Ski Country Magazine 2016 - Guide to skiing the southwest

WINTER 2016 

SkiCountry 

GUIDE TO SKIING THE SOUTHWEST 

Angel Fire 

Chama 

Durango 

Pajarito 

Red River 

Sipapu 

South Fork 

Ski Apache 

Taos 

Taos Ski Valley 

Wolf Creek 

1

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t h e s o u t h w e s t ’ s l a r g e s t f a m i l y o f s k i r e s o r t s 

3

Contents 

Welcome 

6 

21 

Wolf Creek Ski Area, Red River Ski Area 

Historic Hotels 

8 

22 

Durango Mountain Resort, Sipapu, Pajarito 

Our Towns 

10 

23 

Ski Apache 

Tale-spinning in the High Desert 

15 

25 

Alpine Lodges 


16 

26 

Name That Run 

Ski the Southwest 

19 

28 

Time to Dine 

Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire Resort 

20 

30 

Calendar

PHOTO: GERAINT SMITH 

Publisher/Editor Joe Haukebo 

Design/Production Digerati Design 

Advertising Sales Christine Pedler 

Contributing Writers John Biscello, Gustav Herold 

Photography Chris McClennan, Carol Morgan Eagle, 

Geraint Smith, Gak Stonn, 

Cover photo Geraint Smith – Rio Grande 

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 Media 

PO Box 182, Angel Fire, NM 87710 

575 595 0575 | 575 758 4047 

info@hawk-media.com 

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Angel 

Fire 

Winter wants 

to dance 

Welcome to the southern Rockies 

6 

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n 1831, mountaineer Albert Pike 

I trekked across the Sangre de Cristo 

Mountains in the dead of winter – a 

rough one, killer cold – trudging 

through deep snow and ice. He finally 

stumbled into Taos half-frozen and 

severely frostbitten. His moccasined 

feet had swelled to four times their 

normal size. His Mexican host roasted 

onions and packed them around Pike’s 

feet; the swelling eventually subsided 

and he regained their normal use. 

As a kid growing up near the 

Minnesota-Canada border – the deep 

freeze of the nation – I wished we knew 

about the onion trick. We’d play hockey 

outside after school and after dinner 

and regularly freeze our feet. When we 

couldn’t feel them any more, we’d crawl 

indoors and moan while we rubbed our 

toes, trying to rub away the numbness, 

then rub away the jabbing needles as 

they started to thaw. Our feet felt like 

freezer-burned meat. And we did this 

on a regular basis. We knew it made no 

sense, but it was winter and you don’t 

want to miss out – winter wants 

to dance. 

We did all kinds of different 

dances. From the early days, we were 

bundled up in bulky snowsuits and 

woollen mittens that grew heavier as 

the snow stuck to them. The suits, for 

the most part, kept out the snow and 

cold but they were so cumbersome, 

if you plopped down to make a snow 

angel, it was tough to get back up – you 

worried about being stuck there awhile. 

But as little kids we always had 

plenty of thing to worry about, things 

our older siblings told us to watch out 

for: monster icicles falling from rooftops 

and splitting your head open like 

a melon; snow snakes that tripped you 

and dragged you away; wandering lost 

and snow-blind in blizzards that lasted 

for days; temperatures so cold you could 

freeze your lungs and spit ice. Our ripe 

imaginations could easily take over. 

The silence of a cold winter day only 

helped make it worse. But we braved 

the elements inside and out to build 

snow caves or fly downhill on sleds. Our 

play grew bolder, more reckless. We 

graduated to hockey, bombing enemies 

with snowballs, ice fishing, snowmobiles, 

snurfing on ice behind cars or 

skiing behind cars in interstate ditches. 

Many milestone memories were created, 

like no longer thinking of girls as icky, 

but holding gloved hands and skating 

around a dimly lit rink. Our fears and 

hopes changed. 

And when winter threw its best 

stuff at us, we learned to tough it out. 

Old-timers taught us when netting 

whitefish under the ice that it was best 

in sub-zero weather to freeze one bare 

hand on purpose. They’d show us how. 

You shove a cupped hand into the hole 

of water where you pull the net out. 

Your hand would freeze into a claw, 

which was good for unsnagging fish from 

the gill net. 

While we might freeze on purpose 

a hand for fish, we learned how not to 

accidentally freeze to death. I remember 

40° below weather with a windchill of 

100° below, and snowmobiling – if anything 

was exposed, you were in trouble, 

frostbit face, fingers, whatever. Once 

temperatures get that low, it doesn’t

The life 

up high 

seem to matter how low the numbers get. It’s just 

arctic cold. 

Here in the southern Rockies, we have our 

share of big bad wolf winters that come lumbering 

into the mountains, pushed by howling winds or 

dumping snow for days until the system lightens its 

load enough to lift and move on. Old-timers here 

talk about seven-footers in one blast, deep enough 

to bury snowmobiles where you can’t find them, 

drifts mounded up to the roof. Or ice storms that 

could suffocate cattle or require helicopters to airlift 

feed. People hunker down and ride out the storm. 

It’s tougher on the animals. 

This winter is supposed to be an El Niño year. 

And with luck, we’ll get some superstorms. Storms 

and freezing weather that make cars cranky, coughing 

and groaning before starting. Driveways that 

you shovel, and before you finish you have to start 

over again. Pipes that freeze and bust. Tree branches 

that snap. Roofs that avalanche. 

But we’re lucky. Unlike so many parts of the 

nation, we are blessed with the famous Southwest 

sun – more sunny ski days than almost anywhere 

on the planet. So we don’t have to hide all day 

indoors; we can play outside until we’re worn out. 

Then, we come in to rest and sit by a roaring piñon 

fire, sip something warm, savor the smells of green 

chile stew or chantrelle mushroom goulash cooking 

on the stove. 

Outside, you hear another storm brewing, the 

mounting wind rattling the windows. Then the first 

pellets of sleet pound the window pane you’re looking 

out just before dark. The sleet turns to snow and 

caught by a gust slants sideways across the window, 

spinning and swirling. Behind the window and the 

snow large pines rock back and forth on the wind 

and behind that, an endless gray. The only sound is 

the occasional burst of wind and roar of the storm, 

an icy music. Winter is there, calling you, waiting 

to dance. 

— Joe Haukebo, Publisher 

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Hotel La Fonda de Taos 

The 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 Noula’s Starbucks Coffee Shop 

and D.H. Lawrence’s “Forbidden Art Collection.” 

Nineteen rooms, 5 suites, and our Plaza Penthouse. 

Friendly, personal service. Walking distance to 

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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. 

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St. James Hotel 

Where 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 

comfortable rooms and a restored western restaurant and 

bar. Ghosts, each with their own obsessions 

and rituals, are said to still haunt the place. 

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10

Our Towns 

Angel Fire 

Chama 

Cimarron 

Durango 

Eagle Nest 

I prefer winter…when you feel the bone 

structure of the landscape – the loneliness 

of it, the dead feeling of winter. Something 

waits beneath it, the whole story 

doesn’t show. 

