When winter arrives, Santa Fe feels like a real mountain town. Since Santa Fe sits at 7,000 feet elevation in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, we enjoy lots of fluffy snow, which, when paired with our bluebird skies, makes The City Different a must-visit winter destination!
Here are several outdoor adventures you must experience while visiting Santa Fe.
1. Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding
Ski Santa Fe generally opens on Thanksgiving day, weather and snowfall permitting. Novice skiers and snowboarders can take in the views on easy and intermediate runs such as Gayway, while more advanced skiers and riders will love the glade skiing offered among the area’s iconic aspens.
2. Nordic Skiing
If cross-country skiing is more your speed, you will find plenty of great options within the Santa Fe National Forest. The 1.9-mile Norski Trail is designated for cross-country skiing only, and the trails are very well marked. Nearby Hyde Park Memorial State Park offers several multi-use trails as well.
3. Sledding
Take the kids up to Hyde Memorial State Park for a sledding adventure! The sled run is open daily when conditions allow, and the State Park day use fee is just $5. Sleds and tubes are not available to rent on site, so make sure to bring your own.
4. Spas
Santa Fe is home to many luxurious spas. After a day playing in the cold, a hot soak and restorative body treatment at Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort or at Ten Thousand Waves, ranked #2 on Travel + Leisure's 2022 World's Best Awards list of the "15 Best Destination Spas in the U.S." are wonderful ways to wind down. Ojo Santa Fe's sister destination, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs, celebrated in Condé Nast Traveler's Top 20 Destination Spa Resorts, is a great day trip.
5. Snowshoeing
Most of the trails throughout the Santa Fe National Forest and Hyde Park Memorial State Park are open to winter snowshoeing. A big snow opens up more terrain in the closer-to-town acreage of La Tierra Trails. Regardless of your destination, you can find many trails ranging in difficulty from the relatively easy to the heart pumping. If you are looking for a guided tour, Outspire Hiking & Snowshoeing can provide a personalized traipse for you and your group.
Get a taste of The City Different! Order your Official Santa Fe Visitors Guide now or browse our deals and specials to help you plan your next trip to Santa Fe.
