INDULGENCES travel by joe schmitt
Skiing in
New Mexico?
You Bet!
The eNchaNTed circle
Photography by Barwick and courtesy of Angel Fire Resort
New Mexico is a popular tourist destination for many reasons, from its signature 10,350 feet. The mountain’s 57 runs and 6 lifts are just a short stroll from most of
cuisine, unique multi-cultural heritage and diverse arts scene. For many though, the lodges and restaurants. With a base elevation of 8,600 feet and a summit that
it comes as a surprise to learn that New Mexico is also a popular ski destination in tops out at 10,677, nearby Angel Fire offers a similar 2,000-plus vertical drop, as
the winter months. In fact, there are numerous areas across the state for all types well as night skiing, snowboarding and a two freestyle parks.
of winter play, including snowboarding, cross-country and snowmobiling. One Because of it’s rural setting, far from any large city, The Enchanted Circle’s slopes
region of New Mexico stands out among all others for winter sports and recre- attract mostly local New Mexicans as well as drivers from Texas, Colorado and Okla-
ation, for its stellar beauty and diverse winter attractions. The Enchanted Circle homa. This is not your ‘A-List Gay Ski Scene,’ but if your idea of a great ski experience
in northern New Mexico is aptly named for the scenic byway that circles Wheeler includes short lines, good eats and friendly folk, the Enchanted Circle has your
Peak, New Mexico’s highest mountain at over 13,000 feet. ticket. Flying into Albuquerque International Airport and making the two-plus
Several leisurely mountain highways connect small ski communities, and hour drive is the fastest way for Californians to visit this high-mountain paradise.
provide year-round scenic beauty and opportunities for other outdoor adven-
tures, like horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking. The most famous of What else to do:
these towns on the Enchanted Circle is Taos, known by frequent travelers for it’s The scenic drive around the Enchanted Circle could take you as little as three
holistic spa scene and thriving art community. But there are several other smaller hours, or it could easily stretch out into an all-day affair. Traveling through the lush
communities that captured my attention for their quaintness, friendliness and Hondo Valley, watch for the D.H. Lawrence Memorial, where his ashes reside in a
for their focus on the slopes. Located in the Southern Rocky Mountains, Red River chapel near where he lived in the 1920s. In the tiny town of Questa, you’ll want to
is a small western town of four square valley miles at the base of Black Mountain, visit Artesanos de Questa, a local co-op of arts and crafts from local artists. Stop
44 RAGE monthly | February 2010
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