New Mexico offers a wonderful winter landscape, with a wide range of activities for everyone to enjoy when the temperature drops. Instead of staying indoors, this is an excellent time to go out and experience the distinct beauty and enjoyment our state provides. From exciting outdoor pursuits to calmer explorations, there is something to please every family member. So put on your warmest clothes and get ready for some memorable winter experiences right here in our community.
Winter Fun for Every Style
If you are planning a special outing for two or a lively day for the family, New Mexico has options. We offer activities that increase your heart rate and others that offer a more peaceful connection to nature’s beauty. With clear skies often on our winter days and sometimes a fresh layer of snow, it is the perfect setting for many pursuits. Prepare to discover how enjoyable winter can be, close to home and further afield.
Ice Skating & Classic Winter Charm
For those who appreciate the feel of ice, the Los Alamos County Ice Rink offers an NHL-sized outdoor surface, ideal for couples or family skates, with equipment rentals and assistance for beginners available. If you are looking for a more imaginative excursion, think about the charming carriage rides in Angel Fire, where strong horses transport you along scenic forest paths with music and warm drinks.
Alternatively, Taos Ski Valley’s Eis Haus features a circular rink with comfortable fireplaces and even hosts silent disco events. For a completely different kind of spectacle, visit Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge near Roswell to observe thousands of migrating birds, including snow geese and sandhill cranes, a truly impressive sight during dawn or dusk.
Wildlife & Scenic Nature Experiences
Those seeking adventure will also find many things to discover. Cosmic Adventures in Cloudcroft offers exciting snowmobile trips high in the Sacramento Mountains, providing fast rides with amazing views. For a more laid-back yet still enjoyable experience, the Country Club at Angel Fire Resort becomes a sledding area on its golf course driving range when conditions are right, perfect for families.
If you prefer to remain active without snow, Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park offers attractive, dry walking paths along the Río Grande, showcasing distinct desert and river woodland environments with opportunities for birdwatching and expansive mountain vistas.
Adventure in the Snow
Each of these activities adds its own special character to the winter season. Skating offers a traditional winter appeal, while carriage rides evoke a sense of the past. Observing birds at the refuges offers a calm connection to the natural world and remarkable animal presentations. Snowmobiling offers an energy boost amid impressive surroundings, and sledding provides simple, pure enjoyment for all ages. Even a straightforward walk can become an adventure, revealing the subtle allure of the desert landscape in winter.
These activities accommodate a broad range of interests and energy levels. Families with young children will appreciate the ease of sledding and ice skating, while couples might prefer a romantic carriage ride or a scenic walk. Nature lovers and photographers will be drawn to the bird refuges and walking paths. For those desiring a bit more excitement, snowmobiling offers an energizing method to explore the mountain terrain. There is truly an activity suitable for everyone, ensuring that everyone can enjoy winter.
