The history of Red River as a summertime retreat catering to sunbaked visitors from the plains and deserts of the Southwest goes back to the early 1900s when “Texicans” came to the high country of New Mexico to escape the sweltering heat and enjoy the fishing opportunities in chilly mountain streams. Abandoned miner cabins were transformed into rustic tourist accommodations and the days of gold fever were soon forgotten as the hospitality business took root. Summer visitors still come to this day and the question is often asked: “What do you do around here in the winter?” The Red Chair Ski Lift in the middle of town should be a clue as it shuttles sightseers to the top of the world for a spectacular view of Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado. Still, the question is asked. So, what do we do in Winter?


The Great Outdoors

For the past forty years, Red River has been called The Ski Town of the Southwest, a title it well deserves with the Red River Ski Area located in the middle of town and the Enchanted Forest Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoe Area located on nearby Bobcat Pass. Don’t worry if you’ve never skied before because both Ski Areas have a well-deserved reputation for teaching the art of Alpine (downhill) and Nordic (cross-country) skiing.
Snowmobiles were invented as transportation for industries and law enforcement. By the late 1950s, the machines were marketed for winter recreation. Today, the “sleds” are a great way to have some fun and see sights inaccessible to automobiles on snowy mountain backroads.
The 84-mile loop of highway known as “The Enchanted Circle” is a sightseer’s delight year-round. The variety of terrain and altitude, from 9800 feet at Bobcat Pass to 7000+ feet in Taos, and inspiring vistas in all directions -- including Wheeler Peak at 13,161 feet -- offer ever-changing picture postcard views around each twist and turn of the scenic road.


Warm Indoor Fun

Like your music live, not canned? Red River has a long tradition of great musicians and excellent entertainment. The legendary Motherlode Saloon and the Bull O’ The Woods Saloon, located on East Main Street across the street from each other, feature live bands on a regular basis to minister to your 2-step-rockin’ blues-waltz steppin’ needs. If your taste is more towards the acoustic, check out Lonesome Pine Pub at Main and Mallette Road and The Lodge Bar, located in the Lodge At Red River on East Main. Don’t forget the Mardi Gras in The Mountains celebration which serves up Cajun/Zydeco music.

Shop ‘til ya’ drop. Shopping is Red River USA’s #1 indoor sport, with a wide variety of shops, stores and galleries, offering great clothes, souvenirs, art, furniture and one-of-a-kind gifts for those special people in your live.

So what do we do here in Winter? Join us and see for yourselves.