Angel Fire

Chama

Durango

Pajarito

Red River

Sipapu

South Fork

Taos

Taos Ski Valley

Wolf Creek

SkiCountry SkiCountryW I N T E R 2 0 1 5 G U I D E T O S K I I N G T H E S O U T H W E S T

575.377.6612

Ski Reservation Hotline:

575.377.6559

Angel Fire’s Top Shop

Near the Resort Hotel

www.wintersportsskishop.com

Cool gear.Hot fashion.

3www.hawk-media.com

The Secretto HealthLies in Your Shoes

Douglas & Laurence Goodhart(Certified Pedorthist since 1985)

On Taos Plaza

575.758.4711133 N. Plaza • Taos

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Shoes that make a difference• Custom Orthotics

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4

Welcome

Alpine Lodging

Our Towns

When In Doubt, Go Higher

Historic Hotels

Ski the Southwest

Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire Resort, Sipapu Ski Resort

Red River Ski Area, Durango Mountain Resort, Wolf Creek

Ski Apache, Pajarito Ski Area, Enchanted Forest XC

SW’s Largest Ski Operator Adds More Mountains

Inspirational Winter Retreats

Time To Dine

Calendar of Events

Con

tent

s

5

Publisher/Editor Joe Haukebo

Design/Production Digerati Design

Advertising Sales Christine Pedler

Contributing Writers John Biscello, Michele Potter

Photography Steve Bundy, Chris McClennan, Janet Sailor

Cover photo Jason Lombard, courtesy Wolf Creek Ski Area

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 MediaPO Box 182, Angel Fire, NM 87710575 595 0575 | 575 758 4047

info@hawk-media.comScan the QR code or visit us at www.hawk-media.comfor more articles, photos & e-zines

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Welcome

Alpine Lodging

Our Towns

When In Doubt, Go Higher

Historic Hotels

Ski the Southwest

Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire Resort, Sipapu Ski Resort

Red River Ski Area, Durango Mountain Resort, Wolf Creek

Ski Apache, Pajarito Ski Area, Enchanted Forest XC

SW’s Largest Ski Operator Adds More Mountains

Inspirational Winter Retreats

Time To Dine

Calendar of Events

6 SKICOUNTRY 2015

A n early snow, two feet. Light from the swollen moon drips through

bare aspen branches rattling in the wind, blowing more winter this way. This moon – couched by the harvest moon in our wake and winter solstice still ahead – must have some pow-erful juju: dogs around the valley are howling their heads off, coyotes too, keeping the old-timers on the edge of sleep. And any animals still stuck inside whine and scratch at doors to get out and join the choir. Dogs have it made. They do their thing, and many days it feels like they run the place: they paw at doors to get in or out – we obey; they take a bath-room break – we clean it up; they play when they want, bark when it feels right, eat when it suits them, sleep when the mood strikes. They’ve always been a part of our culture, our everyday lives and lan-guage, from children’s rhymes – “Give

a dog a bone, this old man…” – to song lyrics: “Who let the dogs out!” or “Ain’t

nothin’ but a hound dog.” They’re part of our speech, our slang-guage: “dog tired,” “in the doghouse,” “can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” “going to the dogs.” And it’s no different here in the Southwest – when dogs are around, they tend to liven things up. They’re great for creating stories: everybody has a few favorites. We had a lab visit the ranch, lured there after smelling the sweet juices of a huge pot roast cooling in a pan in the shed. A couple of deep whiffs and he couldn’t stand it anymore. He broke through the shed door, nudged the pan off the shelf and quickly muckled the whole thing. Shortly, he swelled up like

a pot-bellied pig and was moaning and miserable for days. His drooping eyes and face said he wanted forgiveness for his gluttony, but wanted even more for the swelling to go down so he could go back to being a dog instead of a pig. A French friend of mine was caught in an avalanche in the Alps, buried ten feet under. It was a ski patrol dog who sniffed him out. The dog started franti-cally digging like he was after a prized bone (not a crumple of living bones), and ended up saving my friend’s bacon. My friend has loved dogs ever since. We had a small hound for a time who loved to ride in front of me on a snowmobile, paws perched on the handlebars, tongue hanging out lapping up the cold air, skillfully leaning into corners. Other dogs stared at him with hound envy. There’s the tale of a dog falling into an ice fishing hole, a large one carved out with a chainsaw. Dog-paddling un-der the ice, he finally found another hole which happened to be in a nearby fish-ing hut where an old guy sat hunched over the hole, silently waiting for some action. He got it. When the dog explod-ed out of his hole, the old guy exploded straight through the side of his wood-walled hut. It didn’t slow him down a bit. “He sure could make tracks for an old guy,” said a witness. Another buddy of mine had a lab named Bubba who used to “pull a Hou-dini and disappear for days”– go on a dog walkabout. But he always returned, little worse for the wear. This particular time, Bubba didn’t come back. Days turned to weeks. “Missing dog” signs were put up around town, neighborhood kids questioned. Nothing. Gone.

Wel

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to thesouthernRockies

866.668.7787 App Store: Angel Fire App

AngelFireFun.com

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Bubba’s owner grew dizzy with worry. Turned out some Boy Scouts saw him at the base of Palo Flechado Pass and took him to Philmont. Bubba was fat, so they couldn’t have thought he was starv-ing. And he wasn’t that cute at all. And he stank, and slobbered all the time. Just an honest mistake – a good deed gone bad. Bubba ended up on a month-long tour of Colorado towns, passed around until he ended up in a pound in northern Colorado. Somehow word got back, so my buddy called the pound, saying he was coming to pick Bubba up. He described his looks, his slobbering, all his attributes. “Well, but how do I know it’s your dog?” the poundkeeper asked. Months of welled up worry and anger burst out. “Look, lady. You think I’m going to drive seven hours up and seven hours back to pick up a misera-ble mutt like that who’s somebody else’s dog?” Dogs love chasing stuff; it’s in their nature. At the ranch, dogs regularly chased horses, sheep, goats, chickens, cats, other dogs and ducks. Especially ducks. There’s something about a duck dogs can’t resist – especially my neighbor’s dog Rip.Rip had a love-hate relationship with our ducks: he loved chasing them on land (where he had the upper paw), and he hated it when they reached the pond (they ruled on water). Until the ice came. At the tail end of a severe cold snap, Rip chased the ducks to the pond, now iced over. Everyone’s seen a dog try to run on ice – legs splayed, twisting, tip-ping over. A duck on ice doesn’t do much better. So Rip was finally able to catch, and kill, a couple. Rip’s owner was so mad – having cussed Rip countless times for chasing ducks – he decided to teach him a lesson. He took some twine and tied a dead duck on top of poor Rip’s head. It looked hilarious but it seemed to work, the message drilled continuously into Rip’s brain. Rip didn’t chase any more ducks. He looked kind of guilty all the time for killing the ducks, especially the one tied to his head. After awhile the duck bonnet slipped to the side and it looked more like a duck tumor. When Rip would lie down, guilt turned to shame and he’d put his paws over his duck-head as if to hide from the world’s eyes. Hard to hide with a duck on your head. And hard to sleep too, I imagine, unless it made for a nice down feather pillow. Anyway… hope you bring your dogs when you visit the southern Rockies. The ducks are mostly gone, south for winter, so there won’t be any need for fancy head gear. And we can always use a few new dog tales. — Joe Haukebo, Publisher

cross country

snowmobile

snowboard

sleigh ride

snowshoe

downhill

ice fish

shop

tube

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sled

The lifeup high

Angel Fire is

8 SKICOUNTRY 2015

EL PUEBLO LODGECome stay at the edge of town, at the edge of everything! Southwest charm with early Taos architecture. Compli-mentary wifi and HBO. Heated, sea-sonal pool, year-round hot tub. Conti-nental 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, NMwww.ElPuebloLodge.com

FIRESIDE INN CABINSModern, deluxe one and two bedroom fully-equipped cab-ins 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 porch – Open year-round.

