. Reservations recommended.<br />
DocMartinsRestaurant.com<br />
FARMHOUSE CAFE AND BAKERY<br />
– Three miles north of Taos Plaza<br />
at Overland Ranch. 575-758-LOVE<br />
(5863). Farm-to-table, serving local<br />
organic cuisine. Legendary grass-fed<br />
burger, green chile chicken stew, daily<br />
quiche. House-made soups, salads<br />
and a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and<br />
gluten-free options. Incredible assortment<br />
of artisan breads, croissants,<br />
tarts, muffins, cheesecakes, cookies<br />
and more. Specialty coffees and fresh<br />
organic grab-and-go items. Open 8<br />
am-5 pm daily. Sunday Brunch. Call or<br />
visit online for winter dinner hours:<br />
FarmhouseCafeAndBakery.com<br />
GUADALAJARA GRILL – Two locations<br />
in Taos: Southside – 1384 Paseo del<br />
Pueblo Sur. 575-751-0063. Northside<br />
– 822 Paseo del Pueblo Norte. 575-<br />
737-0816. “Our secret sauce makes<br />
the difference!” Authentic Mexican food<br />
in New Mexico. Seafood, Chile Rellenos,<br />
Azteca Quesadilla, Camarones a<br />
la Diabla, Ceviche and so much more.<br />
Beer, Wine, Agave Margaritas. Nominated<br />
by the NM Restaurant Association<br />
for best NM restaurant 2014. <strong>Winter</strong><br />
hours: Sun 10:30-8:30 pm. Fri-Sat 10:30<br />
to 9 pm. Open 7 days a week. See our<br />
full menu: GuadalajaraGrillTaos.com<br />
RICKY’S – Located 2 1/2 blocks south<br />
of Taos Plaza at 312 Paseo del Pueblo<br />
Sur. 575-758-1156. A locals’ favorite.<br />
Breakfast, lunch and dinner specials<br />
daily. Great New Mexican and American<br />
dishes at family oriented prices.<br />
Gluten-free and vegetarian chiles.<br />
Burgers made with fresh local beef<br />
daily. Kid’s menu. 80% of our dishes<br />
available vegetarian. Dine in or take<br />
out. Open 7 days, 7 am to 8 pm.<br />
TAOS PIZZA OUT BACK – 712 Paseo<br />
del Pueblo Norte. 575-758-3112.<br />
We start each morning with organic<br />
flour and fresh produce to create our<br />
acclaimed hand-rolled pizzas. Our<br />
reclaimed adobe abode is the perfect<br />
setting for fun, foam and feasting.<br />
Enjoy a unique Taos experience where<br />
the three local cultures relax & mingle<br />
with international travelers. Open daily<br />
11 am. TaosPizzaOutback.com<br />
A LA CART – 625 Paseo del Pueblo<br />
Norte. 575-758-7503. A food cart<br />
serving affordable meals inspired by<br />
street food from around the world.<br />
Garden patio or express takeout at<br />
our drive-through window. Moroccan:<br />
grilled beef, red peppers and onions<br />
served on a flat bread pita or over rice<br />
with a yogurt mint sauce. Indian: grilled<br />
chicken with a spicy peanut sauce and<br />
a chickpea, tomato, cucumber salad.<br />
Ethiopian: lentil curry with yams, peas<br />
and potatoes on rice with warm pita<br />
bread and salad, served mild, medium<br />
or spicy. Americans classics, soups,<br />
stews, salads, sandwiches, Nathan’s<br />
hot dogs. From $5.50 to $9.<br />
LA CUEVA CAFE – 135 Paseo del<br />
Pueblo Sur, Taos. 575-758-7001. The<br />
best flavor of Mexican food and New<br />
Mexico. Rellenos, combination plate,<br />
fajitas and much more. Gluten free,<br />
vegetarian and seafood dishes. Open<br />
7 days a week, 10 am–9 pm. TripAdvisor<br />
and Yelp awarded. Full menu<br />
online: LaCuevaCafe.com<br />
THE GORGE BAR and GRILL – 103<br />
East Taos Plaza. 575-758-8866. Stop<br />
