Not that we're trying to rush through the winter... We guess the better question would be "Is it time for Spring Break yet?" Red River has been blessed with plenty of great snow this year. In fact, word on the street is that the mountain is in the best condition it's been in in years. Yep, even those narrow, steep, nearly hidden trails are open for daredevil skiers and snowboarders looking to get off the "beaten path." Each day we look up at the gorgeous, uncrowded trails and think about how lucky we are to live in such a great place. But we have to be honest... we're a little cold. The snow that keeps the mountain in such pristine condition is the same snow that requires plowing out of the driveway, so it's about this time each year we start thinking about spring conditions.
In the spring the sun comes out, windows are rolled down, and you can actually get away with shorts every once in a while. Locals congregate on the deck at the Lift House between runs, and you can hear the sounds of Bob Marley and other island-themed music resonating through the valley until the sun starts to dip behind the mountain. The days are longer, the snow is softer, and the people are happier.
Recently we've been asked (a lot), "Why Red River for Spring Break over Colorado?" Here's our response (verbose as it may be):
New Mexico’s dry climate translates into incredible spring skiing and snowboarding conditions. The mountains are still covered in powdery white snow while the roads remain clear and open for travel. Red River’s spring temperatures range from about 40 degrees during the day to the mid-twenties at night. These warm and sunny days are the perfect backdrop for “Beach Week,” a Red River tradition that mixes skis and snowboards with tank tops and hula skirts. The mountains of New Mexico offer all of the same terrain and experiences as those in Colorado. Want to hike a ridge or go back-country skiing? You can do that in Red River. Generally 100% of the Red River Ski Area is open in March, so you’ll find the same challenging terrain without battling all of the crowds. Something else Red River has to offer is the proximity of the ski area to the town. Two of the main chair lifts leave from the center of town and 70% of the lodging in Red River is within walking distance to the lift. This offers an attractive alternative to parking 2 miles away, loading all of your gear up, and being hauled on a cattle trailer to the office where you buy your lift tickets. Even better, skip the office altogether and buy your lift tickets at one of our fully automated kiosks at the base of each chair lift.
Something we're really looking forward to again this year is the end of season Pond Skimming on March 21st. Adventurous guys and gals ski or ride down the face of the mountain and try to skim across a home made pond that has been put in just for the occasion. Last year was the first time Red River tried such a thing, and BOY was it fun! If you've got the guts to try it plan on being at the base of the new chair lift around noon. If it sounds like something you'd rather enjoy from afar, meet everyone else at the Lift House for the best seats. Cameras and video cameras are a must have - none of your friends that stayed home will believe your stories without proof.
All this blogging about spring has served its purpose... we're starting to warm up just thinking about it! "Beach Week" starts in just 2 weeks, so pull out your Hawaiian shirts and ski pants and get ready for Spring Break. We'll see you on the slopes!
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