888.264.9204 970.264.92041600 E. Hwy 160, Pagosa Springs, COwww.FiresideCabins.com

Alp

ine

Lodg

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LIFTS WEST CONDOMINUM AND RESORT HOTELCombines old world charm with modern conveniences; luxury within a warm, homey atmosphere; bustling activity – from

Main Street to our own atrium lobby and shopping mall – with the quiet pri-vacy of our well-designed rooms. In the heart of Red River, a preferred location

for summer and winter and group meetings. Dramatic atrium with giant stone fireplace, perfect for concerts, dances, or lectures. 75 deluxe accommodations include satellite TV, free wi-fi, non-smoking rooms. Conference rooms, souvenir shops and

café on-site.

800.221.1859 575.754.2778 201 W. Main Street, Red River, NM www.LiftsWest.com

KACHINA LODGE andMEETINGS CENTER in TaosFour 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.com413 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM

9www.hawk-media.com

HUMANS WERE NEVER MEANT TO HIBERNATE

ALL SEASONS ~ SPORTS ~Serving the best since 1970

SKI • SNOWBOARD • SNOWBLADESKI & BOARD RENTALS and SALES

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ICELANDIC SWEATERS • BEARPAW SHOES

800.686.3485 575.754.2308AllSeasonsRRNM.com

600 W Main Street • Red River, NM

10 SKICOUNTRY 2015

11www.hawk-media.com

Our

Tow

ns

Winter came down to our home one night

Quietly pirouetting in on slippery-toed

slippers of snow,

And we, we were children once again.

— Bill Morgan, Jr.

R hapsody in white. A whirling ballet of flakes and flurries. Albino skin for

a cloud-crowned mountain. No matter what metaphorical spin you give to snow, it remains kindling for the spirit of child’s play. Stuck-out tongues tasting snowflakes, sledding runs, the inven-tion of snowmen, are all part of winter’s charm, yet there is also the season’s reflective side. Its deep silences, stark electric hushes, and vigilant stillness. Winter manifests in many guises—monk, merry prankster, pall-bearer, love guru (see: Snuggling with Loved Ones On a Cold Night, and Fireside Intimacy)—and its praises are sung high and low in the Southern Rockies. High desert iconoclast and quirkyCasanova, Taos continues to seduceand charm and cajole imports from allwalks of life. “Yuletide in Taos” is the umbrella term for the various seasonal celebrations and traditions. Historic Ledoux Street becomes the farolito-illuminated hotspot for the annual “Lighting of Ledoux” (December 6, 5-7 pm), when shops and galleries open their doors and extend holiday warmth by way of food, drink and music. Charles Dick-en’s A Christmas Carol will take center stage at the Taos Center for the Arts (December 10-14, 7 pm). Las Posadas, a re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging, takes place outside the San Francisco de Assis Church—a tradition in and of itself—December 14-22, 6 pm. Awe, mystery, and age-old sacredness are at the heart of the Christ-mas Eve Procession at Taos Pueblo, the

oldest continuously inhabited community in North America. The Procession of the Virgin at sunset, tracked to rifle salutes from the 1,000-year-old pueblo rooftops, segues into the trance-inducing bonfires. On Christmas Day at 2 pm, the spirit of winter is honored through the Taos Pueblo Deer or Matachine Dances. Taos’s intimate neighbor to the north, Taos Ski Valley, is in the throes of expansion under new ownership. That being said, TSV continues to draw powder-junkies from around the globe. Yet there’s more than one way to skim a mountain, so if skiing isn’t your preferred method of travel, there’s also snowboard-ing, snowshoeing, tubing, sledding, and snowmobiling. Two popular events of the imbibement variety: The 19th Annual Brew Master’s Festival (December 20, 4:30-7 pm), where you can enjoy a sampling of beer from around the region, and the

29th Annual Taos Winter Wine Festival (January 28-31), which features seminars, wine tastings, and wine dinner hosted by vintners paired with Taos chefs. Named after its firebrand sunsets, the resort of town of Angel Fire is easy

ANGEL FIRE

CHAMA

CIMARRON

CLAYTON

DURANGO

EAGLE NEST

RED RIVER

SOUTH FORK

TAOS

TAOS PUEBLO

TAOS SKI VALLEY

PHOTO: STEVEN BUNDY

12 SKICOUNTRY 2015

ALWAYSFRESH

DOING THE LITTLEEXTRAS TO SERVE OUR CUSTOMERS

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which includes South Fork, Monte Vista and Del Norte, is rich in outdoor recreation and all-natural splendor. South Fork’s annual “Winterfest” takes place December 12 and 13. It takes a little imagination to see Clayton as a mountain town in the lit-eral sense of the word. It’s high enough in altitude, though, higher than most mountains east of the Mississippi. It was the jumping-off place for Santa Fe Trail traders, who knew that in another day from Rabbit Ears, they’d see the mountains that were their destination.

The St. James Hotel in Cimarron offers a celebrated window into an unruly past. Legendary visitors such as Blackjack Ketchum, Kit Carson, Clay Allison, Jesse James and Buffalo Bill Cody have become part of its dramatic fabric, and ghosts of all shapes and sizes have allegedly remained active occupants.

John Biscello lives and writes in Taos. His

books, Freeze Tag and Broken Land: A

Brooklyn Tale, are available through

www.amazon.com

on the eyes, with a flair for good times marking its character. There are 76 ski and snowboarding trails, suitable for all skill levels, and the resort also plays host to snowshoeing, sleigh rides and snowmobiling. The Polar Coaster, the largest tubing park in the Southern Rockies, gives children of all ages a chance to experience a live-action “polar express.” Notable events include Wild West Weekend (January 23-25), and the Angel Fire Winter Carnival and Shovel Race World Championships (February 6-8), in which participants plant their fannies in a steel shovel and race down the mountain in the name of fun, money, and bragging rights. Take the Polar Plunge New Year’s Day in icy Eagle Nest Lake. 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 record-breaking rainbows, cutthroats and other fish in an effort to beguile locals and visitors alike. Red River, the “Little Texas” of New Mexico, known for its down-home vibe and a gold-mining past, keeps its winter fun centrally located, with the ski base in the middle of town. The bursts and flares of a fireworks spectacle are part of the 45th annual Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade, and families can usher in 2015 at the Old-Fashioned New Year’s Eve Party. Other seasonal highlights include: The Winter Carnival & Parade of Ice, January 9-19, which features ice sculptures along Main Street; and the Red River Songwriter’s Festival (January 23-25), a three-day celebration of music and song. The village of Chama lays claim to a rough and rugged boomtown past, when gold-fever possessed the hearts and minds of many would-be “lucky strikers.” Set in the breathtaking Rio

Chama Valley, winter fun includes ski-ing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice fishing on the Heron Reservoir. The Chama Chile Ski Classic, a cross-coun-try ski event, takes place on Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend in January. Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Durango’s postcard-charm and winter- friendly disposition earned it a ranking as one of America’s “Top 10 Christmas Towns” by HGTV (Home & Garden Tele-vision). Purgatory, in Durango-speak, means 35,000 acres of mountain terrain where skiers and snowboarders can

get their velocity on. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which has been in operation for over a century, plays host to the Polar Express through-out the holidays, in which children are encouraged to don their pajamas and enjoy a leisurely trip to the North Pole. Mid-winter mirth and kicks comes in the form of “Snowdown 2015,” a week-long event featuring a costume ball and street parade, with this year’s theme being “Steampunk Snowdown.” Known as the gateway to the San Juan Mountains, Rio Grande County,

PHOTO: JANET SAILOR

14 SKICOUNTRY 2015

Whe

n in

dou

bt, g

o hi

gher

“W hen in doubt, go higher.” That’s my favorite cliché.