by The Gorge and try our juicy burgers,<br />
hand-shaken Margaritas, or fresh<br />
oysters – something for everyone<br />
in your family. Enjoy the Best Happy<br />
Hour in Taos while sitting on our patio<br />
overlooking the Taos Plaza. We feature<br />
TWO happy hours: Monday thru Friday<br />
3–5:30 pm and again 9-10 pm. Coming<br />
28 SKICOUNTRY 2015
early in 2015: Our new Wine Store,<br />
downstairs in the shops. Visit us online:<br />
TheGorgeBarAndGrill.com<br />
THE BAVARIAN LODGE and<br />
RESTAURANT at TAOS SKI<br />
VALLEY – Located at 100 Kachina<br />
Road, Taos Ski Valley. 888-205-8020.<br />
Fine German-inspired dining in the<br />
heart of New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo<br />
Mountains. Authentic German beers<br />
on tap, fresh local foods and delicious<br />
mixed sausage platters that showcase<br />
the tastes of Bavaria! Don’t miss our<br />
beautiful sun deck views, ski in and<br />
ski out location and fabulous Tuesday<br />
night fondue dinners. Reservations<br />
recommended. Call for info or visit:<br />
www.TheBavarian.com<br />
RED RIVER<br />
SUNDANCE – High Street at Copper<br />
King. 575-754-2971. Same great food,<br />
same great service. Celebrating our<br />
41st year. Steaks, salads, excellent<br />
Mexican food. Great sopaipillas!<br />
Specials include shrimp fajitas and<br />
quesadillas. Frozen wine Margaritas.<br />
Reservations welcome. Call for to-go<br />
orders. Open nightly 5 pm.<br />
ANGEL FIRE<br />
ANGEL FIRED PIZZA – Located on<br />
the second floor of the Mountain View<br />
Mall (next to the Lowe’s Valley Market).<br />
575-377-2774. Voted “Best of Angel<br />
Fire.” We serve specialty pizzas, baked<br />
pastas, calzones, and salads all in a<br />
fun, relaxed atmosphere. Gluten-free<br />
options are available. A wide selection<br />
of handcrafted beers and fine wines<br />
also available. Dine in or take out. Open<br />
Tues-Sun 11 am-9 pm. Daily Happy Hour.<br />
ELEMENTS at THE COUNTRY<br />
CLUB – Located on the upper level<br />
of the Angel Fire Resort Country Club.<br />
575-377-3055. Open to the public<br />
year-round. Enjoy mountain-view fine<br />
dining, great appetizers, a full bar and<br />
wine selection, private dining rooms<br />
and group event spaces. Dining room<br />
is open Tuesday-Saturday 5 pm - 9 pm.<br />
Bar and lounge is open Tuesday-Saturday<br />
4 pm - close. Extended hours<br />
during peak periods.<br />
H2 UPTOWN – 48 North Angel Fire<br />
Road. 575-377-1200. Casual mountain<br />
style dining with an upscale experience,<br />
where you’re treated like family. Serving<br />
specially seasoned charbroiled steaks,<br />
wild game, pastas, fine wine, draft beer<br />
and much more. An unforgettable<br />
experience at an affordable price. Open<br />
for lunch and dinner. Reservations for<br />
dinner are suggested. Also visit Café<br />
Expresso 575-377-6669 for hearty<br />
breakfast and lunch, or Hatcha’s Grill<br />
575-377-7011 for homemade red or<br />
green chile enchiladas!<br />
PUB ‘N GRUB – Located at the Village<br />
Center Plaza, 52 N. Angel Fire Road.<br />
575-377-2335. A family-friendly pub<br />
with 20 craft brews on tap including a<br />
draft style root beer. Gourmet dining in<br />
a rustic and casual environment. Best<br />
steaks in town. Open every day during<br />
winter ski season, 5 to 9 pm.<br />
SUNSET GRILL – 10 Five Springs<br />
Road across from Chile Express<br />
Chairlift. 575-377-6681. Lunch menu<br />