— Andrew Wyeth 

Wyeth’s ode to winter, and its 

subtle undercurrents, would be a 

fitting prologue for tales of winter set in 

Northern New Mexico and the southern 

Rockies. The year-round or rather 

timeless mystique and aura permeating 

these regions takes on a stark and coldly 

luminous level of beauty and wonder 

during the winter season. Matriarchal 

mountains cotton-swabbed in snow, 

deep silences flooding chasms and pine 

forests, wide-spanning skies reflecting a 

complexion of fleece and chalk. Yet this 

slow and meditative pulse is counter-balanced 

by the numerous celebrations 

and adrenaline-boosting activities that 

give the area its ritual charge. What you 

might call: Zen and the Art of Winter 

Merrymaking. 

Taos—high-desert iconoclast, 

mountain-maned black sheep, traditionalist 

with an anarchic streak—there are 

many ways in which this Northern New 

Mexico town can be pegged, but ultimately 

its character remains undefinable. 

“Yuletide in Taos” is the umbrella term 

for the various celebrations that take 

place during the holiday season. Two 

historic streets, Bent and Ledoux, are 

fire-kindled and given a festive makeover 

for local favorites: The Lighting 

of Ledoux (December 5) and Bonfires 

on Bent Street (December 12). The 

religious spirit of the holidays is quintessentially 

captured in the Las Posadas 

reenactments (December 14-21) at the 

San Francisco de Assis Church, which 

marked its 200th anniversary in 2015. 

Taos Pueblo, the oldest continuously 

inhabited community in North 

Continued on page 13 

Red River 

South Fork 

Taos 

Taos Pueblo 

Taos Ski Valley 

PHOTOS: GERAINT SMITH 

11

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America, provides the sacred Christmas 

Eve setting for a procession and 

mood-evocative bonfires. On Christmas 

Day, the spirit of winter is honored 

through the Taos Pueblo Deer Danceor 

Matachine Dance. 

Taos Ski Valley, celebrating its 

60th season, recently lost its “First Lady,” 

Rhoda Blake, who was the nuts and 

bolts behind the Blake family’s 58-year 

stewardship of TSV. Sold to billionaire 

conservationist, Louis Bacon, in 2013, 

TSV is undergoing expansion, with base 

area additions to include a new hotel, 

retail space, equipment rentals, restaurant, 

and spa. The Kachina lift, completed 

in 2014, serves the highest elevation 

of any triple chair in North America 

(12,481 feet). As for one’s inspired 

downward trajectory on the slopes, there 

are multiple options: skiing, snowboarding, 

sledding, tubing and snow-shoeing. 

Bacchus enjoys elevated status during 

the ever-popular Winter Wine Festival 

(January 27-31), which is celebrating its 

30th year. 

When it comes to breath-arresting 

pyrotechnics, the sunsets at Angel Fire, 

after which the resort town is named, 

bring an all-natural glow to the snowcapped 

mountain peaks. There are 76 

skiing and snowboarding trails, suitable 

for all age levels, and the Polar Coaster, 

the largest tubing park in the southern 

Rockies, is the unofficial leader in 

“squealish delight” (see: Child’s Play). 

Two rollicking events, in which spirits 

are raised and grooves laid: Big Ol’ Texas 

Weekend (January 22-24) and Angel Fire 

Mardi Gras celebration (February 5-9). 

Red River, known for its Main 

Street quaintness and Texas-sized appetite 

for good times, exercises a happy 

middle ground with its ski base located in 

the center of town. An old-time tradition 

that was revived in recent years, the Winter 

Carnival and Parade of Ice (January 

15-17) features ice sculptures, snowmobile 

races, snowman building, live music, 

torchlight parades, fireworks, and more. 

And for those who’d like to enjoy a Willy 

Wonka-fied version of skiing, there’s Just 

Desserts Eat and Ski (February 27) in 

which the indulgence of homemade desserts 

sweetens the five-kilometer course at 

Enchanted Forest. 

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 

recordbreaking rainbows, 

cutthroats and other fish 

in an effort to beguile 

locals and visitors alike. 

Formerly a goldfever 

boomtown, Chama is set in the awe-inspiring 

Rio Chama Valley. Hitting 

the slopes, ice fishing on the Heron 

Reservoir, or riding the rails on the 

Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad are 

several ways to experience the area. The 

43rd Annual Chama Chile Ski Classic, 

a cross-country ski event, takes place 

on Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend in 

January. 

Durango could be the charming 

town you find inside a snow globe, or 

the unsung verse in “Winter Wonderland.” 

At the heart of its winter 

fun is Purgatory, the mountain resort 

which offers 35,000 acres of ski-friendly 

terrain. Snowboarding, snowshoeing, 

dog sledding, and sleigh rides are other 

means by which to traverse Purgatory. 

Caroling, hot chocolate, and a reading 

of The Polar Express, are part of “The 

Polar Express,” which takes place on the 

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge 

Railroad through the holidays. This 

year’s “Snowdown,” a popular weeklong, 

activity-filled event, brings the 

spirit, fashion, and flair of the 1980s 

back into vogue (January 27-31). 

As the inspired and elevated gateway 

to the San Juan Mountains, 

Rio Grande County, which includes 

South Fork, Monte Vista and Del 

Norte, is a winter playground with 

lots of room to spare. Wolf Creek, just 

outside of South Fork, is powder-packed 

heaven for skiers, receiving the highest 

amount of snowfall in Colorado. South 

Fork’s “Winterfest” (December 11 and 

12) features sleigh rides, cocoa-sipping, 

Christmas crafts, and a visit from old St. 

Nick himself. Monte Vista, home of the 

National Wildlife Refuge Center, celebrates 

its 33rd annual “Crane Festival” 

(March 11-13). Del Norte offers natural 

splendors in various forms, including 

Lookout Mountain, Elephant Rocks, and 

Penitente Canyon, one of Colorado’s 

premier sport climbing areas. 

– John Biscello 

13

14

Tale-spinning in the high desert 

In the beginning was the word 

“Who is the storyteller? Of whom is the 

story told? What is there in the darkness to 

imagine into being? What is there to dream 

and to relate? What happens when I or 

anyone exerts the force of language upon 

the unknown? ... If there is any absolute 

assumption in back of my thoughts…it is 

this: that we are what we imagine. Our 

very existence consists in our imagination of 

ourselves. Our best destiny is to imagine at 

last, completely, who, and what, and that 

we are. The greatest tragedy that can befall 

us is to go unimagined.” 

– N. Scott Momaday, 

The Way to Rainy Mountain 

Y 

ou could say that storytelling 

is the descendant of an innate 

and ageless spirituality, or the genetic 

sibling to Necessity, the mother of 

invention. We, as human beings, frame 

ourselves, our inner lives, our history 

and traditions, our sorrows and follies, 

in the context of language. In the 

Navajo culture, a child does not acquire 

human status until he or she masters 

the art of speaking a language. 

