ABOVE THE ORDINARY OPEN 7 DAYS Fast, Friendly Checkout Fruits & Veggies Fresh Meats Fine Wine & Spirits Fine Tobacco Subway DOING THE LITTLE EXTRAS TO SERVE OUR CUSTOMERS 575.377.2354 • 3373 Highway 434 • Angel Fire, NM 87710
America, provides <strong>the</strong> sacred Christmas Eve setting for a procession and mood-evocative bonfires. On Christmas Day, <strong>the</strong> spirit of winter is honored through <strong>the</strong> Taos Pueblo Deer Danceor Matachine Dance. Taos <strong>Ski</strong> Valley, celebrating its 60th season, recently lost its “First Lady,” Rhoda Blake, who was <strong>the</strong> nuts and bolts behind <strong>the</strong> Blake family’s 58-year stewardship of TSV. Sold <strong>to</strong> billionaire conservationist, Louis Bacon, in 2013, TSV is undergoing expansion, with base area additions <strong>to</strong> include a new hotel, retail space, equipment rentals, restaurant, and spa. The Kachina lift, completed in 2014, serves <strong>the</strong> highest elevation of any triple chair in North America (12,481 feet). As for one’s inspired downward trajec<strong>to</strong>ry on <strong>the</strong> slopes, <strong>the</strong>re are multiple options: <strong>skiing</strong>, snowboarding, sledding, tubing and snow-shoeing. Bacchus enjoys elevated status during <strong>the</strong> ever-popular Winter Wine Festival (January 27-31), which is celebrating its 30th year. When it comes <strong>to</strong> breath-arresting pyrotechnics, <strong>the</strong> sunsets at Angel Fire, after which <strong>the</strong> resort <strong>to</strong>wn is named, bring an all-natural glow <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> snowcapped mountain peaks. There are 76 <strong>skiing</strong> and snowboarding trails, suitable for all age levels, and <strong>the</strong> Polar Coaster, <strong>the</strong> largest tubing park in <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn Rockies, is <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> center of <strong>to</strong>wn. An old-time tradition that was revived in recent years, <strong>the</strong> Winter Carnival and Parade of Ice (January 15-17) features ice sculptures, snowmobile races, snowman building, live music, <strong>to</strong>rchlight parades, fireworks, and more. And for those who’d like <strong>to</strong> enjoy a Willy Wonka-fied version of <strong>skiing</strong>, <strong>the</strong>re’s Just Desserts Eat and <strong>Ski</strong> (February 27) in which <strong>the</strong> indulgence of homemade desserts sweetens <strong>the</strong> five-kilometer course at Enchanted Forest. It’s been a while since anyone seriously mined Baldy, and gambling here is a thing of <strong>the</strong> past, but <strong>the</strong>re’s still gold in Eagle Nest – <strong>the</strong> lake sports some of <strong>the</strong> best trout fishing in <strong>the</strong> state. Kokanee salmon join recordbreaking rainbows, cutthroats and o<strong>the</strong>r fish in an effort <strong>to</strong> beguile locals and visi<strong>to</strong>rs alike. Formerly a goldfever boom<strong>to</strong>wn, Chama is set in <strong>the</strong> awe-inspiring Rio Chama Valley. Hitting <strong>the</strong> slopes, ice fishing on <strong>the</strong> Heron Reservoir, or riding <strong>the</strong> rails on <strong>the</strong> Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad are several ways <strong>to</strong> experience <strong>the</strong> area. The 43rd Annual Chama Chile <strong>Ski</strong> Classic, a cross-country ski event, takes place on Martin Lu<strong>the</strong>r King, Jr. weekend in January. Durango could be <strong>the</strong> charming <strong>to</strong>wn you find inside a snow globe, or <strong>the</strong> unsung verse in “Winter Wonderland.” At <strong>the</strong> heart of its winter fun is Purga<strong>to</strong>ry, <strong>the</strong> mountain resort which offers 35,000 acres of ski-friendly terrain. Snowboarding, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and sleigh rides are o<strong>the</strong>r means by which <strong>to</strong> traverse Purga<strong>to</strong>ry. Caroling, hot chocolate, and a reading of The Polar Express, are part of “The Polar Express,” which takes place on <strong>the</strong> Durango & Silver<strong>to</strong>n Narrow Gauge Railroad through <strong>the</strong> holidays. This year’s “Snowdown,” a popular weeklong, activity-filled event, brings <strong>the</strong> spirit, fashion, and flair of <strong>the</strong> 1980s back in<strong>to</strong> vogue (January 27-31). As <strong>the</strong> inspired and elevated gateway <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> San Juan Mountains, Rio Grande County, which includes South Fork, Monte Vista and Del Norte, is a winter playground with lots of room <strong>to</strong> spare. Wolf Creek, just outside of South Fork, is powder-packed heaven for skiers, receiving <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> 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
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