includes appetizers, homemade<br />
soups, burgers, sandwiches, and<br />
salads. Dinner entrées include steak,<br />
chicken, fish, and pasta dishes. Full<br />
bar, fine wine, and beers on tap.<br />
Kid’s menu.<br />
CIMARRON<br />
SAINT JAMES HOTEL – 17th and<br />
Collison in Cimarron. Reservations recommended.<br />
575-376-2664. Landmark<br />
on the Santa Fe Trail, the St. James has<br />
been known for its fine dining since<br />
1872. Menu includes hand cut steaks,<br />
New Mexico favorites, homemade<br />
soups and desserts. Select from a<br />
variety of beers, fine wines or a specially-made<br />
cocktail, all served from the<br />
antique bar. New breakfast menu. Open<br />
daily 7 am–9 pm. Visit us online at<br />
ExStJames.com<br />
Take a little trip.<br />
LODGING, DINING &<br />
LIVE MUSIC NIGHTLY<br />
at The HISTORIC TAOS INN<br />
575.758.2233<br />
taosinn.com<br />
www.hawk-media.com<br />
29
2014-2015 <strong>Winter</strong> Calendar<br />
DEC<br />
3, 5–Festival of Trees and Wreaths, Taos<br />
5–Lighting the Christmas Tree, Taos Plaza<br />
5-7–Annual Race Camp with UNM, Red River Ski Area<br />
5-14–Deal Daze at Red River Ski Area<br />
6–Moonlight Ski & Snowshoe Dinner Tour, Enchanted<br />
Forest XC Ski<br />
6–Taos Feeds Taos Benefit Concert, Taos<br />
6–Moonlight Hike & Campfire, Sipapu Ski Resort<br />
6–Annual Lighting of Ledoux Street, Taos<br />
6–Christmas Festival in the Mountains, Chama<br />
7–College Day, Wolf Creek<br />
7–Ski & Snowboard Academy, Taos Ski Valley<br />
10–Community Blood Drive, Red River<br />
10–Local Appreciation Day, Wolf Creek Ski Area,<br />
Pagosa, CO<br />
12–<strong>Winter</strong>fest, South Fork, CO<br />
12–Angel Fire Resort Opening Day<br />
12–Night Skiing begins, Angel Fire Ski Resort<br />
12–Red River Ski Area open for daily operations<br />
13–Bonfires on Bent Street, Taos<br />
13–International Women’s Ski Day, Taos Ski Valley<br />
13–Pagosa Nordic Season Opener, Wolf Creek<br />
13–Fun Race, #1 of 9 through the season at Wolf Creek<br />
14-22–Las Posadas, Historic Ranchos de Taos Church<br />
15-19–College Days at Red River Ski Area<br />
20–Never Summer Snowboard Demo, Sipapu Resort<br />
20–On-Snow Demo Days, Taos Ski Valley<br />
20–Breakfast with Santa, Angel Fire Community Center<br />
20–19th Annual Brewmaster’s Festival, Taos Ski Valley<br />
20–Dummy Gelunde Jump, Ski Apache<br />
20–Torchlight Parade, Ski Apache<br />
20-21–Demo Days, Taos Ski Valley<br />
20–Polar Coaster Tubing, Angel Fire Resort (ongoing)<br />
21–Messiah Sing-A-Long, St. James Episcopal, Taos<br />
21–World Snowboard Day, Sipapu Ski Resort<br />
21, 27 & ongoing–Snowshoe Alpenglow Evening Tour,<br />
Durango Mountain Resort<br />
23–Ski & Snowboard with Santa, Angel Fire Resort<br />
23-25–Ski and Snowboard with Santa, most ski areas<br />
24–Annual Christmas Eve Party, Sipapu Ski Resort<br />
24–Christmas Eve torchlight parades and fireworks,<br />
all ski areas<br />
24–Christmas Eve Vespers, Taos and Picuris Pueblos<br />
25 –Christmas Luminaria Ski/Snowshoe Tour,<br />
Enchanted Forest XC Ski Area<br />
25–Deer or Matachines Dance, Taos Pueblo<br />
26–Deer Dance, San Juan Pueblo<br />
31–New Year’s celebrations & torchlight parades,<br />
all ski areas<br />
31–Old Fashioned New Year’s Eve Party, Red River<br />
JAN<br />
1–Turtle Dance, Taos Pueblo<br />
1–Polar Bear Plunge, Eagle Nest Lake<br />
1-31–January Bargain Days, Red River Ski Area<br />