New Mexico, a veritable Wonderland 

gumbo of legends, tales, and 

parables, seasons its canon with accents 

and spices rooted in the Native and 

Hispanic cultures. The region itself seems 

a gateway to “otherness,” a breeding 

ground for metaphor and myth, or sacred 

placeholder for fugitive voices. Apache, 

Navajo and Pueblo mythology chronicle 

an emergence from underworlds into 

this world: a “middle place” or “middle 

world.” The Acoma creation myth tells of 

two female humans, born underground in 

Shipapu, and their ascent from the darkness 

below to the lighted world above. 

This, perhaps, is what storytelling is at 

its core: a bridge between worlds, or an 

illuminating torch being passed from one 

generation to the next. Through words 

communion is achieved, and a sense of 

discovery renewed. 

By the light of the fire 

“Our ancestors have been telling stories to 

their children since 1598, when the first 

Spanish families settled along the Chama 

River in Northern New Mexico. A 

400-year-old tradition began during that 

first harsh winter, when the warmth of rustic 

hearths beckoned and warmed the settlers 

throughout their first winters. It was many 

years ago while growing up in Penasco, NM 

. . . that a seed for storytelling was planted in 

me. The fondest memories I have from my 

childhood are when my mother would relate 

cuentos, or stories, to us.” 

– Paulette Atencio, 

Cuentos from Long Ago 

A cold winter’s night and crackling 

fireplace have set the domestic stage for 

many a storyteller. Through voice and 

gesture alone, family elders would guide 

children into worlds of enchantment, 

intrigue, and terror. Juan B. Rael, a native 

of Arroyo Hondo, and the author of 

Cuentes Epsañoles de Colorado y Nuevo 

México, recalled: “An old neighbor of 

ours, the aunt of one of my playmates, 

was a gifted storyteller, and my friend and 

I would often listen to her fascinating stories 

about giants, witches, thieves, rogues, 

and clever animals. It was a special treat 

to listen to her during the long winter 

nights as she sat by the fireplace, which 

dimly illuminated her large but scantily 

furnished living room. The leaping shadows 

on the whitewashed walls, produced 

by the flickering flames in the hearth, 

added a mysterious background to the 

stories we heard…” Riddles were another 

part of the Hispanic storytelling tradition, 

with children being challenged to find 

the answer. One example: I went into the 

country and found someone who crossed 

himself. He is a saint, yet he is not a 

Christian. Who might it be? (Answer: 

The Holy Thistle.) 

In Zuni culture, tales, or telapnaawe, 

were told in winter, to avoid attracting 

snakes and snake-bite, and generally 

told at night, lest the days be shortened. 

“The ability to create the appearance 

of reality is clearly the most important 

measure of the individual Zuni narrator’s 

skill and success, ranking above such 

considerations as accuracy or memory or 

size of repertoire. Ashuwa (a Zuni male) 

said: ‘Some are good storytellers not just 

because they may know the story, but 

because of their voices and gestures, and 

they make it exciting. Some tell it like 

they were actually part of it, had witnessed 

it.’” 

– Dennis Tedlock, 

“The Ethnography of Tale-Telling 

at Zuni” 

Her Majesty, the Moon 

The moon, as the cosmic pope of 

lovers, lunatics and werewolves, has 

been a popular lead in many stories 

and legends throughout history. In 

1894, trailblazing writer, photographer, 

adventurer, and anthropologist, Charles 

Lummis, who claimed to have invented 

the term “Southwest,” collected stories 

from the Isleta Pueblo people and published 

them in a book titled The Man 

Who Married the Moon. The story of 


15

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TALE-SPINNING – Continued from page 15 

the same name, which appears in the 

collection, tells of the powerful and 

beloved Nah-chu-rú-chu (“The Bluish 

Light of Dawn”) and his marriage to the 

Moon, a beautiful maiden, blind in one 

eye, who at that time dwelled among 

the people and not in the sky. After 

the Moon is drowned and buried by the 

jealous Yellow-Corn-Maiden sisters, a 

heartbroken Nah-chu-rú-chu dispatches 

different animals to find his missing 

wife. It is Turkey-buzzard who spies a 

mound, covered with all the different 

flowers in the world, in the middle of a 

cottonwood forest, and through a single 

tiny white flower Nah-chu-rú-chu 

resurrects the Moon, who punishes the 

Yellow-corn-maidens by turning them 

into snakes. 

A poetic take on why the Moon has 

one eye is covered in a parable known 

throughout various Pueblo cultures. The 

Trues, the unseen spirits behind creation, 

made the Sun, the father, and the Moon, 

the mother, who were to keep watch over 

the world, The problem was both the Sun 

and the Moon, with four luminous eyes 

between them, kept the world aglow in 

light, and without dark the people did 

not know when to rest, the birds flew 

non-stop, the flowers stayed open day and 

night. The Trues decided to put out one 

of the Sun’s eyes, but the Moon offered 

her eye in place of her husband’s, and 

with partial blindness came the respite of 

night. And, as the tale concludes, “But 

she who first had the love of children, 

and paid for them with pain as mother’s 

pay, she did not grow ugly by her sacrifice. 

Nay, she is lovelier than ever… For the 

Trues are good to her, and gave her in the 

place of the bloom of girlhood the beauty 

that is only in the faces of mothers.” 

Bewitched, Bothered, 

Bewildered 

When it comes to supernatural 

terror, the reigning queen in Hispanic 

folklore is La Llorona. Her ambiguous 

origins might go back to 16th century 

Mexico City, or could be the offshoot of 

Die Weisse Frau, or “the White Lady,” an 

old German legend about a peasant girl 

who falls in love with and is abandoned 

by a young aristocrat, murders her bastard 

children, goes insane and dies a violent 

death, only to return as a malignant 

specter. Traditionally, there are three 

incarnations of La Llorona that appear 

in Hispanic tales—the siren, the grieving 

woman, and the woman who poses a 

threat to children—with her signature 

weeping or wailing providing the eerie 

soundtrack to this “living” horror movie. 

Back in the day, parents in Hispanic 

families employed the “phantom threat” 

of La Llorona to keep their children from 

playing in the arroyos and acequias, two 

of her favorite haunts. 

El Santuario de Chimayo (the 

Sanctuary of Chimayo), renowned for 

its healing “holy dirt,” is also the home 

to a miraculously light traveler: El Santo 

Niño de Atocha (The Holy Child of 

Atocha). He is also called Santo Niño 

Perdido (The Lost Holy Child) because, 

as the story goes, he departs the church 

at night and travels the countryside to 

perform miracles. In aiding and abetting 

the intrepid miracle-worker, villagers and 

visitors leave baby shoes at the feet of El 

Niño, to replace his “worn-out” shoes. 

The Best Medicine 

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, 

during a prolific period of space exploration 

by the Russians and the Americans, 

the Newekwe clowns of the Zuni pueblo 

incorporated “space burlesque” into their 

performance. Barbara Tedlock states in 

her essay, “Boundaries of Belief” that 

the clowns’ goal was “to startle and even 

shock the audience in order to get a 

response, perhaps a sudden laugh, or at 

least a gasp of disapproval. In doing so 

they ‘get to the people,’ they ‘open them,’ 

and release them from internal idle 

thoughts or worries… The space program 

was a source of general (and one might 

say visceral) worry at Zuni, and so… for 

more than ten years the clowns trivialized, 

folklorized, and negated both its 

religious threat and its scientific seriousness.” 

