Gorgeous peaks tower over Santa Fe and in the winter, they’re coated in snow. Powder seekers need look no further than Ski Santa Fe, whose high altitude and abundance of sunshine promises ample gorgeous days on the mountain. Snow activities in the area far surpass those on skis or snowboard. If you’re looking for something a bit more slow-paced and scenic, the abundance of well-groomed trails throughout the County welcome snowshoeing, cross country skiing and sledding in the winter months. There’s no shortness of reasons to get outdoors during the winter.
Ski Santa Fe
Photo courtesy of Santa Fe County
There’s no feeling in the world like that of the majesty of the mountain passing beneath your feet as you descend through the pristine Southwest peaks. [blog_link url="http://www.skisantafe.com" text="Ski Santa Fe" date="2016-12-13"] is situated at the southernmost tip of the Rocky Mountains and offers some of the highest elevation skiing and snowboarding in the nation. The Basin boasts the best combination of both snow and sun with a 12,075 ft. summit, 1,725 ft. drop and average 225 inches of annual snowfall.
Photo courtesy of Santa Fe County
Ski Santa Fe offers a wonderful variety of runs from leisurely and secluded to long, steep and exhilarating. From the teeniest youngsters just discovering the bunny slope to serious skiers and snowboarders, the mountain offers something for all styles and abilities. Adults can drop the kiddos off at the Chipmunk Corner, a full service youth facility offering top-notch instruction where kids can learn to ski or snowboard in an area designated to them. After working up an appetite on the slopes there’s nothing as satisfying as a bowl of green chile stew and a locally brewed beer at the mid-mountain Totemoff Bar and Grill.
Cross Country Skiing
Photo courtesy of Santa Fe County
Excellently groomed as well as more rigorous backcountry trails through the mountain snow await exploration. Cross country skiing through the Santa Fe National Forest will undoubtedly give visitors and locals alike a sense of one-ness with nature. The rhythmic kicking and gliding motion of cross-country skiing is rather easy to pick up and while traversing through the incredibly tranquil scenery, you’ll be quick to forget that you’re getting a full-body workout.
The most prominent cross country skiing trail is the remote and vast Norski Trail, which hugs the ridge of the mountain at about 10,000 feet. Located near the Santa Fe Ski Basin in the Santa Fe National Forest, the trail is moderately level and especially groomed for cross country skiers, great for both beginners and those with more experience.
Snowshoeing
The majority of the hundreds of miles of trails in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains welcome snowshoers in the winter. As the saying goes if you can hike, you can snowshoe. Strap up for a snowy wilderness stroll through Aspen Vista, a six-mile trek through a forest of aspens and spruce trees or if you’re in for a more rigorous workout, venture up to Santa Fe Baldy by way of Winsor Trail. [blog_link url="http://www.santafewalkabouts.com" text="Santa Fe Walkabouts" date="2016-12-13"] offers guided cross country ski and snowshoeing tours through the wintery splendor of Santa Fe County. The private tours include equipment and range from gentle and easy terrain to challenging.
Ten Thousand Waves Spa
Photo courtesy of Santa Fe County
One of the most relaxing settings to defrost and rejuvenate after a day of winter exploration is [blog_link url="http://www.tenthousandwaves.com" text="Ten Thousand Waves Spa" date="2016-12-13"], conveniently located just down the mountain from Santa Fe Ski Basin. Nestled among the piñon and juniper trees, the entire property exudes serenity and tranquility. The Japanese-style spa offers a wide range of services to visitors- pop in for a quick peaceful soak or a total weekend rendezvous. There’s nothing quite like it on the North American continent.
Planning a ski and spa getaway during the winter will allow you to take in some of the area’s best restaurants and galleries as well! Plan your escape now by ordering the new [blog_link url="http://www.santafe.org/Visitors_Guide/index.html" text="2017 Santa Fe travel guide" date="2016-12-13"] . There are always new [blog_link url="https://www.santafe.org/Visiting_Santa_Fe/Specials/" text="Deals and Specials" date="2016-12-13"] to be found so make sure to check them out
This blog was written in partnership with [blog_link url="https://www.santafe.org/" text="TOURISM Santa Fe" date="2016-12-13"] and [blog_link url="http://www.santafenmtrue.com/" text="Santa Fe County" date="2016-12-13"].
