5 Breathtaking Alpine Towns In New Mexico
New Mexico’s ski history stretches back over a century, when American prospectors first took to the slopes. Whether gliding for fun or riding practically, these skiing miners paved the way for future recreation. Still, it wasn’t until the 1930s that ski areas began to pop up in New Mexico, before really taking off in the 1950s and 1960s. Many of these resorts still thrive today, including the acclaimed Taos Ski Valley. Coupled with ice rinks, Nordic ski centers, and kid-friendly sledding hills, today, New Mexico’s breathtaking alpine towns are wonderful winter destinations for the whole family.
Taos
High in New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos is a spellbinding gateway to the Taos Ski Valley. Averaging 300 inches of annual snowfall, the 1,294-acre resort is a skier’s paradise, with a range of trails for all abilities. Of the 110 ski paths, 24% are beginner-friendly, 25% are great for intermediates, and 51% will thrill experts. There are also plenty of ways to enjoy the Taos Ski Valley beyond its slopes. Whether lacing up skates for the Eis Haus Ice Rink or booking a Big Al's Snowmobile Tour, the Taos Ski Valley is a wonderland for winter fun.
For experienced thrill-seekers, Taos is also near Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest point. Towering 13,161 feet, the majestic peak can be climbed, skied, and snowshoed in winter, although serious mountaineering skills are required. Alternatively, Rio Grande Balloons offers a bewitching bird’s-eye view without the strenuous trek. Specializing in year-round hot air balloon tours, the excursion offers breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Rio Grande Gorge.
Red River
Thirty-six miles north of Taos, Red River is a charming ski town with smaller crowds. Perched 8,750 feet high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the resort town is a bit more out of the way, keeping its slopes uncramped. The Red River Ski & Summer Area also boasts numerous beginner-friendly ski and snowboarding trails, making it a popular destination for families. 31% of paths welcome novice skiers, while kids three and up can tube or sled on a gentle hill at the area’s base.
With no stoplights in sight, exploring Red River on foot is one of the town’s greatest charms. Better yet, its 1-mile Main Street is just a short walk away from the town's chair lifts. After warming up with a drink at Steam Coffee Co., an easy stroll down Pioneer Road will lead right to your ascent. Alternatively, the Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area is just a short drive from town. Home to over 18 miles of groomed trails, a full rental shop, and a heated yurt to warm up in midway through, these Nordic paths are a tranquil alternative to downhill skiing.
Angel Fire
Families seeking mellow slopes and thin crowds will also love Angel Fire, a Rocky Mountains village located on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. Like Red River, Angel Fire’s atmosphere is more relaxed and family-friendly, anchored by its namesake recreation haven. With a base elevation of 8,600 feet, the Angel Fire Resort is a treasured place to snowboard and ski, with 95 pristine trails to choose from. It also shines as the only resort in New Mexico with night skiing, allowing guests to ski and snowboard under the stars.
During the day, the Angel Fire Resort comes alive in other ways. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular pastimes, with 7 miles of Nordic Terrain to explore. Shuttle services to the Nordic Center are available upon request, which also includes a connecting sledding hill for kids. Alternatively, families with kids can have hair-raising fun right at the resort on its 2-lane tubing hill.
Cloudcroft
Surrounded by Lincoln National Forest, Cloudcroft is a breathtaking home base to visit New Mexico’s “Southernmost Ski Area.” Sitting 9,000 feet high in the Sacramento Mountains, winters are legendary in this high-elevation town. Once its summits are packed with snow, the Ski Cloudcroft area is a spotlight attraction. Their Cloud Nine Ski School is a great way to gain confidence as a skier or snowboarder, paired with 8 beginner-friendly trails. Intermediate and advanced skiers also have 15 trails between them, while visitors of any ability can enjoy the 5-lane tubing hill.
For mountain views with tasty bites, Mad Jack's Mountaintop Barbecue is a cozy spot in Cloudcroft to warm up and recharge before heading back outside. If you need a break from downhill slopes, ice skating is another popular winter pastime at picturesque Zenith Park. Although the James Sewell Ice Rink will change operators after the 2025/2026 season, the beloved landmark will carry on the winter tradition under new ownership.
Alto
Sitting 7,550 feet high in New Mexico's Sierra Blanca Mountains, Alto is a small town with exciting recreation and striking winter scenes. The name “Alto” comes from the community’s elevation, translating to “high” in Spanish. Fittingly, most of the town’s winter guests will find themselves in the clouds at Ski Apache, Alto’s gateway attraction. Encompassed by Lincoln National Forest, the ski resort boasts a base elevation of 9,600 feet, with over 750 skiable acres. Its 55 trails and runs range from beginner to expert, while views from the Ski Apache Gondola can be enjoyed by all, reaching up to 11,500 feet high.
For more all-age fun, Ruidoso Winter Park is a short 5-minute drive from Alto. The adventure park is a great choice for families who don’t want to ski, with alternative ways to play in the snow. Its main activity is snow tubing, with countless lanes spread over 3 different areas to keep wait times as short as possible. Its award-winning Screaming Eagle Mountain Coaster also operates in winter, with a self-controlled maximum speed of 25mph.
Winter In New Mexico’s Best Alpine Towns
If you feel that familiar travel itch or want to escape your winter blues, these 5 alpine towns in New Mexico will help make your season brighter. Whether shredding the ski slopes, tobogganing with your family, or snowshoeing through a snow-dusted forest, winter fun comes in many forms. Paired with charming village districts and postcard scenes from every angle, these breathtaking New Mexico mountain towns will help make your winter the best it can be.