And Taos Ski Valley’s about to crank up a new lift that definitely goes higher—up to 12,450’—just shy of the Kachina Peak summit. Otherwise, it’s a sublime hike, but strenuous. Few students are willing to take on the hour-long ski-toting trek over a rocky spine in order to experience the sweepingly open Kachina Bowl. TSV’s 96-year-old co-founder Rhoda Blake sums up just how it was: “It was an adven-ture.” It’s a life altering perspective and not just because you can gaze off across the Spanish Peaks. (My last client has set his sights on the Himalayas.) For many, Taos Ski Valley itself is a life altering experience. Thirty instructors who taught for visionary founder Ernie Blake remain; he died in 1989. “It was such fun at first, when it was small,” says Rhoda. “It was just one big family. Ernest was too good at PR; then it got big.” Trying to take a clue from Rhoda’s practical, adaptive philos-ophy, we too, remain, sucked in by the Ski Valley’s centrifugal force, molding the rest of our lives around that central core of high-altitude fun. A few years after Ernie died, I was a newly arrived ex-ski instructor with three kids in tow myself. I went back

to work; they went out to play. My six-year old skied Al’s by himself, which earned me the bad mothering award in some circles, but not Rhoda’s. She skied down it herself carrying a small child between her legs. Each of my own sons has worked at TSV, making it a family business as it has for the Blakes for more than half a century—until now. Intimate and idiosyncratic TSV may have a reputation for its passionate skiers and finally, boarders who love the steeps, its highly touted instruction, and one other thing: An enormous cast of real characters. This community celebrates diversity nonexistent in places like Vail, but they can boast about ten times our skier numbers. TSV aspires to be no one but itself. Even so, 20 years ago, there were about 30 percent more skier days than now, and that needs to change. Will possessing one of the highest lifts in North America (increasing our ski-able lift-served terrain 50 percent) turn the tide? The ridiculous, elitist, consum-erist sport known as skiing does not have to be that way, nor was it, especially in our little pseudo- Tyrolean village. We had genuine European roots that harkened back to the likes of Swiss German Ernie Blake, Frenchman Jean Mayer (still

our technical director) and so many others. Rhoda recalls living in a 16-foot trailer in the early years and carrying small kids to the outhouse. Once, a stuck door made her land outside on her head. Peter, the littlest, said, “Mommy, do that again.” Together Ernie and Rhoda crafted the place with an absurd-ist vision to build a ski area out of nothing but thin air, altitude and plenty of attitude. Ernie got the fact that “geography is destiny.” Flying in his Cessna with Pete Totemoff, Ernie discovered the bones of a great ski area where everyone else saw sheer folly. Rhoda, who had grown up in New York City, loved this “relaxed” place. Ernie made a good front man, his antics drawing true believers to a place anyone with a brain knew was too steep and too far from everything. All was not sweetness and light. There were fistfights and firings, oft-told tales chronicled in Rick Richard’s history The Ski Pioneers. By 1957 they installed a Poma lift up Al’s run. Rhoda, having worked at an airplane factory in the war, mounted leftover ski troop skis in a back room as rentals, which they bought for a buck a pair from Fort Hale. “Everyone did every-thing,” she said. She taught skiing, she raised kids, she fixed stuff, and

15www.hawk-media.com

she cooked for their many guests. “I’m a terrible cook,” she admits. Now enter new owner Louis Bacon, with a reputation as a dedicated conservationist, true Taos aficionado (who already owned real estate in the ‘hood) and perhaps most importantly, very deep pockets. He is a media-avoid-ant expert skier who has said that his vision for TSV will be “a balancing act”—a pithy definition of skiing after all. But can he still ski under the radar while owning the whole damn mountain? (Actually, the Forest Service grants permits). And what will he say the first time there’s a powder day and they crank up the iconic new lift on our old iconic mountain? I know what I’d say: “I get first tracks.”

Actually, that falls to the ski patrol. It’s a bittersweet brave new world. But Rhoda says, “I think it’ll be great. Everything changes.” She takes careful aim, lighting up another cigarette, and inhales. She tells me that she hasn’t skied since the eighties because she can’t see well enough to ski fast enough “and that’s not fun.” She won the only ski race she says she ever entered. Her love of speed is legendary, especially driving. She was known to beat Ernie’s Porsche with her Chevelle. A tough mom who carried kids up the Ski Valley road if they got stuck, she couldn’t let anything stop her. When she saw a driver in the road with both doors open putting on chains, she’d gun it. “You should see how fast they’d get out of

the way,” she says with a little smile. This year I’m psyched about taking clients to Kachina Bowl who otherwise might not get there, but whom I know can ski it. It’s quite easy—well, for a double black (expert run). There are other changes afoot, too, like renovating the base area and planning for a lift up to the lovely Wild West, right now a hike-only and entirely danceable 60 acres. Plenty of other hiking-only terrain yet remains. So…when in doubt, go higher. And now, oftener.

Longtime Taos Ski Valley ski instructor Dr.

Michele Potter’s motto is “Skiing is life; the

rest is waiting.” While waiting, she renovates

houses, teaches at UNM Taos, and writes.

PHOTO: COURTESY TAOS SKI VALLEY

16 SKICOUNTRY 201516

HOTEL LA FONDA de TAOSThe 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 Mosaic Fine Dining,

Noula’s Starbucks Coffee Shop, and the D.H. Lawrence “Forbidden

Art Collection.” 19 rooms, 5 suites, and our Plaza Penthouse.

Friendly, personal service. Walking distance to galleries, museums,

shopping, entertainment, fine dining.

108 SOUTH PLAZA, TAOS, NEW MEXICO WWW.LAFONDATAOS.COM 800.833.2211 505.758.2211

PHOTO COURTESY HOTELSTFRANCIS.COM / JEFF CAVEN

THE HISTORIC TAOS INNExperience Southwestern charm and history at

The Historic Taos Inn in the heart of Taos.

Acclaimed by National Geographic Traveler as

“One of America’s Great Inns,” and listed on the

National and NM Registers of Historic Places.

44 rooms and suites, most 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.

125 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS, NEW MEXICOTAOSINN.COM 575.758.2233

His

tori

c H

otel

s

ST. JAMES HOTELWhere 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 com-

fortable rooms and a restored western restaurant and bar. Ghosts, each with

their own obsessions and rituals, are said to still haunt the place.

617 SOUTH COLLISON, CIMARRON, NEW MEXICO, 87714

WWW.EXSTJAMES.COM 888.376.2664 575.376.2664

17www.hawk-media.com

Hang your hat in Clay ton for a night or two...

Clayton -Union County Chamber of Commerce& Tourist Information Center

1103 South First Street | Clayton, NM 88415 | 800 390 7858

claytonnm.org

or forever

18 SKICOUNTRY 2015

red river200A Pioneer Road

575.754.1773

angel fireFA-1 Ski Patrol Building

575.377.1805

The ONLY certifiedUrgent Care Clinics

in the Enchanted Circle

ultimed.com

No appointment necessary7 days a week

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 Therapiesfor Altitude Sickness

Most insurances acceptedincluding Medicare,

Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, & Humana

Lesa Fraker, MD PhD FACEPOwner/Medical Director

Board Certifi ed Emergency Medicine Physician

care you can count on

urgent medical careA Winter

Wonderland For 75 Years

Wolf CreekSki Area

Top 10 Ski Getaways—Mountain Living

Top 100 Favorite Restaurants in the World

—Robb Report

Like Stepping Intoan Alpine Fairy Tale.

– New York Times

575.776.8020 | TAOS SKI VALLEY, NM

TH E BAVA R I A N . C O M

GENUINE BAVARIAN CUISINE

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WINTER RESTAURANTHOURS: OPEN DAILY

LUNCH 11:30-3:30APRÉS SKI 3-5

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RED RIVERSKI AREA

ANGEL FIRERESORT

TAOS SKIVALLEY

SIPAPUSKI RESORT

SKI APACHE

WOLF CREEKSKI AREA

PagosaSprings

Chama •

Taos

RedRiver

SouthFork

• Ruidoso

Albuquerque

Eagle Nest

AngelFire

•

•

Durango•

•

•

•

Santa Fe •

•

•

Ski

the

Sou

thw

est

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PAJARITOMOUNTAIN

Los Alamos •

Y ou can ride almost

anywhere in the world. But

nowhere in the world do you get our

magical mix of Southwestern sun and snow,

culture and cuisine, wildlife and wilderness,

art and history. The landscape is stunning –

from high alpine terrain above treeline to

a huge rip in the earth.