3–USASA Gold Rush Rail Jam, Red River Ski Area<br />
3–Moonlight Ski & Snowshoe Dinner Tour,<br />
Enchanted Forest XC Ski Area<br />
4, 10–College Ski & Ride Week, Durango Mtn. Resort<br />
4, 11–College Days, Wolf Creek Ski Area<br />
4-14–College Days at Red River Ski Area<br />
5-16–College Days, Angel Fire Ski Resort<br />
6–Buffalo Dance, Taos Pueblo<br />
6–King’s Day, Picuris Pueblo<br />
7, 21, 25–Local Appreciation Days, Wolf Creek Ski Area<br />
9-11, 16-19–<strong>Winter</strong> Carnival Parade of Ice, Red River<br />
9-11–SheRide Snowboard Camp, Durango Mtn. Resort<br />
10–Remember the ‘80s Dance Party, Angel Fire Resort<br />
10–Camp Robbers, Saturday #1 of 4, Wolf Creek<br />
11–Telemark Clinic, Wolf Creek Ski Area<br />
13–Baby Boomer Clinics, Wolf Creek Ski Area (ongoing)<br />
14–United Way Day, Wolf Creek Ski Area<br />
17–<strong>Winter</strong> Carnival Snowmobile Hill Climb, Red River<br />
17–SkiBike Demo Day, Sipapu Ski Resort<br />
17–USSC Ultimate Ski & Snowboard Challenge, Red River<br />
17–Telemark Festival, Sipapu Ski Resort<br />
17–Santa Fe Brewing Happy Hops Scavenger Hunt,<br />
Sipapu Ski Resort<br />
17–Freeheel Fray Telemark Race, Sipapu Ski Resort<br />
17-18–<strong>Winter</strong>fest Celebration, Durango Mtn. Resort<br />
16-18–Annual Chama Chile Ski Classic, Chama, NM<br />
18–MLK Jr. Giant Slalom Race, Wolf Creek<br />
19-25–Home School Week Bargain Days, Red River<br />
22-24–Red River Songwriters Festival<br />
23-25–Not Forgotten Veterans Appreciation, TSV<br />
23-25–Wild West Weekend, Angel Fire Resort<br />
24–UNM Ultimate Ski and Snowboard Challenge,<br />
Angel Fire Resort<br />
24–King of the Hill Terrain Park Competition, Sipapu<br />
24-25–USASA Snowboard Slalom & Giant Slalom,<br />
Red River Ski Area<br />
24-25–Low O2 Challenge Race, Enchanted Forest XC<br />
28-1–Snowdown <strong>Winter</strong> Fest, Durango, CO<br />
30-31–UNM Lobo NCAA Invitational Home Meet: Red<br />
River Ski Area, Enchanted Forest XC Ski Area<br />
31–<strong>Winter</strong> Wine Festival Grand Tasting, Taos Ski Valley<br />
FEB<br />
1–Super Bowl Race, Wolf Creek Ski Area<br />
1–Superbowl Celebration, Sipapu Resort<br />
1, 11, 25–Local Appreciation Days, Wolf Creek Ski Area<br />
6-8–Angel Fire <strong>Winter</strong> Carnival and Shovel Race<br />
Championships, AF Resort<br />
7-8–NM SkiBike Festival, Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort<br />
7–Ice Fishing Tournament, Eagle Nest Lake State Park<br />
8–USASA Slopestyle Competition, Angel Fire Resort<br />
6-7–UNM Invitational Home Meet & Collegiate Races,<br />
Red River Ski Area, Enchanted Forest Ski Area<br />
10–Mardi Gras Celebration, Eagle Nest<br />
12-17–Mardi Gras in the Mountains, Red River Ski Area<br />
13-17–Mardi Gras Celebration, Angel Fire Resort<br />
14–Big Little Brew Day, Sipapu Ski Resort<br />
14–RRSA Children’s Parade and Bead Toss, Red River<br />
14–Santa Fe Brewing Happy Hops Hunt 2, Sipapu<br />
14–Love On The Lift, Sipapu Ski Resort<br />
14-16–February Fun Fest, Sipapu Ski Resort<br />
15–Presidents Day Race, Wolf Creek Ski Area<br />
20-22–Not Forgotten Outreach Veterans Appreciation,<br />
Angel Fire Resort<br />
20-22–Purgatory Ski Bike Festival, Durango Mtn. Resort<br />
21–Wolf Creek Ski Team Invitational<br />
21–Lloyd Bolander Memorial Day, Sipapu<br />
21–Breast Cancer Awareness Day, Taos Ski Valley<br />
21–Telemark Clinic, Wolf Creek Ski Area<br />
21-22–Back Country Babes Weekend / Deep In The<br />
