VISIT WWW.ENCHANTEDFORESTXC.COM The Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Area is New Mexico's largest full-service Nordic ski area, offering groomed trails for classic and freestyle skiing. Located 3 miles east of Red River on Bobcat Pass in the Carson National Forest, the area offers stunning mountain vistas and meandering forest trails which give a back-country feel in a groomed, patrolled area. The trail system is groomed with one side tracked for class (a.k.a. diagonal stride skiing) and the left side is smoothed for snowshoeing and freestyle (a.k.a. skate skiing.). The Enchanted Forest provides beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons, including classic and skating techniques. Never tried cross-country skiing? The EF has complete lesson packages including boots, poles, skis, trail pass and a lesson - 1 hour to 1½ hour - at a bargain price. A full-service rental and service shop is located at the ski area. The newly expanded Warming Hut has hot chocolate and candy bars to drive away the chill. A second warming hut (shelter) and picnic areas are located along the trail system to provide rest and relaxation. Owners John and Judy Miller opened the area in November of 1985 with a special use permit from the Kit Carson National Forest Ranger District. Over 800 skiers enjoyed that first year. Today, thousands of skiers hit the trails to experience the wonder and sheer enjoyment of the Enchanted Forest. SPECIAL FUN Every day is an adventure, but the Enchanted Forest has several special events worthy of your time and attention. Check them out. Enchanted Forest offers monthly HEADLAMP SNOWSHOE TOURS. They're awe inspiring. See the forest by night during the short guided tours through the meadows by head lamp. Guests often hear coyotes and see other wildlife on the tour. The tour ends at the base area warming hut with hot drinks, cookies and other delights. P.S. Ask about the Full Moon skiing tours. The most spectacular experience of the year is the annual LUMINARIA TOUR: Christmas night under the the warm glow of candlelight. Luminarias (or farolitos) are placed along a one-way two-kilometer (+/-) loop. It is a New Mexican Christmas tradition to place luminarias or farolitos (paper bags with sand and a lighted candle inside) around houses and along streets. Placed along the side of the EF trails, there is plenty of light to see and the skiing is fantastic. And if it begins to snow... the effect is incredible, like skiing in a dream! It's called JUST DESSERTS and it's the most special of the special events at "The Forest." Held every year in late February (the 26th this year), a day of skiing/ snowshoeing is complemented by a feast of delicious desserts, the excellent and tasty work of Red River's fine eating establishments. Pig out and then work off the calories and carbohydrates on the Enchanted Forest trails.