Our ski mountains rip – chutes, cliffs, bowls,

cruisers; and in terrain parks – rails, boxes,

rainbows, banks. Treks into the backcountry

are beautiful and boss.

Outside our quaint mountain towns you’ll

discover fresh pockets of adventure and feel

this winter completely, utterly alive.

Nothing like it anywhere. PHOTO: COURTESY TAOS SKI VALLEY

20 SKICOUNTRY 2015

TAOS SKI VALLEY Taos Ski Valley will open Kachina Peak to

lift-accessed skiing and snowboarding as

well as several additional new enhance-

ments, including new hike-to terrain.

“Kachina Peak offers some of the most

spectacular views and terrain in North Ameri-

ca,” said Gordon Briner, CEO of Taos Ski

Valley. “The new Kachina Peak lift provides

the opportunity for everyone to enjoy this

iconic terrain and have one of the most

unique experiences in winter recreation.”

With a summit of 12,450 feet, the

Kachina Peak lift is one of the highest

chairlifts in North America and increases the

mountain’s lift-serviced terrain by 50 percent.

For hike-to terrain, Highline Ridge and

West Basin will remain accessible by foot

only; new hike-to terrain this season includes

the opening of The Wild West Glades.

Accessible via the West Basin Ridge, The

Wild West Glades consists of 35 acres.

The Millennium Pass (good for 70 days),

the unlimited Adult Full Season Pass, and the

Family Full Pass will each include exchange

days at Copper Mountain, Durango Mountain

Resort, Crested Butte, Arapahoe Basin,

Powder Mountain and Silverton Mountain.

The Ernie Blake Snowsports School also

will unveil the new Mountain Guide program,

which connects guests with the valley’s top

ambassadors, who share local lore and the

best off-the-map runs.

Taos Ski Valley has also upgraded

its snowmaking system with two energy-

efficient compressors, plus a new drop-off

area that features views of the Sangre de

Cristo mountains, and a walkway with stores

Ski

Are

as

www.AngelFireFun.com866-668-7787

SIPAPU SKI &SUMMER RESORTSipapu Ski and Summer Resort is New Mex-

ico’s fastest growing ski resort. Home to the

longest ski season in New Mexico, Sipapu

offers a natural mountain terrain, perfect

for all ability levels. From green and blue

groomed cruisers to the steeps and powder

stashes found above Lift 1, this mountain has

something for everyone – with almost no lift

line waiting.

Located just 20 miles southeast of Taos

and two hours north of Albuquerque, Sipapu

offers family fun to all levels of skiers and

snowboarders. Sipapu’s philosophy is to be

This program is designed for first-time skiers

and boarders ages 13 and older to progress

through a series of five lessons and earn a

free season pass with their completion of

the program.

3-Ski Program – For the tiniest of tots

just learning how to ski, the Resort offers

a unique program for three-year-olds. The

3-Ski Program offers little ones a short

private lesson, lunch and snacks plus snow

play and activities at SnowBear Camp.

The Family Season Pass – New this

season, a family of up to six people can

purchase an unlimited ski and snowboard

pass for each member of the family.

5th Graders Ski Free – The only ski resort

in New Mexico to offer all fifth graders a

free lift ticket with their report card and a

paying, accompanying adult. Kids six and

under ski free.

and services that line the path to the base

area and lifts. These improvements are the

first stages of the renovation of the base area.

SkiTaos.org866-968-7386

Angel Fire Resort is expanding its terrain for

skiers and boarders, offering new special

winter discounts, and continuing its fami-

ly-friendly format. The Railyard, a new terrain

park, opens this winter off the side of the

popular green trail Headin’ Home and will

feature boxes, rails and jumps geared

towards those new to skiing and boarding.

This dedicated space will allow beginners

a safe place to try out their tricks before

attempting the more advanced terrain parks.

The resort is also moving the nighttime

terrain park Night Rider to Exhibition. This

new location is on the front side of the

mountain, which will allow the park to take

advantage of the best snow on the moun-

tain. Night Rider will be open both day and

night and will offer the best lighted terrain for

those who wish to stay after dark. (Available

on weekends and holiday peak periods.)

Several programs are being added:

Ski Free Month – new this season, stay

at the Lodge at Angel Fire Resort January

5-29 and ski for free. (Excludes Friday and

Saturday nights and January 18.)

The Parenting Pass – Perfect for the family

that has already developed their snow skills.

This interchangeable pass allows two par-

ents to take turns coaching and skiing with

their child.

High Five Learn to Ski and Ride Program –

ANGEL FIRE RESORT

21www.hawk-media.com

Ski

Are

asDURANGO MOUNTAIN RESORTPurgatory at Durango Mountain Resort was

named the Best Ski Value in North America

by TripAdvisor for the past two seasons

(2012-2014), and is recognized as a top fam-

ily-friendly resort. Purgatory provides snow

enthusiasts many ways to enjoy the winter

wonderland with 88 trails, five terrain parks

and 1,360 skiable acres. With 10 chairlifts and

rarely any lines, it’s simple to zip around the

mountain and enjoy the spectacular scenery

amidst the rugged San Juan Mountains. Oth-

www.RedRiverSkiArea.com575-754-2223

Reservations are required and can be made

by calling 575-754-2223. The Grill at the Lift

House is going through a complete remodel

and you will be delighted with a new dining

experience.

Winter tubing is available after the slopes

close for the day and tickets can now be

purchased online prior to your arrival. When

pre-purchasing your tickets if you book lodging

with one of our Platinum Partners 72 hours

prior to your arrival, your tickets (along with

other RRSA products except for rentals) will be

at your lodging accommodations when you

check in.

Torchlight Parade and Fireworks have

been a long-standing tradition here at the

Red River Ski and Summer Area. Available

every Saturday night and on special holidays,

plus two Spring Break Torchlight Parades

are planned. Watch for Winter Carnival in

January, Mardi Gras in the Mountains in Feb-

ruary and Rail Jams and Slopestyle events

throughout the season.

More snow guns are in place and ready to

create ideal winter conditions along with

Mother Nature. Temperatures look promising

and our snow making team from New Zealand

has already returned. Linton Judycki, carrying

forward his dad’s vision, offers the best snow-

making and grooming in the region.

Season passes as well as our winter

fun activities are available on our website.

Snow Coach Dinner tours: A Cozy Mountain

Experience continues this year. This adven-

ture allows guests to leave the base of the

mountain from The Lift House aprés ski to be

transported via heated coach up our moun-

tain to The Tip Restaurant where you will be

served a three-course meal at 10,350 feet.

RED RIVER SKI AREA

the most family-friendly resort in the Rockies.

Guests have been bringing their children

and grandchildren to this family-owned and

operated mountain since 1952. The resort is

small enough so kids won’t get lost, and the

laid-back style is perfect for families looking to

simply enjoy a vacation they can afford. If it’s

your first time on the slopes, come to Sipapu

and get your first three lessons for free!

Sipapu is home to New Mexico’s longest

ski season (opening November 15, the earliest

ever) and the best deals in the Rockies. The

resort is surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo

Mountains and Carson National Forest, and

features over 40 trails, five lifts and four terrain

parks. On-site amenities include slope-side

lodging, a full-service ski shop, ski school and

New Mexico’s best riverside dining experi-

ence at the Riverside Cafe.