Clowns function as powerful 

medicine men and shamans in many 

Native American cultures, as ritual healing 

takes place beneath the mirth and 

inspired madness. If Voltaire was right 

when he said, “God is a comedian playing 

to an audience too afraid to laugh,” then 

clowns might be regarded as masked 

angels dispensing the best, and most 

necessary medicine. 

A four-legged Harlequin that 

figures prominently in Native American 

legends and lore is Coyote, whose exploits 

were once explained by a Navajo 

storyteller, Yellowman, to author, Barre 

Toelken: “Why does Coyote do all those 

things, foolish on one occasion, good 

on another, terrible on another? ‘If he 

did not do all those things, then those 

things would not be possible in the 

world.’ Yellowman thus sees Coyote less 

as a Trickster per se and more as an 

enabler whose actions, good or bad, 


17

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Our ski mountains rip – chutes, cliffs, bowls, cruisers, 

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Outside our quaint mountain towns you’ll discover 

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PAJARITO 

SKI AREA 

Los Alamos • 

a• 

Albuquerque 

SANDIA SKI AREA 

• Ruidoso 

• Taos 

a• Santa Fe 

a 

SKI APACHE 

SANTA FE 

SKI BASIN 

a 

TAOS SKI 

VALLEY 

aSIPAPU 

SKI RESORT 

• 

Eagle 

Nest 

Angel 

Fire 

a• 

ANGEL FIRE 

RESORT 

MAP SHOWS APPROXIMATE LOCATIONS. DISTANCES NOT TO SCALE. 

PHOTO: SCOTT D.W. SMITH / DMR 

19

Flanked by sacred wilderness, 

rugged peaks and 

multicultural vibes, there’s 

a reason Taos Ski Valley sits 

in the center of New 

Mexico’s Enchanted Circle. 

Located 50 miles south of 

the Colorado border, Taos 

Ski Valley is a mystical 

haven for 300+ inches of 

bone-dry powder stashes 

and some of the most 

untamed chutes, bowls and 

glades in North America. 

And with nearly half of all 

trails rated for beginners 

and intermediates, its unpolished 

charm and cheeky 

mountain rituals welcome 

TAOS SKI VALLEY 

anyone with a spirit of adventure. 

Our new base area 

developments will include 

a new hotel, retail space, 

equipment rentals, restaurant 

and spa. TSV’s Ernie 

Blake Snowsport School 

is still world-class, the 

terrain park is deluxe, and a 

shuttle runs daily from the 

Albuquerque airport. TSV 

continues its commitment 

to keeping it green with 

mountain-wide 

recycling and energy 

conservation. See the 

interactive trail map online. 

skitaos.org 

866-968-7386 

When the snow flies, Angel 

Fire is a winter wonderland 

with an abundance 

of adventures for all ages 

and abilities. For skiers and 

snowboarders, Angel Fire 

Mountain offers over 560 

acres of terrain with rolling 

cruisers, gladed tree runs, 

three terrain parks and one 

of New Mexico’s top ski and 

snowboard schools. Off the 

slopes, the adventure continues 

with the Polar Coaster 

Tubing Hill, the Nordic 

Center with over 15 km of 

terrain and the sledding hill 

at the Nordic Center for 

ANGEL FIRE RESORT 

kids 12 and under. Our three 

terrain parks are ready for all 

ability levels, with features 

that include rails, jumps, 

tabletops and fun boxes. 

Terrain includes 80 runs, 

more than 30 acres of gladed 

tree skiing, NASTAR 

racing, Polar CoasterTubing 

Hill, and a lighted beginner 

slope for New Mexico’s 

only night-time skiing and 

snowboarding. And don’t 

miss great live music in the 

Village Haus when the lifts 

are running after dark. 

angelfireresort.com 

800-633-7463 

This year, all ski areas 

are supporting and 

implementing Lids On 

Kids, a snowsport safety 

awareness program. 

Know the code. 

lidsonkids.org 

20

PHOTO: JASON LOMBARD, COURTESY WOLF CREEK SKI AREA 

WOLF CREEK SKI AREA 

After a summer of frequent 

rainstorms, Wolf Creek is focusing 

on maintaining safety 

by removing hazard trees 

and transplanting healthy 

ones, and by improving 

avalanche hazard reduction 

with our new Gazex and 

Avi Blasters which work 

by generating powerful 

shock waves, not explosions, 

to release dangerous 

snow buildup. Our biggest 

on-mountain project is 

completing the Race Hutch 

building with power for race 

timing equipment, cameras 

and speakers, an observation 

area, and storage for race 

gear. Improvements are also 

being made to our ski and 

snowboard rental department 

with the introduction 

of premium demo skis, 

snowboards, boots and an 

online reservation system, as 

Wolf Creek moves into digitizing 

rentals and ski school 

reservations both on-site 

and online. Seniors (65 - 

79) get their own lift tickets 

and season passes this year, 

as well as specially-priced 

clinics and Local Appreciation 

days. Wolf Creek’s eight 

lifts service over 1,600 acres 

of beautiful terrain and, with 

an average of 400 natural 

inches, as usual we have the 

most snow in Colorado. 

wolfcreekski.com 

970-264-5649 

1-800-SKI-WOLF 

Last year – chalet upgrades, 

new rental gear, e-commerce 

website, heated snow coach 

ride and dinner tours, new 

snow cat, more snow guns. 

This year – we’ve cooked 

up new features for all you 

park rats out there. We took 

our Battleship to the chop 

shop and came out with an 

urban down box, a flat down 

box, and a teepee. We’ve 

added even more snow guns 

and new automation to our 

snowmaking system, and 

new all-day classes for kids 

RED RIVER SKI AREA 

at the Youth Ski Center. Our 

new e-commerce website is 

still the hot ticket: print out 

the barcode and give it to 

the ski techs to scan and get 

you geared up. Or check out 

the 24-hour ticket kiosks. 

Ski and snowboard programs 

are available for kids and 

adults. After riding, there’s 

tubing, evening rail jams 

and torchlight parades. 

For events online: 

redriverskiarea.com 

575-754-2233 

ENCHANTED FOREST XC 

enchantedforestxc.com 

800-966-9381 575-754-6112 

21

22 

A top family-friendly resort, 

Purgatory at Durango 

Mountain has 91 trails, 

five terrain parks and more 

than 1,360 skiable acres. 

With 10 chairlifts and rarely 

any lines, it’s simple to zip 

around the mountain and 

enjoy the spectacular scenery 

of the San Juan Mountains. 

