Where to find some snow...(getaway ideas)

[Johnny]

Have any of y'all been to Taos, NM? I've been thinking hard about driving the family up there and staying in a cabin for a week so they can get there feel of snow. I've also been looking at Red River and Ruidoso but am leaning towards Taos. I'm also looking for a place that has plenty of wildlife for my viewing pleasure.

I really want to go to Estes Park but I think it's a little too far to drive with the time that I have.

So do any of y'all have any other snowy destinations that would be a good place to take the family? We will be driving so keep that in mind.

[Mary]

Hey Johnny....

I like Ruidoso, but of all the places to go, I would put that at the bottom of the list. You have to drive up and down that dang mountain everyday if you are going to ski... or get to the good snow. All can be great and wonderful as long as the weather is good. If you get caught up there in bad weather....coming down the mountain is NOT fun.

Taos is a great place, and I have heard very good things about Angel Fire..... never been there, though. Of these two, Angel Fire would be closer.


.

[coachwhip]

Johnny, I would have to agree with Mary, Taos is not the cleanest town in the world as far as family and the drive to and from the valley is 35-40 minutes. Angel Fire is a good option, but my favorite is Red River, its actually closer than Toas, very family friendly most things are within walking distance. The kids can go to the Play House arcade right next to the slope. Look into Copper King lodge you can feed the deer and get on the lift right outside your door. Hope this helps!

[Randy]

My folks have a place in Ruidoso and it sucks about 90% of the time. Nothing to do there unless your big on gambling or horse racing, however I did take my wife on our honeymoon there. Was such a shame being snowed in for a week. I would personally go to Santa Fe, better food, atmosphere and such.

[rjet]

If going to ski I would hit taos, last few times I have been red river was packed. If going to hang out would probably find a place around angel fire. They have a pretty decent snowmoblie rental place up that way also.

[ladrones]

Ruidoso has not got very much snow at all this year. I think their base is only around 25 inches or so. They don't even have all of the lifts in operation.

Taos or Angel fire would be your best bet if you are going to ski.
I would try and book a sleigh ride at the Valle Caldera for a good day trip while you are down. You should see a few elk. http://www.vallescaldera.gov/reserva...ervations.aspx

[ladrones]

If you are in to snowboarding Toas is going to start allowing snowboarders some time this season.

[rjet]

Taos is probably best for drinking beer Specially if you are old and fat and worn out after one run.

[El Jeffe]

Red River is the place to go if you are taking the family. No driving up and down the mountain and there is mor e there than just sking there is also snowmobiles right there in town.

[deerplanter]

I have been and skied in all those spots and Red River is the best place for families, but they do not allow snow boarding. Ruidoso is a nice town but you have to drive up to the slops to ski every day. Cloudcroft is a nice little town but I have never skied there.

[Tmag]

Don't forget the camera where ever you go.

[Slingblade]

Have any of y'all been to Taos, NM? I've been thinking hard about driving the family up there and staying in a cabin for a week so they can get there feel of snow. I've also been looking at Red River and Ruidoso but am leaning towards Taos. I'm also looking for a place that has plenty of wildlife for my viewing pleasure.

I really want to go to Estes Park but I think it's a little too far to drive with the time that I have.

So do any of y'all have any other snowy destinations that would be a good place to take the family? We will be driving so keep that in mind.

Borne and raised in Artesia N.M. and skied in all the areas. Ski Apachie ( the new name for sierra blanco Ruidoso.) is good but the taos and angelfire area are better this time of year. Check the New Mexico ski report on the net. I would go to the northern part of the state to ski this time of year. But if you just want to play in the snow go to Ruidoso, Its not to far.

[brshcntryhntr]

If you are going to ski Taos hands down is the best in New Mexico. Angel Fire would be my second choice. But I am basing that on what is I feel is the best place to ski only not other activities.

[dao57]

I have been going to Red River for 40 years now, great for family with plenty to do and not far to go after you are worn out from skiing, good chance at seeing wildlife too!

[Johnny]

Awesome advice...much appreciated! I'm not all that big on skiing ever since I went head over hills (twice) down a hill in Colorado about 10 years ago. lol No one in my family ski's either so we are just wanting to get into alot of snow, go snow mobiling, toss snow balls at eachother, make some snow angels, do some tubing...you know, stuff that pansies like to do. Angel Fire and Red River look like the best bet for us. Again, thanks for the advice.