SipapuNM.com800-587-2240

SkiPurg.com800-525-0892

WOLF CREEK Wolf Creek Ski Area is ready to fire up its 75th

season of epic powder skiing! This 2014–2015

ski season, the Elma Lift, named after the

Pitcher family’s faithful lab, will become a part

of the mountain, adding more variety and

er winter fun includes dog sledding, tubing,

cross country skiing, snowshoeing, horse-

drawn sleigh rides, ice climbing, snowbiking,

backcountry skiing, and snowmobiling. Du-

rango Mountain Resort is the base camp for

Colorado’s largest snowcat skiing operation,

San Juan Untracked, which has access to

35,000 acres of pure alpine bliss.

Purgatory is adding more snowmaking

equipment to the front and backside of the

mountain: 11 new snowmaking tower guns,

and a state-of-the-art, high-output fan gun.

The Resort is partnering with Burton Snow-

boards and expanding the way its coaches

teach snowboarding. A new Burton Riglet

Park will be featured in the base area allowing

the youngest of riders, ages 3-6 years, to

experience sliding on snow and get a jump

start on learning.

Purgatory Rentals is getting a facelift to give

guests a seamless rental experience from

start to finish, complete with new boot fitting

stations, snowboard demos and an upgraded

rental fleet. The redesigned shop offers guests

a more efficient experience with less time

spent in the shop and more time on the slopes.

Take advantage of value packages with a

“Buy 3, Get the 4th Free,” Stay and Ski Get-

away Package, plus discounted lift tickets.

Information and tickets available online:

22 SKICOUNTRY 2015

Ski

Are

as

SKI APACHEMescalero, New Mexico’s Ski Apache—the

country’s southernmost ski resort—offers

bumps, bowls, cruisers, a terrain park and the

only slopeside gondola in the state. Touted

as the best warm-weather powder capital in

character to the mountain and providing an

alternate route back to the base area from the

Alberta Lift. The new Race Hutch comes to life

this season, with an observation area for the

crew and storage area for race equipment.

Kingsbury “Pitch” Pitcher, owner of Wolf

Creek Ski Area and New Mexico Ski Hall Of

Famer, was inducted into the Colorado Ski and

Snowboard Hall of Fame this year. Pitch, who

celebrated his 95th birthday in July, was one of

the first certified instructors of the Rocky Moun-

tain Ski Instructors Association. The life-long

skier raced for the Stanford University Ski Team

and was a ski school instructor, supervisor

and ski area operator for many years. Pitch

has been a ski industry consultant over the

years and has played a role in the develop-

ment of many ski resorts including Snowmass,

Buttermilk Mountain, Arrowhead, Ski Apache,

Santa Fe Ski Basin, Big Sky, Wolf Creek and ski

properties near Telluride.

The Wolf Creek Ski School is introducing

a new pilot snowboard program called the

Wolf Riders for children age five to eight

that teaches the basics and beyond of

snowboarding.

A mobile friendly version of the website

will be available so smartphones and elec-

tronic tablets will have easy access.

PAJARITO MOUNTAINLocated in Los Alamos, New Mexico, and

30 minutes northwest of Santa Fe, Pajarito

Mountain Ski Area offers 40 trails, 6 lifts and

two terrain parks, all located on 751 acres on

the eastern edge of the Jemez Mountains.

Known for its spectacular views of the Rio

Grande Valley and the Valles Caldera Nation-

al Preserve, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area was

founded and developed in the late 1950s by

the Los Alamos Ski Club. The fall line and

bump runs are heralded as some of the best

in the state, and the mountain offers a ski

school, restaurant, and ski rental facility.

The big news this year is that the Man-

aging Partner at Pajarito Mountain Ski Area

and Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort is now the

owner of Purgatory at Durango Mountain

and Arizona Snowbowl. Read more about the

Southwest’s largest mountain collective in

the article on the next page.

Also new this year is the New Mexico

Power Pass, the only season pass in the state

that offers unlimited skiing and snowboard-

ing at two ski areas, Pajarito and Sipapu, plus

North America, Ski Apache sprawls out under

the 12,000-plus foot peak of Sierra Blanca.

The Snow Sport School Learning Center

has plenty of programs for the family—kids

and adults, even mixtures of the two with the

popular Mom and Me, Dad and Me programs.

Or you can kick it on a trikke or rip down the

tubing hill. Boasting over 300 days of sun-

shine each year. You can even take a break

and hit the slot machines slopeside in The

Lodge. Visit us for info and events online:

SkiApache.com575-464-3600

ENCHANTED FOREST XC SKIGetting on the right trail is easy stuff at New

Mexico’s oldest full-service cross-country ski

and snowshoe area, Enchanted Forest, a few

miles east of Red River. Back country bliss in

a groomed, signed and patrolled area: Cross

Country? Over 33 km (600) acres of prime

forest groomed 12-foot wide tracks for ad-

ditional skiing and a wide skate lane for the

freestylers. Snowshoe? Old growth forests,

aspen groves, wildlife—a cool nature trek.

Warm up with a snack at the hit where

you can rent the stuff you need. Group and

individual lessons. Got a dog? Bring ‘em.

Five km are dog-friendly. Need a night? How

about a mountain yurt? Midweek is easier to

book. Visit the website for more information

and events:

EnchantedForestXC.com800-966-9381 575-754-6112

free lift tickets at more than 20 mountains in

the southwest and throughout the country.

Pajarito offers several other affordable sea-

son pass options, all of which are available

online at thepowerpass.com, skipajarito.com

and sipapunm.com, and at lift ticket offices

for both Pajarito and Sipapu.

Several options for securing water for

snowmaking (and also fire mitigation in the

summer) are being investigated, including

adding new water collection points and drill-

ing a test well. The project is ongoing, to be

launched later this year if weather cooperates.

During the summer season, Pajarito

Mountain is home to an extensive mountain

biking trail system with lift-served access.

SkiPajarito.com505-662-5725

WolfCreekSki.com1-800-754-9653

23www.hawk-media.com

SW’s

larg

est s

ki o

pera

tor a

dds

mor

e m

ount

ains

Sipapu managing partner James Coleman adds Pajarito, Durango

Mountain Resort and Arizona Snowbowl to the fold, forming the largest ski mountain collective in the Southwest.

After nearly 15 years as the man-aging partner at Sipapu (near Taos, NM), Coleman understands how

to successfully operate ski resorts. Since his arrival at Sipapu, he has doubled the ski area terrain and quadrupled skier visits to launch this modest mountain to the fastest growing resort in New Mexico. His commitment to snowmaking has also helped Sipapu to earn a dis-tinct reputation for being the first ski area open in New Mexico (Sipapu is scheduled to open Nov. 15, which will mark the 12th consecutive time the NM ski area opens before any other) as well as having the state’s longest ski season. “I have spent most of my life skiing, working and living in this re-gion, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to continue the visionary leadership of Arizona Snowbowl’s General Partner, Eric Borowsky, Purgatory’s Chairman Chuck Cobb and the Dun-can family,” Coleman said. “Skiing is my first priority and, like many of our guests, I’m always eager to get the winter season started,” Coleman said. “I’m com-mitted not only to opening these mountains early but also creating an exceptional experience for skiers and snowboarders – be it local or destination resort guests – while making each of these ski areas the most family-friendly,

family-fun resorts in the Southwest and the best value in the nation.” Last May, the Los Alamos Ski Club – which had previously owned and operated Pajarito – voted and approved to transfer Pajarito Moun-tain Ski Area to Los Alamos County and a new partnership formed by the Sipapu Group. As part of their commitment to snowmaking, Los Alamos County, Pajarito staff, the Los Alamos Ski

Club and the Sipapu Group have been working to secure approvals for a temporary pipeline, which will transport water (to be used for snowmaking purposes in the winter and fire mitigation in the summer) to the ski area’s holding pond. In addition to investing in water and snowmaking, the Sipapu Group plans to enhance both the winter and summer on-mountain experi-ence through trail, lift, terrain park, tree skiing, and mountain biking trail expansions and improvements. Skiing in the Pajarito area dates at least to the 1930s, and a ski club was first organized in 1943. Today,

the area has six lifts – a quad, a triple, three coubles and one rope tow – 40 trails on 751 acres and a peak elevation of 10,440 feet. This summer, Sipapu and Pajari-to unveiled the New Mexico Power Pass, New Mexico’s only season pass with unrestricted access to two ski areas plus free skiing at more than 25 partner mountains in New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and throughout the country. Coleman

said that Purgatory and Snowbowl will maintain their existing pass partnerships. The ski industry was buzzing earlier this year when Purgatory chairman Chuck Cobb announced he – together with the resort share-holders, including the mountain’s founding family – was looking for an outside investor to take over majority ownership of the 1,360-acre ski area. Cobb was the majority owner since 2000 and secured the approvals for Purgatory’s master development plan that will allow for extensive improvements through the end of the decade.

