Fall and Winter Recreation in Taos

Five of the world's six climatic vegetation zones lie within a 30-mile radius of Taos. In a single day visitors can experience alpine lakes, high mesas, evergreen forests and deep gorges. You can picnic by a roaring mountain stream, watch beavers build a dam, sight elk or take a brisk hike in these ancient mountains. Northern New Mexico's five primary resort communities are the Village of Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire, Red River and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort. Each of these locations has recreation year-round, but winter is when this paradise in the Southern Rockies really shines.

About 90 percent of Red River's lodging is within walking distance from the slopes and two out of six chairlifts rise directly from town. "Red River is a true ski area and ski town," said Red River Ski Area owner Drew Judycki. "A family can come up here and there's something for everybody."

Activities include skiing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing (at the ski area after hours), sleigh rides, horseback riding (usually in late winter, early spring), massage, concerts, two-steppin' and, naturally, shopping.

Is snowboarding your thing? Red River Ski Area loves snowboarding (although snowboarders should be at least 8 years of age). They love snowboarding so much they offer First-time snowboard packages which include all you need to get riding: board, boots, and a two-hour beginning lesson in the morning and a lift ticket.

Intermediate to advanced snowboard lesson packages employ the same method of teaching and continue into more advanced moves. Rates include a 90-minute lesson, equipment and a snow pass. Visit redriverskiarea.com.

No matter what your level, Angel Fire Resort has a lot of choices. Skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and sleigh rides. With two high-speed quads, four free-style terrain parks, a half pipe and a big mountain, Angel Fire in winter has enough to keep the whole family happy. Visit angelfireresort.com.

Do you spend the summer dreaming of the first snowfall? Are you searching for a mountain that will challenge you? Can you do without the hype, the crowds and the snowboards? Then grab your gear. Taos Ski Valley Resort is for you. The resort features a ski school, varied terrain and abundant. Snowboarding is not allowed -- just classic alpine skiing for all levels -- expert to beginner, children, teens and adults.

This season marks Taos Ski Valley's 50th anniversary and better, not bigger, has always been its motto. Last year, plenty of the skiers gracing Taos Ski Valley slopes were doing so on the Millennium Pass, the ski pass that allows for 70 days of skiing during the season. This year, the pass gives skiers even more value, with fewer Taos blackout days and 12 bonus ski days at four participating Colorado resorts. Anyone who plans to ski the Southwest nine days or more this season should look into the Millennium Pass. Visit skitaos.org.

If you’re looking for something slightly less challenging you might want to consider Sipapu. The village has a down-home family ambience with kids making their way down the friendly mountain on their own, and families coming together in comfortable accommodations near the lifts. A large sun-drenched deck and the soothing sounds of the Rio Pueblo greet skiers needing a break or having a snack. Inside the lodge there's always a roaring fire. It's the perfect place for families or groups seeking a friendly, relaxed, winter vacation. Visit sipapunm.com.

If cross-country skiing is your idea of winter fun, you’ll want to check out Enchanted Forest -- New Mexico's largest full-service cross country ski area offering trails groomed for both classic and freestyle skiing. The facility, located 3 miles east of Red River on the Carson National Forest, has stunning mountain vistas and meandering forest trails which give a back-country feel in a groomed, patrolled area.

Enchanted Forest offers beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons, including classic and skating techniques. For those who don't yet know how easy cross country skiing can be, the Enchanted Forest offers a complete lesson package including boots, poles, skis, trail pass and a one to one and a half hour lesson (for ages 3 and up) for less than the cost of a lift ticket at most downhill areas. Visit enchantedforestxc.com.

If hunting is more your speed, there are several outfitters and game preserves in the region. High Mountain Outfitters offers elk hunting expeditions. Since the mountains contain vast tracts of public lands populated with elk, mule deer, bear, cougar, bighorn sheep and antelope, the region is a hunter’s paradise. Pete Trujillo is a native of Northern New Mexico and has been hunting the area as a professional outfitter for more than 20 years. His services offer hunts on the Carson and Santa Fe National Forests and state-owned lands, which together comprise over 3,000,000 acres of prime hunting areas. He also offers hunts on some private ranches. Visit huntingnm.com

Would you like to take your significant to an enchanted getaway -- along with your horses for an autumn ride in the sparkling New Mexico landscape but don’t know where you’d find a horse-friendly property?

Check out Taos Recreational Rentals. Whether looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure, you’ll have seclusion, scenic beauty, and adobe casitas that are "horse-friendly" with corrals, horse sheds and room for horse trailers. These beautiful vacation getaway rentals border the Carson National Forest and have easy access to all the different activities in Taos, New Mexico. Visit taosgetaways.com.