Dog sledding, snow tubing, 

Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, 

horse-drawn sleigh rides, 

snowbiking, backcountry 

skiing, snowmobiling and 

more. This year, Purgatory’s 

Legends Lift 8 has been 

replaced with a new highspeed 

detachable quad, 

almost a mile in length and 

covering about 1,500 vertical 

PHOTO: COURTESY DMR 

PURGATORY at 

DURANGO MOUNTAIN RESORT 

feet, transporting skiers to 

Purgatory’s summit in less 

than five minutes. And two 

brand new trails provide 

speedy access. The 

Purgatory - Sipapu - Pajarito 

- Arizona Snowbowl 

collective is investing $10 

million in improvements 

this year, including three 

new quads, more trails, 

and more and better 

snowmaking. Power Pass 

season passes provide 

unlimited access to all four 

resorts with a combined 

3,088 acres, 28 lifts, 

over 200 trails and 13 

terrain parks. 

skipurg.com 

800-525-0892 

Sipapu Ski Resort is building 

its first new quad chairlift this 

summer, the third new lift in 

less than five years. The new 

quad serves popular beginner 

and intermediate trails, 

giving beginners an easier 

way to practice their skills 

before progressing to more 

advanced terrain. A new 

trail will be added directly 

under the lift, and mountain 

crews will also complete the 

much-anticipated Howdy 

Extension, adding nearly five 

acres of skiable terrain. New 

snowmaking infrastructure 

is being added for Sipapu’s 

staple “first to open, last 

to close” trails, including a 

new snow gun and a second 

SIPAPU SKI RESORT 

booster pump at Midway, 

allowing the mountain team 

to cover its slopes with more 

snow in less time. Also this 

year, Pajarito Mountain of 

Los Alamos, New Mexico, 

expanded its water system 

and they’re on pace to 

collect more water than 

ever before, which means 

more snow than ever before. 

There’s also a new trail on 

the west side of the mountain 

at Pajarito, providing a 

gentle slope for beginners. 

For more on both resorts: 

sipapunm.com 

800-587-2240 

skipajarito.com 

505 662 5725

SKI APACHE 

Boasting over 300 days of 

sunshine each year, 

Mescalero, New Mexico’s 

Ski Apache – the country’s 

southernmost ski resort – 

offers the best warm-weather 

powder skiing in the 

world with snowmaking on 

33% of the mountain. The 

slopes offer a mix of wide 

beginner slopes, tough bump 

runs, a huge bowl, nice 

cruising runs and a terrain 

park with jumps, tubes and 

rails. Ski Apache sprawls out 

under the 12,000-plus foot 

peak of Sierra Blanca. 

The Adventure Center 

offers full days of fun activities 

for young skiers 4-12; 

we have plenty of group 

and private family learning 

programs. And we offer 

Sisters on Snow for women, 

focusing on a supportive and 

relaxed learning experience. 

Or you can kick it on a 

trikke or rip down the 

tubing hill. You can even 

take a break and hit the slot 

machines slopeside at The 

Inn of The Mountain Gods. 

For more about ski package 

deals, the mountain, 

and events online: 

skiapache.com 

575-464-3600 

calling all 

THRILL 

SEEKERS 

(and deal seekers, too) 

DEEP FREEZE 

weekDAY package 

SUN-THURS 

November 29-March 3 

$529 * 

RATE CODE: DPFRZWD 

BOOK TODAY WITH 

CAPITAN 

$639 * 

APACHE BOWL 

$1699 * 

weekEND package 

FRI & SAT OR SAT & SUN 

November 29-February 28 


RATE CODE: CAPWE 

3-DAY package FOR 4 

THURS-SAT OR SAT-MON 

November 29-February 29 


RATE CODE: APCBWL 

To book your stay today 

call 1-800-545-9011. 

See website for 

restrictions and details. 

Ski Apache logo lockup positive read with stroke on dark background. 

1-800-545-9011 | Mescalero, NM near Ruidoso 

23

urgent medical care 

Lesa Fraker, MD PhD FACEP 

Owner/Medical Director 

Board Certifi ed Emergency Medicine Physician 

care you can count on 

No appointment necessary 

7 days a week 

Local 

Appreciation 

Days 

2015-2016 

$43 Adults 

$26 Seniors 

$24 Children 

November 

11, 18, 30 

December 

2,9 

January 

10, 27 

February 

7, 24 

March 

2, 27, 30 

April 

3 

Wolf Creek Ski Area 

www.wolfcreekski.com 

1-800-SKI-WOLF 

Powder 

Perfect 

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 Therapies 

for Altitude Sickness 

ORGANIC 

SUPERFOODS 

SERVED BY THE BOTTLE 

Most insurances accepted 

including Medicare, 

Blue Cross Blue Shield, 

Aetna, & Humana 

red river 

200A Pioneer Road 

575.754.1773 

angel fire 

FA-1 Ski Patrol Building 

575.377.1805 

The ONLY certified 

Urgent Care Clinics 

in the Enchanted Circle 

ultimed.com 

rawtaos.com 

rawtaos@gmail.com 

575 741 0259 

818 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos 

Juice 

Cleanses 

Nutmylks 

Wheatgrass 

Smoothies 

Teas 

24

Alpine Lodges 

FIRESIDE INN & CABINS 

Modern, deluxe one and two bedroom fully-equipped 

cabins 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 porches with 

grills and a Hot Tub! Open year-round. 

888.264.9204 970.264.9204 

1600 E. Hwy 160, Pagosa Springs, CO 

www.firesidecabins.com 

EL PUEBLO LODGE 

Come stay at the edge of town, at the edge of everything! 

Southwest charm with early Taos 

architecture. Complimentary wifi 

and HBO. Heated, seasonal pool, 

year-round hot tub. Continental 

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, NM 

www.elpueblolodge.com 

KACHINA LODGE and 

MEETINGS CENTER in Taos 

Four 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.com 

413 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 

TAOS BED & BREAKFAST INNS 

Enjoy your Southwestern adventure even more when 

you begin and end each day 

at one of our 16 Taos Bed 

and Breakfast Inns. Exceptional 

food, well-appointed 

rooms and gifted innkeepers 

who know just how to help 

you create memories of Taos, 

which will keep you coming back for years to come. For 

more information and to book online: 

www.taosbandbinns.com 

25

Name that run 

COURTESY ANGEL FIRE RESORT 

GAK STONN 

M 

ost of us stand atop ski runs such 

as Niños Heroes (one of the first 

few double blacks of the ridge in Taos 

Ski Valley) and think to ourselves – 

“How do I drop in and not die?” But 

there are those few, possibly feeling the 

effects of oxygen deprivation, who think 

to themselves – “Who were these tiny 

heroes, and what made them so rad?” 

This article is for the latter group. 

Well, oxygen-deprived double 

diamond ripper, the Niños Heroes were 

a group of six young cadets at the Mexico 

Military Academy who were killed 

defending the academy from invading 

American forces during the Mexican- 

American war. 

Taos Ski Valley’s founder, Ernie 

Blake, was an intelligence officer during 

WWII. He apparently had a fascination 

with martyrs such as the Niños 

Heros that shows in his ski run names. 

Stauffenberg, Oster, Treskow, and Fabian 

are all named after people who tried to 

assassinate Hitler. Hidalgo was named 

after Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, another 

martyr of the Mexican American 

26 

war. Winkelreid is Arthur von Winkelreid, 

a Swiss martyr from a Hapsburg 

conflict. Taos even has a run called 

Patton, after General Patton – Ernie 

Blake’s general during the war. 