PHOTO: COURTESY DURANGO MOUNTAIN RESORT

24 SKICOUNTRY 2015

The Family Vacation of a Lifetime…Any Time of Year!

800.432.9999 575.754.2252www.RedRiver-NM.com

T he Riverside sprawls comfortably over three

acres of beautifully land-scaped grounds, only 50

feet from the Copper Chairlift. Families love our wonderful playground, lawn games, BBQ area and hot tub. Amenities include telephones, kitchens, fireplaces, satellite TV, DVD players and free wireless internet at very reasonable rates. We now have laundry services, too. Ask about our off-season and Wednesday Free packages!

25www.hawk-media.com

UNLIMITED Trails

UNCROWDED Slopes

Lots of LODGING Choices

Lots of FUN

�lled with Recreation, Rich History and A�ordability.

Come play with us, where It’s OK to have too much fun!

World Class Small Town . . .

Adventure

www.SOUTHFORK.org

kokoman@cybermesa.com34 Cities of Gold Road, Pojoque, NM 87506

Hwy 84-285, Pojoaque, NM 12 miles N. of Santa Fe

Simply the best liquor store in northern NM

Competitive PricesLargest Selection • Friendly Staff

Temperature-Controlled Wine Cellar

OVER 3,500 WINES • 1000 BEERS • 390 VODKAS222 TEQUILAS • 105 SINGLE MALT SCOTCHES • 157 RUMS

505.455.2219

26 SKICOUNTRY 2015

Insp

irat

iona

l Win

ter

Ret

reat

s

VERMEJO PARK RANCH Nestled among the southern Rockies,

Vermejo Park Ranch is a beautiful and

unique resort-ranch with a touch of

Southwest enchantment. Operating as a

remote getaway for outdoor enthusiasts

since the early 1900s, the ranch offers

an unparalleled opportunity to recreate

and explore the largest tract of privately

owned property in the West.

Looking for a winter reprieve? From

January to March, Winter Escape™ sea-

son at Vermejo’s Costilla Lodge is the

ideal blend of modern-day comforts and

unspoiled natural beauty.

Perfect for families, business

groups, couples or friends, Winter

Escape™ includes a full range of outdoor

activities including snowshoeing, Nordic

skiing, wildlife viewing, unparalleled ice

fishing and ample opportunity for rest

and relaxation.

Nature not calling to you? The

spacious lodge is a perfect environment

for escape from the winter elements.

The Great Room boasts a floor to ceiling

sandstone hearth, perfect for warming

your bones. Enjoy our in-room massage

services, or relax by the fire with a good

book, brandy, or house-made hot cocoa.

OJO CALIENTE MINERAL SPRINGSDeemed sacred by Native Americans of

Northern New Mexico, Ojo Caliente

Mineral Springs has been a gathering

place and a source of healing for

thousands of years.

Soaking in these sacred waters can

be traced back to the earliest human

migrations in the region. In the 1500’s

the Spaniards, in their quest for gold and

the Fountain of Youth, also discovered

the Springs. One explorer’s record cites,

“The greatest treasure that I found these

people to possess are hot springs which

burst out at the foot of a mountain… so

powerful are the chemicals contained

in this water that the inhabitants have a

belief that they were given to them by

their gods. These Springs I have named

Ojo Caliente” (“hot eye”).

Generations continue to make the

pilgrimage year-round to Ojo to soak

This high country setting offers the

perfect getaway from the crowds. Each

morning witness the namesake of the

Sangre de Cristo range, as the sun stains

the peaks in blood-red beauty. Each

night, more stars than you can count fill

the sky. Delightfully far from the hustle

and bustle, Vermejo’s Costilla Lodge is

the destination to relax and unwind.

Located 65 miles from Raton,

Costilla Lodge provides visitors sweep-

ing views of the Costilla Basin, well

known for Rocky Mountain wildlife,

fishing and outdoor opportunities.

Prices start at $350 per person

and include guided activities and meals.

Whether it’s outdoor adventure or

peaceful escape you seek, our staff can

tailor an adventure to suit any variety of

skill or desire. For more information go to

www.VermejoParkRanch.com

27www.hawk-media.com

VISTA VERDE RETREAT CENTERVista Verde Retreat Center is a vacation

rental located on 32 acres in the rural

high desert forest of northern New

Mexico, close to the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument. This beauti-

ful abode is tucked among old-growth

junipers and piñon pines. If you like

being in nature but prefer not to rough

it, this place is for you. A sense of

serenity is pervasive as you wind your

way through the compound. The retreat

is designed for you to deepen your

connection with the land and allow the

tensions from daily life to dissolve.

The location of Vista Verde Retreat

is ideal. The three miles of dirt roads to

the retreat center are passable year-

round and give the feeling that you are

“out there.” A 4-wheel drive vehicle is

in the four unique, sulfur-free, healing

mineral waters: Lithia, Iron, Soda and Arsenic. Ojo’s 11 geothermal mineral

pools include 3 private outdoor pools

with kiva fireplaces and a new Mud Area where guests 13 and older slather

mud all over their bodies and lay in the

sun until the special blend of clay dries.

Toxins are released from the pores of

your skin and when the clay is washed

off you come away feeling cleansed and

refreshed.

In addition to the healing waters,

Ojo offers a wide array of soothing

and nurturing spa services including

massage and body treatments such as

the Native American Blue Corn & Prickly

Pear Salt Scrub, Ancient Echoes (based

on East Indian Head Massage), and face,

skin and body care.

While Ojo is very popular in summer

and fall, winter is especially attractive to

skiers looking to defrost their bones. The

Skier’s Special offers those who bring

their lift ticket or season pass from any

New Mexico ski resort 20% off soaking

or lodging. Additional winter packages

including the two-night Girls’ Getaway

and Couples’ Romance Retreat offer

lodging, spa treatments, yoga classes and

private pools. Another great bargain is

Triple the Warmth, which gives guests

who stay two nights their third night free.

Ojo’s Artesian Restaurant and Wine

Bar provides a casual dining experience

and charming atmosphere, serving

seasonal Southwestern favorites and a

variety of international dishes.

Ojo is located 45 minutes south of

Taos and an hour north of Santa Fe. For

more information, visit us online at

www.OjoSpa.com

recommended in the snow and in the

springtime mud. The “town” of Carson

consists of about 150 residents, a general

store, a post office and a fire department.

The remote, peaceful area provides a

respite for the most harried of individuals.

Owner Elizabeth Brownrigg is an

artist/designer, metaphysical healer, and

nature lover, whose vision has long been

to create a sanctuary in this incredible

land for like-minded individuals. It is truly

an oasis in the high desert forest and a

haven for artists and healers.

The heritage of the ancient Indian

culture and the expansiveness of the

land and sky create a sense of ground-

ed spirituality. The sound of the wind

blowing through the pines and the sweet

smell of sage is intoxicating. The nearby

mountains provide an incredible back-

drop. When you need an urban fix, Taos

and Santa Fe are not far.

Vista Verde Retreat Center is avail-

able for special events, group rentals, or

private retreats. Vista Verde is a wonder-

ful place to host your workshop – be it a

day, a week or a month.

