Families and especially kids will find delight in the range of recreational activities offered in the Taos area in winter. Fancy floating through the pow-pow in brilliant sunshine? Riding down the mountain in an inner tube? You’ll find opportunities to do all this and more in the listings below. Find out what locals consider their top ten favorite free winter activities. Check out too our Festival and Events section for all the special events taking place this winter. And make sure you visit our Arts and Culture section to find out about all the fun stuff taking place indoors too.
While we strive to maintain accuracy in our listings, information of this nature changes regularly, so we apologize if any of the details are incorrect. Please help us to keep this list up-to-date by emailing info@twirlhouse.com with any corrections or new information.
Twirl has a wonderful outdoor play area featuring a climbing structure, a water play area, a Hobbit tree house and pirate ship, and much more. Visitors are welcome to enjoy this area for free at any time during store opening hours (weather permitting).
Backcountry or cross country skiing at The Brazos or Amole Canyon. Check in with local ski stores for rentals, directions and conditions. They even rent out high tech sleds for the littlest of snow bunnies! Hook ‘em on your waist and ski off for a beautiful day.
Sledding at US HILL. Take 518 towards Mora from Taos, and just after you pass the "Scenic Overlook", start looking out for the hill on the left hand side. It's not signposted, but you should see everyone up on the hill racing down on every kind of sled you can imagine. Park in the lay by, but take care unloading with kids as it's a busy road.
Ice Fishing at Eagles Nest. For more information and current ice conditions, please call Eagle Nest State Park at (505) 377-1594 or New Mexico State Parks at (800) NM PARKS.
Snowshoeing at Italianos Trail on the Ski Valley Road or up to Williams Lake at Taos Ski Valley. And on the way down from Williams lake, a hot cocoa at the Bavarian will set you back less than $5.
Drive the Enchanted Circle. It will be like a fairytale come true. But if it’s been snowing, be sure to call NM Highway Dept. for road closures.
Hiking – yes, it’s almost winter, but hiking is still a favorite of locals. Divisidero Trail or any of the hikes south of Taos or down to the Gorge will be aided by our abundant sunshine. Hike down to the Stage Coach Hot Springs - it might even be warm enough for a soak. Location - Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River Recreation Area, northwest of Taos
If you have your own snowmobile, then head on up towards Chama for all of the best snowmobiling tracks.
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge On US 65, about 12 miles NW of Taos The steel bridge stretches across the Rio Grande Gorge, 650 feet above the river (the third highest in the US). Many park on the side to take photos and to stare down at the dizzy depth.
If you haven’t been to Arroyo Seco, north of Taos, on the way to the Taos Ski Valley – well, it’s worth checking out. A blink and you may miss the quaint little village. Stop and stroll around, there’s lots to see.
SNOW SPORTS. LOCAL SKI AREAS OFFER MORE THAN JUST SKIING!
Taos and snow equals fun for kids! Find your warmest jacket, softest mittens and sturdy snow boots to play in the powder. Families can find an array of activities when the skies open up and the flurries fall.
Taos Ski Valley
At Taos Ski Valley, there are all kinds of activities for families and teens, and with snowboarding now an option too, all the family can head on out to the slopes together. The ski school has constantly been rated one of the top ski schools in the country, with its series of unique children's programs, led by specially trained instructors and housed in a state-of-the-art facility that kids will be comfortable using as a "home base" during the day. Children even have their own area, pint-sized lifts, special terrain, and equipment shop. Reservations are strongly recommended for all Children's Center Programs. Call 866.968.7386 ext. 1400. www.skitaos.org.
Sipapu
22 scenic miles southeast of Taos, New Mexico, Sipapu offers short lift lines and varied terrain for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. Sipapu offers private and group snowboarding and skiing lessons for both adults and children. www.sipapunm.com
Angel Fire
- With two high-speed quads, two freestyle terrain parks, a half pipe and a mountain as big as all get-out, Angel Fire Resort has enough to keep the family happy all winter long. www.angelfireresort.com. In addition to fantastic skiing and snowboarding, winter activities here include:
• Snowmobiling
• Tubing
• Nordic skiing
• Ice skating
• Sleigh rides
• Snow blades
• Snow skates
• Ice fishing
And if that wasn’t enough – check out Red River Ski and Snowboard Terrain – http://redriverskiarea.com
Snowmobiling Tours
Bobcat Pass Wilderness Adventures – Red River – 575-754-2769
Cross Country Skiing
Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area – 3 miles east of Red River, NM – Offers 33km groomed trails for classic and freestyle skiing as well as 15km for snowshoeing. www.enchantedforestxc.com
If you need to get geared up for any of the above outdoor activities, try one of these local retailers for great equipment and friendly advice.
Mudd and Flood 575 751 9100 134 Bent Street
Cottams Ski and Outdoor 575 758-2822 207 Paseo del Pueblo Sur www.cottamsoutdoor.com
Mountain Climbing
Taos is home to world-class rock climbing, from bolted sport climbing routes on steep basalt to long classic routes in the mountains.
Mountain Skills Rock Climbing guides offer guided trips to the best rock climbing destinations in Taos and Santa Fe. Whether you are a first time beginner or a seasoned veteran, you will be led by our professional, friendly, and experienced guides through an enjoyable experience where you can relax and climb with safety confidence.
www.climbingschoolusa.com 575 776 2222
Ballooning
If you think Taos is breathtaking from the ground, you should see it from above. Take a balloon flight over Taos and enjoy the company of some well-informed and highly entertaining guides, not to mention a champagne breakfast to celebrate your flight. Not cheap, but worth every penny.
Eske’s Paradise Balloons - 575-751-6098.www.taosballooning.com
Pueblo Balloon Comnpany - 575-751-9677. www.puebloballoon.com
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