Red River Ski Area has a bit of 

a theme as well, albeit less violent, 

but still explosive. Many of the runs 

are throwbacks to the town’s mining 

roots. Some are obvious, with names 

like Powder Keg, Prospector’s Lane, 

Tailings, and Miners Alley. The less 

obvious are names of actual mines in 

the Red River area – Golden Treasure, 

Buffalo, and Purkapile. Linton’s Leap 

is named after the owner’s son and the 

family that owns the ski area, Linton 

Judycki. It is one of the steepest runs 

at Red River, and looks as if the world 

drops out from the top. 

Sipapu Ski Resort developed a Bambi 

theme, but it was not planned. Flower 

starts out as a gentle green but then 

quickly turns into a black diamond, so it 

was known as a “little stinker” – a thickly 

veiled reference to a scene in Bambi. 

Sipapu then named another run Thumper 

after a family of rabbits were found 

while cutting the run. The classic ski run 

name Bambi was used for a gentle green. 

The trend was recognized, and keeping 

with tradition, Sipapu is opening a new 

run for the upcoming season and calling 

it Faline. 

The Bolander family (Sipapu’s 

owners) also has a tradition of naming 

runs after family dogs, many of which 

are buried near the runs they are named 

after as a way to commemorate them. 

Sassafras and Razmatazz were both 

family Airedales, Candi and Brandy 

were St. Bernards, and Howdy was a 

Springer Spaniel. 

Wolf Creek Ski Area, like Sipapu, 

also has a dog theme. The dog chutes – 

Zia, Chi, Jiri, Eliott and Max’s, are all 

named after Avalanche Dogs that have 

served Wolf Creek. Patina was named 

after an Airedale, Bernard, and Mastiff 

mix that belonged to the Pitcher family 

(the Wolf Creek owners), who actually 

called her Tina. Rockin’ Robin was 

another family dog, a black lab with 

huge paws who liked to race the family

COURTESY ANGEL FIRE RESORT 

ing Home, Humpty Dumpty, and Heck 

No. This is no mistake – the H runs 

were named in honor of Roy H. Lebus, 

the original developer of the resort. 

Minder Binder was originally called 

Jaspers, after Jasper Hicks, a ski patrol 

director who was killed in a motorcycle 

accident in the 70s. Minder Binder was 

not actually named after the Catch-22 

character, but a bar in Tempe, AZ. 

Free Flight stirs up feelings of a 

wide open, fast run, devoid of other 

skiers. But it is actually named after the 

American Jazz Ensemble, who played 

at the annual Music From Angel Fire 

festival. The story goes that Free Flight 

agreed to make a song called Angel Fire, 

and Angel Fire agreed to name a run 

after them. 

So the next time you are about to 

drop into a run – and you start to wonder 

why on earth anyone would choose 

this name for a run – there is probably 

more history underfoot than you think. 

Gustav Herold is a Colorado-based writer 

and skier, who grew up in Taos, NM. 

TALE-SPINNING – Continued from page 17 

kids up the mountain as they rode the 

Treasure lift – and usually beat them. 

Wolf Creek, like most ski areas, has 

some family-owned references as well. 

Pitcher’s gate was named because it was 

the favorite route of the original owner, 

Kingsberry Pitcher, when he was headed 

to the waterfall area. Blueberry Hill is 

not actually named for the fruit, but 

rather the first name of one of Kingsberry’s 

grandchildren. 

Angel Fire has a few mining references 

as well, seen in trail names like 

Nitro, Detonator, Sluice Box (also a run 

at Red River), and Prospector. Prospector, 

however, was originally called 

Tucker Doubt, a reference to a bet made 

by Ray Tucker and Bill Burgess. Tucker 

was a former GM of Angel Fire Resort. 

Burgess is a long-time instructor and NM 

ski hall of fame inductee.The bet was on 

the length of time it would take for 

Tucker to cut the run, creating the 

fantastic double entendre, Tucker Doubt. 

You also may notice that Angel Fire 

has many runs that start with the letter 

H, such as Hell’s Bells, Highway, Headbring 

certain actions and ideas into the 

field of possibility, a model who symbolizes 

abstractions in terms of real entities.” 

Then there are tales stretched to 

cartoonish heights, yarns spun with freewheeling 

flair. The tall tale, or “windy,” 

provided the hot air that gave rise to 

many Wild West folk icons, such as Pecos 

Bill, Little Joe the Wrangler, and Billy 

the Kid. Gathering round the campfire to 

swap stories was an integral part of life on 

the range. In Jack Thorp’s 1926 collection, 

Tales of the Chuck Wagon, he wrote: 

“It had been an old established custom… 

that the men working on the roundup 

should meet on the first night at the 

chuck-wagon – i.e., the grub-wagon. Every 

man there was obliged either to tell a 

story, sing a song, or do a dance. Anyone 

refusing was sure to get a dose of the leggings, 

a punishment administered by the 

other punchers, several of whom would 

grab the offender and stretch him, toes 

and face down, across the wagon-tongue, 

while another puncher applied the leather 

leggings or chaps. Such treatment, you 

can be sure, usually elicited a response in 

the form of song, story, or dance.” 

To be continued 

There are no real endings to stories, 

so long as new generations of storytellers, 

from all walks of life, lend their voices to 

what is a mythically rich and historically 

broad love letter. We, as humans, are 

engaged in a never-ending courtship with 

the Great Mystery, a dance that time and 

again sparks the invitation: Let me tell you 

a story…. 

John Biscello is the author of the awardwinning 

novel Broken Land, A Brooklyn 

Tale, and a collection of stories, Freeze Tag. 

His new novel Raking the Dust (Zharmae 

Press) is primarily set in Taos, where he has 

lived for the past 13 years. 

27

Time to Dine 

TAOS 

BENT 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 and 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 27 consecutive 

years. Innovative Regional New American 

Cuisine using the freshest local ingredients, 

specializing in organic vegetables, meats 

and fish, including favorites like buffalo, elk, 

trout. Homemade desserts. Lunch, dinner, 

weekend brunch. Reservations recommended. 

DocMartinsRestaurant.com 

EL GAMAL – Behind Taos Plaza, 112 Doña 

Luz. 575-613-0311. Serving conscious vegetarian 

Middle Eastern food, made from scratch. 

Hummus, falafel, baba ganoush, shakshuka, 

labane, dolmas. Daily specials, soups, housemade 

pita, desserts. Gluten-free and vegan 

options; Turkish coffee and espresso drinks; 

beer and wine. Family-friendly: kids’ playroom, 

pool table, free wi-fi. Patio seating. Call for 

takeout. Like us on Facebook. Open Monday- 

28 

Wednesday 9-5; Thursday-Saturday 

9-9; Sunday 11-3. 

FARMHOUSE CAFÉ and 

BAKERY – Three miles 

north of Taos Plaza at Overland 

Ranch. 575-758-LOVE 

(5683). 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 assortment 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. Ask 

about our new dinner hours. For full menu: 

FarmhouseCafeAndBakery.com 

GUADALAJARA GRILL – Two locations 

in Taos: Southside – 1384 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, 

Taos: 575-751-0063. Northside – 822 Paseo 

del Pueblo Norte, El Prado: 575-737-0816. 