The Studio, a beautiful 37’ x 27’

space, has a sprung dance floor. This

floor can be completely covered with

yoga mat material or protected –

ideal for dance, yoga retreats, Tai Chi,

movement, corporate training, art and

other types of creative and/or healing

workshops.

In addition to the 1,800 sq. ft. Main House, the Adobe Casita, Straw Bale Casita, Stick Casita, and The Q are

also available. Lastly, there are two Tipis

which sleep 2-3 each (bring your

sleeping bag).

The surrounding landscape is

natural, with a large fenced area and

gravel walkways. There are numerous

walking trails in the surrounding forest

with beautiful views of the Sangre de

Cristo mountain range. For details on

accommodations, rates, and amenities visit

www.VistaVerdeRetreat.com

28 SKICOUNTRY 2015

TAOSBENT 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 & 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 26 consecutive years. Innovative Regional New American Cuisine using the freshest local ingredients, specializing in organic vegetables, meats and fish, includingfavorites like buffalo, elk, trout. Home-made desserts. Lunch, dinner, weekend brunch. Reservations recommended. DocMartinsRestaurant.com

FARMHOUSE CAFE AND BAKERY – Three miles north of Taos Plaza at Overland Ranch. 575-758-LOVE (5863). 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 assort-ment 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. Call or visit online for winter dinner hours: FarmhouseCafeAndBakery.com

GUADALAJARA GRILL – Two locations in Taos: Southside – 1384 Paseo del Pueblo Sur. 575-751-0063. Northside – 822 Paseo del Pueblo Norte. 575-737-0816. “Our secret sauce makes the difference!” Authentic Mexican food in New Mexico. Seafood, Chile Relle-nos, Azteca Quesadilla, Camarones a la Diabla, Ceviche and so much more. Beer, Wine, Agave Margaritas. Nominat-ed by the NM Restaurant Association for best NM restaurant 2014. Winter hours: Sun 10:30-8:30 pm. Fri-Sat 10:30 to 9 pm. Open 7 days a week. See our full menu: GuadalajaraGrillTaos.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 Amer-ican 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. From $5.50 to $9.

LA CUEVA CAFE – 135 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos. 575-758-7001. The best flavor of Mexican food and New Mexico. Rellenos, combination plate, fajitas and much more. Gluten free, vegetarian and seafood dishes. Open 7 days a week, 10 am–9 pm. TripAd-visor and Yelp awarded. Full menu online: LaCuevaCafe.com

THE GORGE BAR and GRILL – 103 East Taos Plaza. 575-758-8866. Stop by The Gorge and try our juicy burgers, hand-shaken Margaritas, or fresh oysters – something for everyone in your family. Enjoy the Best Happy Hour in Taos while sitting on our patio overlooking the Taos Plaza. We feature TWO happy hours: Monday thru Friday 3–5:30 pm and again 9-10 pm. Coming

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29www.hawk-media.com

early in 2015: Our new Wine Store, downstairs in the shops. Visit us online:TheGorgeBarAndGrill.com

THE BAVARIAN LODGE and RESTAURANT at TAOS SKI VALLEY – Located at 100 Kachina Road, Taos Ski Valley. 888-205-8020. Fine German-inspired dining in the heart of New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Authentic German beers on tap, fresh local foods and delicious mixed sausage platters that showcase the tastes of Bavaria! Don’t miss our beautiful sun deck views, ski in and ski out location and fabulous Tuesday night fondue dinners. Reservations recommended. Call for info or visit: www.TheBavarian.com

RED RIVERSUNDANCE – High Street at Copper King. 575-754-2971. Same great food, same great service. Celebrating our 41st 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 FIREANGEL FIRED PIZZA – Located on the second floor of the Mountain View Mall (next to the Lowe’s Valley Market). 575-377-2774. Voted “Best of Angel Fire.” We serve specialty pizzas, baked pastas, calzones, and salads all in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Gluten-free options are available. A wide selection of handcrafted beers and fine wines also available. Dine in or take out. Open Tues-Sun 11 am-9 pm. Daily Happy Hour.

ELEMENTS at THE COUNTRY CLUB – Located on the upper level of the Angel Fire Resort Country Club. 575-377-3055. Open to the public year-round. Enjoy mountain-view fine dining, great appetizers, a full bar and wine selection, private dining rooms and group event spaces. Dining room

is open Tuesday-Saturday 5 pm - 9 pm. Bar and lounge is open Tuesday-Sat-urday 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, or Hatcha’s Grill 575-377-7011 for homemade red or green chile enchiladas!

PUB ‘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.

SUNSET GRILL – 10 Five Springs Road across from Chile Express Chairlift. 575-377-6681. Lunch menu includes appetizers, homemade soups, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Dinner entrées include steak, chicken, fish, and pasta dishes. Full bar, fine wine, and beers on tap. Kid’s menu.

CIMARRONSAINT JAMES HOTEL – 17th and Collison in Cimarron. Reservations rec-ommended. 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 spec-ially-made cocktail, all served from the antique bar. New breakfast menu. Open daily 7 am–9 pm. Visit us online at ExStJames.com

LODGING, DINING & LIVE MUSIC NIGHTLY

at The HISTORIC TAOS INN

taosinn.com575.758.2233

Take a little trip.

30 SKICOUNTRY 2015

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r DEC 3, 5–Festival of Trees and Wreaths, Taos 5–Lighting the Christmas Tree, Taos Plaza 5-7–Annual Race Camp with UNM, Red River Ski Area 5-14–Deal Daze at Red River Ski Area 6–Moonlight Ski & Snowshoe Dinner Tour, Enchanted

Forest XC Ski 6–Taos Feeds Taos Benefit Concert, Taos 6–Moonlight Hike & Campfire, Sipapu Ski Resort 6–Annual Lighting of Ledoux Street, Taos 6–Christmas Festival in the Mountains, Chama 7–College Day, Wolf Creek 7–Ski & Snowboard Academy, Taos Ski Valley 10–Community Blood Drive, Red River 10–Local Appreciation Day, Wolf Creek Ski Area,

Pagosa, CO12–Winterfest, South Fork, CO12–Angel Fire Resort Opening Day 12–Night Skiing begins, Angel Fire Ski Resort12–Red River Ski Area open for daily operations13–Bonfires on Bent Street, Taos13–International Women’s Ski Day, Taos Ski Valley13–Pagosa Nordic Season Opener, Wolf Creek13–Fun Race, #1 of 9 through the season at Wolf Creek14-22–Las Posadas, Historic Ranchos de Taos Church15-19–College Days at Red River Ski Area20–Never Summer Snowboard Demo, Sipapu Resort20–On-Snow Demo Days, Taos Ski Valley20–Breakfast with Santa, Angel Fire Community Center20–19th Annual Brewmaster’s Festival, Taos Ski Valley20–Dummy Gelunde Jump, Ski Apache 20–Torchlight Parade, Ski Apache20-21–Demo Days, Taos Ski Valley20–Polar Coaster Tubing, Angel Fire Resort (ongoing)21–Messiah Sing-A-Long, St. James Episcopal, Taos21–World Snowboard Day, Sipapu Ski Resort21, 27 & ongoing–Snowshoe Alpenglow Evening Tour,

Durango Mountain Resort23–Ski & Snowboard with Santa, Angel Fire Resort23-25–Ski and Snowboard with Santa, most ski areas24–Annual Christmas Eve Party, Sipapu Ski Resort24–Christmas Eve torchlight parades and fireworks,

all ski areas24–Christmas Eve Vespers, Taos and Picuris Pueblos25 –Christmas Luminaria Ski/Snowshoe Tour,