Steeps, Wolf Creek Ski Area<br />
21-21–Snow-Ball Balloon Rally, Chama, NM<br />
22–Washington’s Day Race, Wolf Creek Ski Area<br />
26-28–Salomon Extreme Freeride Championships, TSV<br />
28–Just Desserts Eat & Ski, Red River Ski Area<br />
28–USASA Red River Rampage Slopestyle, Red River<br />
28–Retro Weekend, Angel Fire Resort<br />
MAR<br />
4, 29–Local Appreciation Days, Wolf Creek Ski Area<br />
6-15–Spring Break Celebration, Angel Fire Resort<br />
7–SkiBike Demo Day, Sipapu Ski Resort<br />
7–USASA Snowboard Slalom & Giant Slalom, Red River<br />
7–Ski Bum Ball, Angel Fire Resort<br />
7–Ernie Blake’s Birthday Torchlight Parade & Fireworks,<br />
Taos Ski Valley<br />
7–Spring Beer Festival, Taos Ski Valley<br />
7-8–Hawaiian Days, Sipapu Ski Resort<br />
8-21–Beach Weeks, Red River Ski Area<br />
11–Spring Break Torchlight Parade, Red River Ski Area<br />
13–Kids Glow Stick Parade, Red River Ski Area<br />
14–Annual Cardboard Derby, Sipapu Ski Resort<br />
14–New Belgium Scavenger Hunt, Taos Ski Valley<br />
14–Spring Fling Race, Wolf Creek Ski Area<br />
14–We Be Jammin’ Rail Jam, Red River Ski Area<br />
14–Pi Day, Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort<br />
14-15–SkiBike Demo Weekend, Sipapu<br />
16-20–Springtacular Family Funfest at Purgatory<br />
17–St. Patrick’s Day Party, Angel Fire Resort<br />
20-21–Ben Myers Ridgeathon, Taos Ski Valley<br />
21–Ongoing – Rail Jam & Torchlight Parades, Red River<br />
Ski Area<br />
22–Mountain Biking Competition, Angel Fire Resort<br />
22, 28–Telemark Clinics, Wolf Creek Ski Area<br />
22–End of Season Pond Skim, Red River Ski Area<br />
27-29–Dog Days at The Enchanted Forest XC, Red River<br />
28–Moonlight Ski & Snowshoe Dinner Tour, Enchanted<br />
Forest XC Ski Area<br />
28–Pond Skimming Contest, Sipapu<br />
APR<br />
1, 5–Local Appreciation Days, Wolf Creek<br />
4–College Day, Wolf Creek Ski Area<br />
4-5–Season Celebration Party at Purgatory<br />
5–Closing Day, Taos Ski Valley<br />
5–Easter Day Race, Wolf Creek<br />
25–Tierra Wools Spring Harvest, Chama<br />
Dates subject to change. Check with<br />
INFO local chambers for updated info.<br />
Angel Fire 800-446-8117<br />
Chama Valley 800-477-0149<br />
Durango 970-247-3500<br />
Eagle Nest 800-494-9117<br />
Pagosa Springs 800-252-2204<br />
Red River 800-348-6444<br />
Ruidoso 877-784-3676<br />
Santa Fe 800-777-2489<br />
South Fork 800-571-0881<br />
Taos County 800-732-8267<br />
Taos Pueblo 575-758-1028<br />
30 SKICOUNTRY 2015
Crafting comfort for 37 years.<br />
It’s our nature.<br />
Directed by you.<br />
575.377.6456 ph 575.377.3822 fx<br />
po box 303 angel fire nm 87710<br />
shuterconstruction.com<br />
shuter@taosnet.com<br />
lic #90984<br />
www.hawk-media.com<br />
SHUTER<br />
CONSTRUCTION<br />
31
kids love fun.<br />
parents love FREE.<br />
Two MounTainS. MoRE wayS To Ski FREE.<br />
Sipapu proudly welcomes Pajarito Mountain to its family of ski areas! This winter, families<br />
can enjoy the combined 81 trails, 10 lifts, nearly 1,000 acres and the best deals in the Rockies<br />
at these family-friendly mountains. Visit our websites to learn how to score FREE lift tickets,<br />
FREE ski school lessons, FREE lodging* and more.<br />
sipapunm.com<br />
WWW.THEPOWERPASS.COM<br />
SKIPAJARITO.COM<br />
sipapu is 20 miles south of taos • pajarito is 5 miles west of los alamos<br />
* Available on select dates. See SipapuNM.com<br />
32 SKICOUNTRY 2015