“Our secret sauce makes the difference!” Authentic 

Mexican food in New Mexico. Seafood, 

Chile Rellenos, Azteca Quesadilla, Camarones 

a la Diabla, Ceviche and so much more. Beer, 

Wine, Agave Margaritas. Voted “Best Of Taos” 

2015: Best Mexican Food, Best Fast Food. Open 

10:30 am to 9 pm 7 days a week. Full menu online: 

GuadalajaraGrillTaos.com 

MIDTOWN MARKET, BISTRO and 

LOUNGE – 575-776-1680. 680 Hwy 522, 

Arroyo Hondo. Just 15 mins. north of Taos 

Plaza on the Enchanted Circle, at northern crossroad 

shortcuts to Taos Ski Valley or Rio Grande 

hot springs. Lounge open 3 pm-close; Bistro 

open for dinner 4-10 pm. Best nachos in Taos, 

appetizers, salads, panini sandwiches, Frito pies, 

green chile cheeseburgers, deli hot dogs, kids’ 

menu. Authentic NM red or vegetarian chile. 

Friendly neighborhood bar, foosball, three pool 

tables. No time to dine? Visit our convenience 

market: quick to-go meal options, chips & dips, 

package liquors, beer & wine. Menus and more: 

MidtownHondo.com 

RAW TAOS – “Raw to the People!” 818 C 

Paseo Del Pueblo Norte. 575-741-0259. The 

best 100% organic, vegan, raw superfoods prepared 

with love, fresh each morning. Taste our 

cold-pressed juice blends, nutmylks, smoothies, 

wheatgrass shots, artisan teas, warm cacao 

drinks, hot cider from local apples, and decadent 

salads. Shop our selection of essential oils, 

health products, and vegan gifts. Get clean 

with our individually tailored juice cleanse 

packages. Open Mon-Sat 8 am-5 pm. Check 

out our social media for events and to like us! 

facebook.com/rawtaos rawtaos.com 

rawtaos@gmail.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 

American 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. Breakfast and lunch. From 

$5.50 to $9. 

THE GORGE BAR and GRILL – 103 East 

Taos Plaza. 575-758-8866. Stop by The Gorge 

and try our juicy burgers, handshaken margaritas, 

or fresh oysters – something for everyone! 

Enjoy The Best Happy Hour in Taos while sitting 

on our patio overlooking the Taos Plaza. We

feature TWO happy hours: M-F, 3-5:30 pm and 

again from 9-10:30 pm. Check out our new wine 

bar and retail shop located below The Gorge: 

PARCHT BOTTLESHOP + BITES. 575-758- 

1994. A cozy place to discover unique wines + 

quality craft beer + hand-picked artisanal cheese 

& charcuterie + locally roasted coffee. Come 

in and explore the things that excite us while 

you taste + shop + unwind. Visit us online at 

TheGorgeBarAndGrill.com and Parcht.com 

RED RIVER 

BRETT’S BISTRO – At Lifts West, 201 W. 

Main Street in Red River. 575-754-9959. 

Serving the best steaks, seafood and Rocky 

Mountain trout for over 25 years. Daily specials, 

kids’ menu. Catering available. Cold Beer and 

Fine Wines. Like us on Facebook. Open daily 11 

am–9 pm. BrettsBistro.com 

SUNDANCE – High Street at Copper King. 

575-754-2971. Same great food, same great 

service. Celebrating our 42nd 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 FIRE 

ANGEL FIRED PIZZA – Located on the 

second floor of the Mountain View Mall 

(next to the Lowe’s Valley Market). 575-377- 

2774. We serve specialty pizzas, baked pastas, 

calzones, Paninis and salads. All in a fun, 

relaxed atmosphere. Gluten-free options are 

available. We also offer a wide selection of handcrafted 

beers and fine wines. Dine in or take out. 

Open Tues-Sun 11 am-9 pm. Daily Happy Hour. 

AngelFiredPizza.com 

LEGENDS GRILL – Located on the second 

floor of The Lodge at Angel Fire Resort. 575- 

377-4201. A great place for the whole family. 

Proudly serving 1/2 lb. Angus beef burgers, 

sandwiches, salads and more. Great selection 

of craft beers on tap. Sports on the big screens! 

Open daily 4-9 pm. 

THE LIFT – Located in the lobby of The 

Lodge at Angel Fire Resort. 575-377-4234. 

Serving Starbucks specialty coffees and freshly 

baked goods daily. The Lift dishes up delicious 

breakfasts and lunches, including homemade 

breakfast burritos (a local favorite), breakfast 

sandwiches, wraps, fresh salads and homemade 

dressings. Beer and wine also available. Open 

daily 7 am-4 pm, with extended hours during 

peak periods. 

ELEMENTS at THE COUNTRY CLUB – 

575-377-3055. Enjoy unobstructed Southern 

Rocky Mountain views while your taste buds 

delight in world class cuisine. Featuring a full 

bar, an award winning wine list, private dining 

rooms and group event spaces. Located on the 

upper level of the Angel Fire Country Club and 

open to the public year-round. Dining room is 

open Tuesday-Saturday 5–9 pm. Bar and lounge 

open Tuesday-Saturday 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. 

PUT ‘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. 

CIMARRON 

SAINT JAMES HOTEL – 17th and Collison 

in Cimarron. Reservations recommended. 

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 specially-made cocktail, 

all served from the antique bar. New breakfast 

menu. Open daily 7 am–9 pm. Visit us online at 

ExStJames.com 

Cherish the spirit. 