Enchanted Forest XC Ski Area25–Deer or Matachines Dance, Taos Pueblo26–Deer Dance, San Juan Pueblo31–New Year’s celebrations & torchlight parades,

all ski areas 31–Old Fashioned New Year’s Eve Party, Red River

JAN 1–Turtle Dance, Taos Pueblo 1–Polar Bear Plunge, Eagle Nest Lake 1-31–January Bargain Days, Red River Ski Area 3–USASA Gold Rush Rail Jam, Red River Ski Area 3–Moonlight Ski & Snowshoe Dinner Tour,

Enchanted Forest XC Ski Area4, 10–College Ski & Ride Week, Durango Mtn. Resort4, 11–College Days, Wolf Creek Ski Area 4-14–College Days at Red River Ski Area 5-16–College Days, Angel Fire Ski Resort

6–Buffalo Dance, Taos Pueblo 6–King’s Day, Picuris Pueblo 7, 21, 25–Local Appreciation Days, Wolf Creek Ski Area 9-11, 16-19–Winter Carnival Parade of Ice, Red River 9-11–SheRide Snowboard Camp, Durango Mtn. Resort10–Remember the ‘80s Dance Party, Angel Fire Resort10–Camp Robbers, Saturday #1 of 4, Wolf Creek 11–Telemark Clinic, Wolf Creek Ski Area13–Baby Boomer Clinics, Wolf Creek Ski Area (ongoing)14–United Way Day, Wolf Creek Ski Area17–Winter Carnival Snowmobile Hill Climb, Red River17–SkiBike Demo Day, Sipapu Ski Resort17–USSC Ultimate Ski & Snowboard Challenge, Red River17–Telemark Festival, Sipapu Ski Resort17–Santa Fe Brewing Happy Hops Scavenger Hunt,

Sipapu Ski Resort17–Freeheel Fray Telemark Race, Sipapu Ski Resort17-18–Winterfest Celebration, Durango Mtn. Resort16-18–Annual Chama Chile Ski Classic, Chama, NM18–MLK Jr. Giant Slalom Race, Wolf Creek 19-25–Home School Week Bargain Days, Red River22-24–Red River Songwriters Festival23-25–Not Forgotten Veterans Appreciation, TSV23-25–Wild West Weekend, Angel Fire Resort24–UNM Ultimate Ski and Snowboard Challenge,

Angel Fire Resort24–King of the Hill Terrain Park Competition, Sipapu24-25–USASA Snowboard Slalom & Giant Slalom,

Red River Ski Area24-25–Low O2 Challenge Race, Enchanted Forest XC28-1–Snowdown Winter Fest, Durango, CO30-31–UNM Lobo NCAA Invitational Home Meet: Red

River Ski Area, Enchanted Forest XC Ski Area31–Winter Wine Festival Grand Tasting, Taos Ski Valley

FEB 1–Super Bowl Race, Wolf Creek Ski Area 1–Superbowl Celebration, Sipapu Resort 1, 11, 25–Local Appreciation Days, Wolf Creek Ski Area 6-8–Angel Fire Winter Carnival and Shovel Race

Championships, AF Resort 7-8–NM SkiBike Festival, Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort 7–Ice Fishing Tournament, Eagle Nest Lake State Park 8–USASA Slopestyle Competition, Angel Fire Resort 6-7–UNM Invitational Home Meet & Collegiate Races,

Red River Ski Area, Enchanted Forest Ski Area10–Mardi Gras Celebration, Eagle Nest12-17–Mardi Gras in the Mountains, Red River Ski Area13-17–Mardi Gras Celebration, Angel Fire Resort14–Big Little Brew Day, Sipapu Ski Resort14–RRSA Children’s Parade and Bead Toss, Red River14–Santa Fe Brewing Happy Hops Hunt 2, Sipapu14–Love On The Lift, Sipapu Ski Resort14-16–February Fun Fest, Sipapu Ski Resort15–Presidents Day Race, Wolf Creek Ski Area20-22–Not Forgotten Outreach Veterans Appreciation,

Angel Fire Resort20-22–Purgatory Ski Bike Festival, Durango Mtn. Resort21–Wolf Creek Ski Team Invitational21–Lloyd Bolander Memorial Day, Sipapu21–Breast Cancer Awareness Day, Taos Ski Valley21–Telemark Clinic, Wolf Creek Ski Area

21-22–Back Country Babes Weekend / Deep In The Steeps, Wolf Creek Ski Area

21-21–Snow-Ball Balloon Rally, Chama, NM22–Washington’s Day Race, Wolf Creek Ski Area26-28–Salomon Extreme Freeride Championships, TSV28–Just Desserts Eat & Ski, Red River Ski Area28–USASA Red River Rampage Slopestyle, Red River28–Retro Weekend, Angel Fire Resort

MAR 4, 29–Local Appreciation Days, Wolf Creek Ski Area 6-15–Spring Break Celebration, Angel Fire Resort 7–SkiBike Demo Day, Sipapu Ski Resort 7–USASA Snowboard Slalom & Giant Slalom, Red River 7–Ski Bum Ball, Angel Fire Resort 7–Ernie Blake’s Birthday Torchlight Parade & Fireworks,

Taos Ski Valley 7–Spring Beer Festival, Taos Ski Valley 7-8–Hawaiian Days, Sipapu Ski Resort 8-21–Beach Weeks, Red River Ski Area11–Spring Break Torchlight Parade, Red River Ski Area13–Kids Glow Stick Parade, Red River Ski Area14–Annual Cardboard Derby, Sipapu Ski Resort14–New Belgium Scavenger Hunt, Taos Ski Valley14–Spring Fling Race, Wolf Creek Ski Area14–We Be Jammin’ Rail Jam, Red River Ski Area14–Pi Day, Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort14-15–SkiBike Demo Weekend, Sipapu16-20–Springtacular Family Funfest at Purgatory17–St. Patrick’s Day Party, Angel Fire Resort20-21–Ben Myers Ridgeathon, Taos Ski Valley21–Ongoing – Rail Jam & Torchlight Parades, Red River

Ski Area22–Mountain Biking Competition, Angel Fire Resort22, 28–Telemark Clinics, Wolf Creek Ski Area22–End of Season Pond Skim, Red River Ski Area27-29–Dog Days at The Enchanted Forest XC, Red River28–Moonlight Ski & Snowshoe Dinner Tour, Enchanted

Forest XC Ski Area28–Pond Skimming Contest, Sipapu

APR 1, 5–Local Appreciation Days, Wolf Creek 4–College Day, Wolf Creek Ski Area 4-5–Season Celebration Party at Purgatory 5–Closing Day, Taos Ski Valley 5–Easter Day Race, Wolf Creek25–Tierra Wools Spring Harvest, Chama

INFO Angel Fire 800-446-8117Chama Valley 800-477-0149 Durango 970-247-3500Eagle Nest 800-494-9117Pagosa Springs 800-252-2204Red River 800-348-6444Ruidoso 877-784-3676Santa Fe 800-777-2489South Fork 800-571-0881 Taos County 800-732-8267Taos Pueblo 575-758-1028

Dates subject to change. Check with local chambers for updated info.

31www.hawk-media.com

Crafting comfort for 37 years.

575.377.6456 ph 575.377.3822 fx

po box 303 angel fire nm 87710

shuterconstruction.com

shuter@taosnet.com

lic #90984

SHUTERCONSTRUCTION

Directed by you.

It’s our nature.

32 SKICOUNTRY 2015

kids love fun.parents love FREE.

Sipapu proudly welcomes Pajarito Mountain to its family of ski areas! This winter, families

can enjoy the combined 81 trails, 10 lifts, nearly 1,000 acres and the best deals in the Rockies

at these family-friendly mountains. Visit our websites to learn how to score FREE lift tickets,

FREE ski school lessons, FREE lodging* and more.

Two MounTainS. MoRE wayS To Ski FREE.

* Available on select dates. See SipapuNM.com

sipapunm.comSKIPAJARITO.COM

WWW.THEPOWERPASS.COM

s i pa p u i s 2 0 m i l e s s o u t h o f ta o s • pa j a r i to i s 5 m i l e s w e s t o f l o s a l a m o s