What is There To Do in New Mexico This Winter?

New Mexico is your classic southwestern state, with arid deserts and towns founded during the Wild West era covering it. Other common landscapes that give it its distinct vibe like sage-covered plains, badlands, and pine-blanketed mountains at the southern end of the Rockies. Making this state a truly special destination for sightseers and outdoor adventurers.

New Mexico's striking towns and cities, like Santa Fe and Taos with their unique adobe architecture, and the bustling Albuquerque metro, further add to the region's allure, as you'll be sure to witness the mix of Native, Spanish, and American cultures converging in this southern corner of the United States.

As winter is at its height, let's take a detailed look into what you can see and do in New Mexico as the temperatures drop. You may be surprised by the abundance of activities that make this an unforgettable travel destination, even if you have to bring along some warmer clothes!

Skiing in New Mexico

Skiing probably doesn't come to mind when you think about this state, but its lofty mountains, primarily towards the northern edge of the state, are actually prime spots for the downhill winter sport. Here are some of the best ski resorts that you can visit this winter in New Mexico.

Ski Santa Fe

Ski Santa Fe, located just 16 miles from downtown Santa Fe, offers some of New Mexico’s best ski hills. With a base elevation of 10,350 feet, the resort is the spot to go for wonderful views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains along with exciting downhill runs.

Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy over 85 trails suited for all levels, along with advanced terrain for more experienced visitors. Families and beginners may appreciate the ski school and rental options at the ski shops, while the La Casa Lodge is perfect for a cozy dining experience and warming areas after a day on the hills.

Taos Ski Valley

Taos Ski Valley is also nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and is a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Known for its more challenging and steep terrain, it features over 1,300 skiable acres with anywhere from 110 to 119 trails open, depending on conditions, and a summit elevation of 12,481 feet.

Expert skiers will appreciate its renowned steeps and hike-to terrain, while beginners and families can enjoy the gentler slopes and ski school programs that are available to book. Besides skiing and snowboarding, visitors can explore snowshoeing, guided backcountry tours, or scenic chairlift rides.

The resort area features an alpine village filled with shops, dining options, and accommodations so that you can stay the night. If you're looking to spend a night in the area but don't necessarily want to pay resort prices, the town of Taos is about a 30-minute drive away. Here, several hotels and motels can be found, like The Historic Taos Inn.

Winter Hiking

As with many popular travel destinations, the winter season means thinner crowds, a definite plus for most people who love to explore state and national parks in peace. Here are a couple of New Mexico's most iconic parks which feature trails that are suitable for winter hiking.

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, located just west of Santa Fe, is an excellent destination for hiking in the cold in New Mexico. The monument features unique cone-shaped rock formations, created by volcanic activity millions of years ago.

The 1.5-mile Cave Loop Trail offers a relatively easy hike with views of these geological wonders, while the 3-mile Slot Canyon Trail provides a more challenging route through narrow canyons and up to a stunning mesa-top vista. Chillier temperatures make the hike more enjoyable, and the snow-dusted landscape adds some striking visuals to the area’s rugged beauty, making it a perfect spot for landscape photographers.

Remember to dress in layers and check trail conditions before heading out.

White Sands National Monument

White Sands National Park, located in southern New Mexico, is one of the state's most popular destinations year-round. The winter season, however, means fewer crowds than you commonly see in the summer and fall.

The park’s eye-catching white gypsum dunes stretch over 227 square miles, creating a surreal and otherworldly landscape. Trails like the 1-mile Dune Life Nature Trail and the 5-mile Alkali Flat Trail offer opportunities to explore the unique terrain, with cooler winter temperatures making the experience more comfortable in this otherwise sweltering region at other times of the year.

Besides exploring on foot, sledding on the dunes, and catching a sunset that illuminates the sands are other popular activities here.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

The Chaco Culture National Historical Park, located in northwestern New Mexico, will give you an educational winter experience among ancient ruins and expansive desert landscapes. The park is home to impressive Puebloan structures, including the iconic Pueblo Bonito, built between 850 and 1250 AD.

The 5-mile Pueblo Alto Trail will be sure to give you excellent views of the high desert landscape, nearby canyons, and the ruins, while the shorter Chetro Ketl Trail lets hikers explore up-close masonry and kivas, unique cylindrical buildings that were used for religious and political purposes.

Being far from any big cities, and thus, far from sources of light pollution, Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a fantastic location for stargazing with its crystal clear night skies. Again, just be sure to bundle up, as it gets especially cold here after the sun sets.

New Mexican Towns to Visit this Winter

New Mexico is home to a great mix of towns, both big and small, that all feature a number of must-visit attractions. If you're trying to avoid the frigid conditions in New Mexico's wildlands, stop by these communities for a more cozy outing.

Taos

Taos is a community of 6,500 residents known for its vivid culture, which holds tightly onto its Native and Spanish roots, and natural beauty. It is also one of America's oldest towns, having been settled all the way back in 1615 by Spanish colonists.

Here, you can explore Taos Plaza, a district that is lined with galleries, shops, restaurants, and other locally owned amenities. If you're hungry, try out La Cueva Cafe, a classic and local favorite Mexican diner. Explore the town's history more in-depth at Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that remains inhabited and provides insight into Native American traditions for visitors.

Winter also highlights the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, offering dramatic views of the nearby snow-covered canyon. For a relaxing end to the day, visit one of the area’s hot springs, like the Manby Hot Springs, or in a more resort-like setting at the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa about a 50-minute drive west of Taos.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a fun little city with another historic Plaza that becomes a hub for seasonal activities, including holiday markets and luminaria displays—elegant assortments of paper lanterns. Art lovers can also check out the world-renowned galleries along Canyon Road or visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.

This city also offers several luxurious spas featuring traditional treatments inspired by the region’s Native American and Spanish heritage. The Hotel Santa Fe, Hacienda & Spa is a perfect locale for both a day at the spa and a place to rest your head for the night.

Santa Fe is also a renowned place for hot air balloons, with rides available to be booked generally in the winter months (from December to April) when take-off is easier in the colder conditions.

Ruidoso

Ruidoso sits in the Sierra Blanca Mountains and is a true ski town, with the Ski Apache resort located nearby. This is yet another spot in New Mexico that adds to its abundance of places to go skiing and snowboarding with spectacular mountain views. The town of Ruidoso is also home to trails for winter hiking and snowshoeing in the Lincoln National Forest.

In Midtown Ruidoso, you can find your typical selection of restaurants, hotels, and outfitters in a mountain community. You can also try your luck at the nearby Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino. For history buffs, the Billy the Kid Scenic Byway is nearby and gives insight into the famous outlaw and the region’s Wild West past.

Make New Mexico Your Next Winter Getaway

Whether you live in the state or are just visiting, New Mexico is a seriously underrated cold-weather destination. With fewer crowds, more favorable temperatures for many outdoor activities, and a huge variety of attractions open all year round, or are even made better in a cooler climate. The aptly named Land of Enchantment should not be overlooked as the next place you explore in the United States.