Winner of Wine Spectator’s 

“Best Of” Award of Excellence 

for 28 consecutive years 

LODGING, DINING & 

LIVE MUSIC NIGHTLY 

at The HISTORIC TAOS INN 

575.758.2233 

taosinn.com 

29

2015-2016 winter 

Calendar 

Dec 

4 Sipapu Ski Resort opening day 

4-6 Race Camp & Clinic, Red River Ski Area 

10 Taos Ski Valley opens full time 

11 Enchanted Forest XC Ski opens 

11 Red River Ski Area opens full time 

11 Angel Fire Resort opens 

11-13 International Women’s Ski Day, TSV 

11-13 Not Forgotten Appreciation Weekend, Sipapu 

12 Bent Street Bonfires, Taos 

12 Fun Race, Wolf Creek Ski Area 

12-13 Cumbres & Toltec Railroad Christmas Train 

13-18 College Days, Red River Ski Area 

15-16 “A Christmas Story,” Taos Mesa Brewery 

18-19 Public Demo Days, Taos Ski Valley 

18-19 Alumbra de Questa Christmas Market, Questa 

19 Brew Master’s Festival, Taos Ski Valley 

19 “The Magic Flute,” Taos Center for The Arts 

19 Grand Opening, “Legends Lift,” Purgatory 

19 Dummy Gelunde & Parade, Ski Apache 

20 Messiah sing-along, St. James Episcopal, Taos 

20 Santa on the Mountain, Purgatory Resort 

24 Procession of Virgin Mary, Taos Pueblo 

24 Torchlight parade and fireworks, all ski areas 

25 Christmas Luminaria Tour, Enchanted Forest XC 

24-25 Ski with Santa, most ski areas 

25 Matachines or Deer Dance, Taos Pueblo 

26 Terrain Park Competition 1, Ski Apache 

31 Torchlight parade and fireworks, all ski areas 

Jan 

1 Turtle Dance, Taos Pueblo 

2 Gold Rush Rail Jam, Red River Ski Area 


2 Ski Bike Demo Day, Sipapu Ski Resort 

2-3 Never Summer Demo Days, Purgatory Resort 

3 Apache Star Races begin; ongoing 

3-10 College Week, Angel Fire Resort 

4-15 College Days, Red River Ski Area 

6 Buffalo or Deer Dance, Taos Pueblo 

7, 14 Locals Days, Ski Apache 

9 NMX Ski/Snowboard Competition, AF Resort 

9 Ongoing ladies’ ski clinics, Wolf Creek 

9 Fun Race, Wolf Creek Ski Area 


10 Demo Day, Purgatory Resort 

10 Locals Benefit Day, Purgatory Resort 

10, 27 Locals Appreciation Day, Wolf Creek 

15-17 Winter Carnival, Red River Ski Area 

15 Snowmobile Hill Climb, Red River Ski Area 

15 Ski & Snowboard Challenge, Red River Ski Area 

15 Happy Hops Hunt, Purgatory Resort 

16 Telemark Festival, Sipapu Ski Resort 

16-17 Winterfest, Purgatory Resort 

17 MLK Jr. Race, Wolf Creek Ski Area 

19-24 Not Forgotten Outreach Week, TSV 

20 United Way Day, Wolf Creek Ski Area 

20 Ongoing School program begins; Ski Apache 

22-24 USASA SW Freeride Showdown, AF Resort 

23 Terrain Park Competition Finals, Ski Apache 

23 Moonlight Hike & Campfire, Sipapu Resort 

23 College Day, Wolf Creek Ski Area 

23 King of the Hill Terrain Competition, Sipapu 

23-24 Low O2 Challenge, Enchanted Forest XC 

23-25 Big Ol’ Texas Weekend, Angel Fire Resort 

24, 31 Fun Races, Wolf Creek Ski Area 

27 Local Appreciation Day, Wolf Creek Ski Area 

27-31 Taos Winter Wine Festival, Taos Ski Valley 

30 Transworld TransAm Tour, AF Resort 

30 UNM Ultimate Ski Challenge, AF Resort 

30 Shred Cancer Benefit, Red River Ski Area 

30 Telemark Clinic, Wolf Creek Ski Area 

30 Rail Jam, Purgatory Resort 

Feb 

4-7 50th Anniverary Reunion, Purgatory Resort 

4-9 Mardi Gras in the Mountains, Red River 

4, 11 Locals Days, Ski Apache 

5-9 Mardi Gras Celebration, Angel Fire Resort 

6 World Championship Shovel Races, AF Resort 

7, 24 Local Appreciation Day, Wolf Creek 

7 Cosmic Series Rio Hondo Rando, Taos Ski Valley 

7 USASA Southwest Freeride Series, AF Resort 

7 Super Bowl Fun Race, Wolf Creek Ski Area 

9 Mardi Gras, Purgatory Resort 

13-15 I Heart Purg Weekend, Purgatory Resort 

14 Heart to Heart Races, Ski Apache 

16 Fat Tuesday Costume Day, Ski Apache 

17-22 Military Winter Fest, Angel Fire Resort 

18-21 IFSA Junior Freeride by JETA, Taos Ski Valley 

20 Moonlight Hike & Campfire, Sipapu Ski Resort 

20 Judy Collins, Taos Community Auditorium 

20 Ski Apache Cup and Apache Star Races 

20 Telemark Ski Clinic, Wolf Creek Ski Area 

20 Ski Bike Festival, Purgatory Resort 

20 Red Ball Express, Purgatory Resort 

21 Local Benefits Day, Purgatory Resort 

21, 28 College Days, Wolf Creek Ski Area 


27 USASA Rampage Slopestyle, Red River Ski Area 

27 Wild Western Cup, Ski Apache 

27 K2 Breast Cancer Awareness Day, Taos Ski Valley 

27 Just Desserts Eat & Ski, Enchanted Forest XC 

27 Hope on the Slopes, Purgatory Resort 

28 NM Pine Cup, Angel Fire Resort 

Mar 

1 Apache Quest Scavenger Hunts, Ski Apache 

2, 27, 30 Local Appreciation Days, Wolf Creek 

3 2-Star Taos Freeride Championships, TSV 

4-5 4-Star Taos Freeride Championships, TSV 

5 Ski Bum Ball, Angel Fire Resort 

5 Big Mountain Challenge, Ski Apache 

5 NMX Competition, AF Resort 

5-6 Hawaiian Days, Sipapu Ski Resort 

5, 20 Fun Races, Wolf Creek Ski Area 

5, 26 College Days, Wolf Creek Ski Area 

7 Springtacular, Purgatory Resort 

12 New Belgium Scavenger Hunt, Taos Ski Valley 

12 Spring Fling Race, Wolf Creek Ski Area 

12 13th Annual Cardbox Derby, Sipapu Ski Resort 

12 Ernie Blake Birthday Celebration, TSV 

12-18 Fiesta del Sol Spring Break, AF Resort 

13 Cardboard Derby, Purgatory Resort 

13 Pond Skimming & Beach Body Contest, Ski Apache 

17 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, Angel Fire Resort 

17 Shamrock Relay, Ski Apache 

18 Kids’ Glow Stick Parade, Red River Ski Area 


18-19 Ben Meyers Ridge-A-Thon, Taos Ski Valley 

19 12th Annual Pond Skimming Contest, Sipapu 

19 Fatty Paddy Mountain Bike Race, AF Resort 

20 Locals Benefit Day, Purgatory Resort 

20 Demo Day, Purgatory Resort 

20 Pond Skim, Red River Ski Area 

20 Moonlight Hike and Campfire, Sipapu Resort 

26 Spring Brew Masters, Taos Ski Valley 

26 Telemark Ski Clinic, Wolf Creek Ski Area 

27 Easter Egg Hunt, Taos Ski Valley 

27 Easter Eggstravaganza, Purgatory Resort 

Apr 

2 Kachina TWIST lap-a-thon, Taos Ski Valley 

2 College Day, Wolf Creek Ski Area 

3 Local Appreciation Day, Wolf Creek Ski Area 

3 Angels and Demons Party, Purgatory Resort 

3 Pond Skimming Championships, TSV 

7-10 Taos Shortz Film Festival, Taos Center for the Arts 

Info 

Angel Fire 800-446-8117 

Chama Valley 800-477-0149 

Durango 970-247-3500 

Eagle Nest 800-494-9117 

Pagosa Springs 800-252-2204 

Red River 800-348-6444 

Ruidoso 877-784-3676 

Santa Fe 800-777-2489 

South Fork 800-571-0881 

Taos County 800-732-8267 

Taos Pueblo 575-758-1028 

Dates are subject to change. Check with local chambers 

for updated calendar information. 

30

Ski Country Magazine 2016 - Guide to skiing the southwest

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