11 Unforgettable Winter Adventures in Northern New Mexico
By Haven Lindsey
Taos may be best known for its world-class downhill skiing, but there’s a whole world of winter fun beyond the slopes. From serene snowshoe treks to the thrill of snowmobiling, ice skating, and even ski biking, the region offers countless ways to embrace the season.
Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or searching for quiet moments in nature, here are 11 adventures that showcase Northern New Mexico’s winter magic.
1. Cross-country ski through groomed and open trails | Locations: Red River, Angel Fire
For those who love the rhythm of gliding through snow-covered landscapes, cross-country skiing is a perfect way to explore Northern New Mexico’s winter scenery at a more relaxed pace. For the more adventurous, myriad trails wind through the Carson National Forest, offering sweeping views of mountains, forests, and quiet valleys.
2. Snowshoe through quiet forest trails | Location: Taos, Taos Ski Valley, Eagle Nest
Strap on snowshoes and explore the tranquil beauty of the Carson National Forest. Trails like Gavilan, Italianos, and Yerba Canyon near Taos Ski Valley, Columbine Canyon between Questa and Red River and Amole Canyon near Taos offer serene winter landscapes perfect for a peaceful hike.
3. Glide across the ice | Taos Ski Valley & Town of Taos
Lace up your skates at the Eis Haus rink in Taos Ski Valley, where mountain views and cozy fireplaces set the scene. In town, the Taos Youth and Family Center rink is reopening after major repairs, offering public skate sessions, hockey, and figure skating. Both rinks are local favorites, where families and visitors alike can enjoy crisp winter air and smooth ice.
4. Revel in snow tubing & sledding fun | Angel Fire, Red River & Taos Ski Valley
Snow tubing brings out the kid in everyone. Angel Fire Resort features a six-lane tubing hill with lift service, while Red River’s ski area offers lively evening tubing sessions. At Taos Ski Valley’s Strawberry Hill Tubing Park, a moving carpet makes repeat runs easy. For DIY fun, locals head to Mallette Park or the Red River Nature Trail for classic sledding thrills.
5. Embark on a snowmobile adventure | Taos Ski Valley & Red River
Few things rival the exhilaration of a snowmobile ride. At Taos Ski Valley, “Big Al” Johnson’s AA Wilderness Adventures takes guests up peaks and ridgelines for scenic two-hour tours. Red River also caters to snowmobilers, with groomed trails into Trail Canyon, Greenie Peak and Midnight Meadows.
6. Try ski biking at Sipapu | Location: Sipapu
Combine the thrill of cycling with the fun of snow at rider-friendly Sipapu, which has welcomed ski bikes since the 1960s. Expect affordable tickets and easy loading on its fixed?grip lifts — great for first-timers and families. Rentals are available on site. In the Moreno Valley, ski bike rentals are offered at Eagle Nest Marina (Angel Fire welcomes ski bikes with a few caveats).
7. Ice climb frozen waterfalls | Near Questa
In winter, the canyons around Questa transform into an ice climber’s playground. Frozen waterfalls and sheer cliffs offer demanding routes best suited to seasoned adventurers with the proper gear. Mountain Skills Rock Guides does not guide ice climbs but they do offer rock climbing and backcountry ski trips in the Taos area.
8. Soak in natural hot springs | Near Taos
There’s nothing like slipping into warm mineral water while snow falls around you. Rustic pools like Black Rock and Manby Hot Springs, tucked along the Rio Grande, bubble at 80–101 degrees and provide a back-to-nature soak. For a more refined experience, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort offers historic pools, spa treatments and lodging just under an hour from Taos.
9. Hike the Gorge in winter light | Taos
The Rio Grande Gorge reveals a rare tranquility in winter, when snow highlights the canyon’s dramatic cliffs and the air is crystal clear. Trails around the Gorge Bridge and Wild Rivers Recreation Area offer sweeping views of the river far below, framed by snow-dusted mesas. With fewer visitors, it’s a peaceful way to enjoy the stark beauty of our high-desert landscape.
10. Explore Taos’ artsy side | Taos
Discover the vibrant arts scene in Taos, by visiting numerous galleries and museums, and cozy cafés serving warm libations like hot chocolate, mulled cider, and hot toddies. Stroll Ledoux Street’s historic galleries, or step into storied museums like the Harwood, Millicent Rogers and Couse-Sharp House. Many venues host special exhibits and openings through the colder months, pairing art with warm conversation.
11. Celebrate with a torchlight parade | Taos Ski Valley, Red River & Angel Fire
Few traditions capture mountain magic like a torchlight parade. On New Years Eve and other special occasions, the community comes together for magical torchlight parades and fireworks at Enchanted Circle ski areas, where skiers light up the slopes in a dazzling display. It’s a festive way to embrace the winter season.
After a day of snowshoeing, tubing, or cross-country skiing, nothing feels better than a bit of self-care. Soothe tired muscles with a massage at The Spa & Wellness Center at The Blake in Taos Ski Valley, indulge in holistic treatments at The Living Spa at El Monte Sagrado, or try the centuries-old technique of hot stone therapy at Taos Rocks. Wellness retreats and spas across Taos make it easy to recharge for your next adventure. And if you’re still undecided, visit Taos.org for an extensive guide to winter activities, events, and experiences throughout the region.
Can’t decide? Taos.org is the official tourism site for the area and offers an extensive guide to winter activities across the region. It features information on snowshoeing, snowmobiling, wildlife viewing, sleigh rides, ice fishing, ice skating and other wintertime activities available at various locations.
Outfitters & Trails
Angel Fire Nordic Center – 12 km groomed trails (XC and snowshoeing), rentals, lift access. angelfireresort.com, 575-377-4488
Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area (Red River) – 30 km ski trails, 15 km snowshoe trails, dog loops, yurts, lessons and guided snowshoe tours. Info: 575-754-6112; enchantedforestxc.com
Heritage Inspirations (Amole Canyon, Peñasco) – Guided snowshoe tours with gourmet picnics. Info: 575-737-9827; heritageinspirations.com
Mountain Skills Rock Guides (Taos Ski Valley) – Backcountry ski clinics and guided tours. Info: 575-776-2222; climbingschoolusa.com
Taos Snowshoe Adventures – Half-day, full-day, full moon, and yurt trips. Info: 1-888-895-5262; snowshoetaos.com
Big Al’s Wilderness Adventures — Two-hour tours above Taos Ski Valley. Info: 575-751-6051; aataosskivalleywildernessadventures.com