Red River Ski Resort Review

Red River Ski Resort, or Red River Ski Area, is in northern New Mexico at the top of Enchanted Circle, in the Carson National Forest. Ski Magazine says this resort is "the nightlife capital of the region". The lodging, shops and restaurants are all within walking distance of the slopes.

There are 57 trails at Red River, 32% beginner, 38% intermediate and 30% expert. They are accessed by 3 double chairs, 3 triple chairs and 1 surface tow. The vertical drop is 1,600 feet and snow making equipment covers about 85% of the slopes, helping the 214 inches of annual snowfall.

There are three terrain parks for the boarders at Red River. Pot O Gold, on Gold Rush Hill, is the beginner park. Bobcat Terrain Park is geared for the intermediate boarders and is on the Bobcat run. The Hollywood Terrain Park is where the advanced boarders go to enjoy the kinked rails, long boxes and urban lips.

Red River Ski Resort.
Thanks to Oplotnik for the picture at flickr.com

If you have never been on skis or on a board you need to look into one of the different lesson packages available. The Youth Ski Center Ski Package is a full day of learning for your child. Youth Ski Center Snowboard packages are available also for the young boarders. An all day package for new skiers aged 11-69 is the "Never-Ever" Skier Package. Intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders can polish their skill with one of the Gold Rush Hill packages.

During the winter months the ski area is used for skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, tubing, snowmobile tours and snowshoeing. During the summer visitors enjoy disc golf at the top of the mountain, chairlift rides, tubing on Baby Blue and any of the many programs of the Community House Summers. Other nearby activities might include Cathleen's Mountain Day Spa, Bobcat Pass Wilderness Adventures, Red River Sled Shed or the Black Mountain Lodge and Playhouse.

Red River Ski Area offers several dining options so you won't go hungry while skiing the slopes. The Main Chalet and Cafeteria is at the Main Chalet and serves pizza, burgers and salads. The Tip is near the Platinum and Copper chairlifts, at the top of the mountain. Sandwiches, soups and an awesome view from the outdoor deck can all be enjoyed there. The Lift House Bar and Grill is a ski-in ski-out bar and grill. Here you can relax, play pool, drink beer and eat burgers and wings. Also located at Red River are the Sundance Restaurant, Shotgun Willie's and Texas Reds and the Lost Love Saloon.

Up the lift at Red River Ski Valley.
Thanks to globalreset for the picture at flickr.com

No matter what you left behind you are sure to find it in one of the many shops at Red River. There is the Main Street Mercantile, The Candy Crate, Frye's Old Town, Der Market Food Store and Sitzmark Sports.

The town really does know how to party, especially on Saturday nights, when you can watch the Rail Jam and Torchlight Parade. Fireworks fill the sky and live music can be heard from the Lift House Bar and Grill.

Choosing your lodging at Red River Ski Resort could be a big problem, just so many options. Here are just a few of the highlights. The Riverside Lodge and Cabins covers two blocks, in the center of town, next to the Copper chairlift. One mile from the resort, with shuttle service, is the River Retreat Cabins. Ski-in ski-out at the Best Western River's Edge, Auslander Condominiums and the Rocky Mountain Manor and Cabins.

Contact Red River Ski Resort at 575-754-2223.

Red River Ski Resort Map & Directions (click on "Marker" for your personalized directions)

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